Plant and Soil Sciences Graduate Program
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)
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Adventure, curiosity and global connection
July 09, 2025 | Written by Katie Peikes | Photos by Kathy F. AtkinsonIn the University of Delaware's Townsend Hall, artwork serves as a tangible reminder that Blue Hens are adventurous, creative, globally minded and pathologically curious about the world around them. The landscape architecture sketches created during the winter Brazil study abroad program liven up an otherwise drab area but also serve as a marketing tool for future study abroad programs. -
Geochemistry pioneer
July 09, 2025 | Written by Katie PeikesOver the course of his illustrious UD career, Sparks was internationally recognized for his work regarding kinetics of geochemical processes, surface chemistry of natural materials, and how changing environmental conditions affect soils. Now retired, the founding director of the Delaware Environmental Institute and generous philanthropist continues to garner praise and accolades for the breadth of work he has done in his field. -
History Matters: Trailblazer Marian Coffin’s quiet influence on Delaware’s gardens and grounds
June 02, 2025 | Written by Kyle McKinnon | Delaware Public MediaAnna Wik, University of Delaware associate professor of landscape architecture is interviewed by Delaware Public Media on its program "The Green" about Marian Coffin and the impact she had on Delaware. Coffin was one of the first female architects in the U.S. She created the look and feel of UD's campus. Coffin also designed the Mount Cuba Center and the gardens at Winterthur Museum.
Important Links
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.