👁 Girl in the field checking plant

Master of Science (MSc) - Thesis Option

Master’s students must earn at least 30 graduate credits at UF, with up to 9 eligible transfer credits from approved institutions. At least 12 credits must be in the Horticultural Sciences major, and up to 6 credits of HOS 6971 (Master’s Thesis Research) may count toward the total. Students may add one or two minors in other academic units, requiring at least 6 credits each, a 3.0 GPA in minor coursework, and representation from the minor department on their supervisory committee.

👁 Group of students and teacher in the field

Master of Science Non-Thesis Option

This option offers additional training beyond the bachelor’s degree in a horticultural specialization. Essential elements of this program include a program of courses and a comprehensive written and/or final oral qualifying examination. There is no thesis requirement. A minimum of 30 credit hours of course work is required. Courses taken for program credit must be numbered 5000 or higher with at least 15 of these credits in the Horticultural Science major. With supervisory committee and college dean approval, 6 hours of 3000- or 4000-level undergraduate courses, taught outside the major department, may count toward the minimum requirements for the degree.

A minor may be chosen in an academic unit other than the major. If a minor is chosen, at least 6 credits of work are required in the minor field. Two 6-credit minors may be taken with the major academic unit’s permission. A 3.00 (truncated) GPA is required for minor credit. In addition, a representative from the department in which the minor is being received must be on the supervisory committee.

Download the HOS Program of Study that indicates general course requirements and includes the form for listing the coursework agreed upon by the student and their graduate committee.

Interested in shaping the future of agriculture and improving fruit and vegetable production for both people and the planet? Whether you are taking the next step to shape your career of following an entirely new path, discover our graduate courses, find funding opportunities, and learn how we can support.