Program Overview

Integrated Agricultural Sciences (M.S.)

The Integrated Agricultural Sciences program is designed to develop technical and leadership skills necessary for an effective career in addressing and solving real-world food and agricultural issues.

Program Overview

By integrating animal science, plant and soil science, agricultural economics, and agricultural education into one program, students experience a transdisciplinary approach to research and education concerning land use strategies, crop and animal production, distribution, sales, economics, policy, and the environment.

Course Work

The program requires completion of 36 semester credit hours for thesis and professional students. Courses include:

• statistics
• agricultural development and policy
• research methods
• agroecology
• foundations of ethics and leadership in agriculture
• the role of animal science in society In addition to core classes, students will choose courses in four focused research areas:
  • agricultural business
  • economics and policy
  • agricultural education
  • animal science
  • crop and soil science Students will also take courses in a variety of departments such as biology, geography, engineering technology, and others. Instruction is delivered on the San Marcos campus.

Program Details

• Degree: M.S.
• Hours: 36
• Research Option: Professional Option, Thesis
• Location: San Marcos

Program Mission

The Department of Agricultural Sciences provides an enriched learning environment for a diverse body of graduate students and prepares them for careers in agriculture-related fields at the state, national, and international levels. The department conducts multidisciplinary research and provides services that enhance the livelihood of farming communities and improve food security.

Career Options

Career options for graduates include:

• agricultural economist
• farm and ranch manager
• nursery manager
• animal scientist
• plant scientist
• agronomist
• grower
• land conservationist
  • natural resources specialist
  • extension agent
  • agricultural loan specialist
  • agricultural credit analyst
  • agricultural instructor
  • agricultural sales manager
  • agricultural inspector
  • hydroponic/aquaponic production manager

Program Faculty

Faculty specialize in:

• agricultural economic development
• agricultural education
• animal endocrinology, physiology, and reproduction
• animal nutrition
• composting science
• controlled environment agriculture
• economics of aquaponics production
  • goat and small ruminant production
  • horticultural therapy
  • hydroponic methods
  • invasive species
  • soil health
  • recycling nutrients from food waste

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below.

• Application
  • completed online application
• Application Fee
  • $55 nonrefundable application fee, or
  • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
• Transcripts & GPA
  • Baccalaureate degree in agriculture, biology, chemistry, economics, education, or a closely related field demonstrating adequate preparation from a regionally accredited university.
  • A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
  • A 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
• Test Scores
  • GRE not required
  • Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
    • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall and minimum individual module scores of
      • 19 listening
      • 19 reading
      • 19 speaking
      • 18 writing
    • official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
    • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    • official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
    • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
• Documents
  • resume/CV detailing prior work experience, research experience, awards, scholarships, and other related qualifications
  • statement of interest (two-page maximum) including research interests, plans for graduate study, and professional aspirations and describing how your scholarly interests and relevant skills can be utilized in the program to pursue those goals
  • three letters of recommendation from non-related individuals familiar with your scholarly work and/or relevant work experience

Application Deadlines

• DEADLINES | U.S. CITIZEN | INTERNATIONAL
  • DEADLINES Fall - Priority | U.S. CITIZEN February 1 | INTERNATIONAL February 1
  • DEADLINES Fall - Standard | U.S. CITIZEN August 1 | INTERNATIONAL June 1
  • DEADLINES Spring - Priority | U.S. CITIZEN September 1 | INTERNATIONAL September 1
  • DEADLINES Spring - Standard | U.S. CITIZEN November 1 | INTERNATIONAL October 1
  • DEADLINES Summer I - Priority | U.S. CITIZEN January 1 | INTERNATIONAL January 1
  • DEADLINES Summer I - Standard | U.S. CITIZEN May 1 | INTERNATIONAL March 15
  • DEADLINES Summer II - Priority | U.S. CITIZEN January 1 | INTERNATIONAL No Admission
  • DEADLINES Summer II - Standard | U.S. CITIZEN June 1 | INTERNATIONAL No Admission Priority Deadline: Ensures full consideration for admission and eligibility for certain funding opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships, and guarantees that your application will be considered in the initial review. Standard Deadline: Represents the last day a complete application can be submitted, but does not guarantee admission consideration. After the priority deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis until the program is full, at which point, applications will close.