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Plant Breeding – Master’s

Plant Breeding

Get to the next step in your career. Transform the future of agriculture by driving innovation in yield enhancement, efficiency, and sustainability. Utilize cutting-edge technologies like machine learning, drones, and robotics to empower farmers to maximize productivity while minimizing land use and resource inputs.

Setting you up for what’s next

Cultivate Your Career

You are passionate about plant breeding and eager to take your skills and career to the next level. Iowa State’s online master of science in plant breeding program can help you do that. This innovative online option empowers you to pursue that next goal while maintaining your professional and personal commitments.

Fundamental Skills, Advanced Concepts

This program is designed to equip you with the fundamental skills of plant breeding and advanced concepts essential in today’s dynamic global society. Prepare for the next step in your career with a curriculum that integrates critical areas such as breeding, genetics, statistics, and crop production.

Flexible Curriculum Tailored to You

Tailor your education with a flexible curriculum that caters to your unique needs and aspirations. Courses cover four major areas:

  • breeding
  • genetics
  • statistics
  • crop production

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. Get to your next career milestone with Iowa State. Apply now.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College 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

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 your area of specialization and approved by your advisory committee.

Contact Information

Brenda Kutz
MS Agronomy Program
1126D Agronomy Hall
(515) 294-2999
agronmsplbr@iastate.edu

Dr. Thomas Lubberstedt
Professor
515-294-5356
thomasl@iastate.edu

Iowa State Online
515-294-3916
iowastateonline@iastate.edu

Iowa State is a reputable and distinguished institution that provided an MS in Plant Breeding with the flexibility of remote accessibility. While there are many online degrees being offered from a myriad of schools, very few are actually from long-term established schools with merit.

Denia Troxell (’23 plant breeding)

Learn with Experts

Dr. Arti Singh, an Iowa State University Associate Professor, has over 15 years of plant breeding expertise. She has written two textbooks, authored hundreds of research articles and released multiple varieties. Dr. Singh 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 since “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.

Woman walking on a sidewalk next to a glass paned building

Take the next step

Anything is possible at Iowa State University with innovative academic programs, hands-on research opportunities, and globally recognized scholars to support you every step of the way.