Plant and Soil Sciences Graduate Program

MS student, Emily Kennebeck
MS student, Emily Kennebeck, is working on a NASA project to grow hydroponic lettuce and mustard greens under different CO2 levels and light qualities.

One graduate program. Two concentrations. Three degree options.


Plant Science
involves course work in plant molecular biology, plant breeding, plant pathology, plant tissue culture, horticulture, crop science, plant anatomy and/or plant physiology with thesis research in one of those areas.

Soil Science involves course work and thesis research in soil chemistry, soil fertility and management, soil physics, soil microbiology and biochemistry, environmental microbiology, soil and water quality and soil formation and biogeochemistry.

Degree options:

  • Ph.D. dissertation degree
  • M.S. thesis degree
  • M.S. non-thesis degree (full- or part-time)
Latest News
  • Sakhi Phang presented plans for the new Rodney Reservoir public park.

    Saving the Rodney Reservoir

    December 05, 2024 | Article by Tabitha Groh
    Green for the Greater Good, maintains their goal of keeping the Rodney reservoir safe, public and green. Over the past two years, the grassroots organization has engaged with academic experts from across the University, including Landscape Architecture, to help continue their work.
  • Qingwu (William) Meng honored by American Society for Horticultural Science

    October 29, 2024 | Written by Molly Schafer
    The University of Delaware’s Qingwu (William) Meng won second place in the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) early career competition. Meng’s research and teaching focus on the production of high-value specialty crops, including edible crops and flowers, in highly controlled environmental systems like greenhouses and indoor farming spaces. He says controlled-environment horticulture is a sustainable solution to feeding the world while protecting the planet. Meng’s new class, “Growing Plants in Space,” capitalizes on student interest in space exploration to teach plant science. Nicole Donofrio, professor of plant pathology, says Meng cares deeply about increasing the efficiency of hydroponically grown plants.
  • The ecological and practical benefits of planting native species

    October 24, 2024 | Written by: Gene Fox, Washington Daily News
    Planting native species not only supports local wildlife but also helps create sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes. Gene Fox 'Dishes the Dirt' on how you can use native plants to your advantage.

Application process update:  Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), the program of PLSC is waiving the GRE requirement for our graduate program.  If you wish to apply without a GRE score, please enter a future GRE exam date into the application.  It need not be a legitimate exam date.  Entering a future exam date causes the system to finish your application and send it on to our review committee where it will receive full consideration.