Cornell University

Graduate SchoolGraduate School

Graduate SchoolFields of Study

Integrative Plant Science M.P.S. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Integrative Plant Science

Program Description

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Integrative Plant Science is a STEM-designated course-based master's degree program, which is completed in one year of full-time study and is ideal for career-focused students. Students engage with foremost experts in plant and agricultural sciences while exploring one of our fourteen concentrations, which examine fundamental and applied aspects of plants, soils, microbes, and their interactions within natural and managed ecosystems.

A hallmark of the MPS program is the balanced portfolio of technical knowledge, analytical skills, and professional development built into the curriculum, designed to equip students with the skill set and knowledge necessary for careers in industry, government, or non-profit agencies.

The MPS degree differs substantially from a traditional MS degree in its structure and focus. The MPS is a one-year, course-based program, designed to enhance knowledge and skills in a given area of concentration. An MS is a two-to-three-year program that has minimal coursework and requires students to develop an original research thesis. The MPS is designed to enhance specific knowledge and skills, while the MS is designed to prepare students for a career in research. Students in professional degree programs (e.g., MPS, MEng, MBA) pay tuition, while students in research programs (e.g., MS, PhD) are typically supported on assistantships or fellowships.

The Integrative Plant Science MPS program has two main components:

  • Coursework (24-28 credit hours): Students work with a faculty advisor to map out their individualized course of study based on their areas of interest. The majority of courses (20 credits) will be within CALS; however, students have the opportunity to take courses across Cornell.
  • Capstone Project (2-6 credit hours): With the guidance of a faculty advisor, students work on solving a real-world problem.

Contact Information

Website: https://cals.cornell.edu/school-integrative-plant-science/degrees-programs/mps-degree
Email: sips-mps@cornell.edu
Phone: (607) 255-2131

124 Plant Science Building
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853

Concentrations by Subject

  • agronomy
  • cannabis science
  • climate change and agriculture
  • controlled environment agriculture
  • crop science
  • geospatial applications
  • hemp science
  • plant biotechnology
  • plant breeding
  • plant protection
  • plant systems
  • public garden leadership
  • soil science
  • viticulture

Tuition

Visit the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Fall: January 15

Applications may be submitted after the deadline upon request if space is available.

Requirements Summary:

  1. Complete Cornell’s Online Graduate School Application. Get started by setting up an ApplyWeb account.  Once you have an account, you can go to the online application to begin the process
  2. Submit unofficial copies of official college and university transcripts
  3. Submit your résumé or CV
  4. Submit a Statement of Purpose
  5. Submit a Personal Statement
  6. 2-3 letters of recommendation
  7. All applicants must meet the Graduate School minimum requirements including the English Language Proficiency Requirement
  8. The GRE general test is not required or accepted

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe plant biology at genetic, molecular, physiological, and organismal levels to integrate plant functionalities in a hierarchical manner, from individual cells to the biosphere.
  • Apply major concepts and principles from multiple areas of life science to create plant-related solutions to problems such as access to food, agriculture in a changing climate,and pest challenges.
  • Contribute to the application of the plant science knowledge base toward critical problems in national and worldwide industries and economies.
  • Formulate original questions about plants into empirically testable hypotheses, collect and analyze data obtained from original research, and apply experimental data to advance the field and solve real-world problems.
  • Discuss natural and managed ecosystems at local, regional, and global levels and evaluate their effects on environmental sustainability and human health and well-being.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical principles and global consequences associated with past, present and future advances in plant science, demonstrate an appreciation for the range of cultures, values and perspectives of living in a global community, and engage in actions that reflect civic responsibility.
  • Identify suitable career paths requiring skills of plant science and communicate information about the breadth of issues in plant science to diverse audiences in oral and written formats.
  • Deliver a high quality problem-solving capstone project such as an action project, the development of a plan to address a pertinent problem, the development of novel outreach materials or methodologies, or the development, execution, or analysis of research data appropriate to the profession.