Program Overview

Introduction to the Plant Breeding Program

The Plant Breeding program at Iowa State University is designed to equip students with the fundamental skills and advanced concepts essential in today's dynamic global society. This innovative online option empowers students to pursue their next goal while maintaining their professional and personal commitments.

Program Overview

At a Glance

• Total Credits: 30
• Cost Per Credit: $750*
• Time to Complete: 4 years+ *Tuition and fee rates subject to change

Program Description

The master of science in plant breeding program can be completed entirely online, providing the flexibility needed for working professionals to earn their master's degree while fulfilling personal and professional obligations. The program is designed to cultivate students' careers in plant breeding, driving innovation in yield enhancement, efficiency, and sustainability. Students will utilize cutting-edge technologies like machine learning, drones, and robotics to empower farmers to maximize productivity while minimizing land use and resource inputs.

Curriculum

The program covers four major areas:

• Breeding
• Genetics
• Statistics
• Crop production The flexible curriculum is tailored to students' unique needs and aspirations.

Admission Requirements

• 4-year Bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
• Academic Records/Transcripts
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
• Proof of English Proficiency For program-specific requirements, visit the Graduate College.

Credits and Creative Component

• Total: 30 credits The program culminates in a "creative component," which is intended to be an in-depth application of the knowledge and skills acquired from the M.S. Plant Breeding curriculum. The creative component can take many forms, but it always includes a written report related to the student's area of specialization and approved by their advisory committee.

Program Details

Format

• Online

Enrollment

• Fall, Spring, and Summer

Application Deadlines

• Fall, Spring, and Summer: Rolling Admission

Faculty and Research

The program is led by experts in plant breeding, including Dr. Arti Singh, an Iowa State University Associate Professor with over 15 years of plant breeding expertise. Dr. Singh has written two textbooks, authored hundreds of research articles, and released multiple varieties. She leads breeding programs for mung bean, a new source of protein in the plant-based market. Her interest in plant breeding was sparked by a lecture by Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, as "plant breeding is a perfect blend of science, nature, and innovation." Dr. Singh leads the Women in Agriculture and AI group, which works internationally at the cross-section of breeding, agriculture, engineering, and artificial intelligence.