Admission Policy
All applicants are evaluated using the same criteria (shown below). Washington State University supports equal educational opportunity without regard to gender, race, handicap, national origin, marital status or religion.
Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements of the WSU Graduate School. These requirements include an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The minimum TOEFL (English proficiency) score for international students is 550 (80 for the internet-based exam). Applicants interested in the Thesis plan must apply as non-thesis, and if admitted may petition the Director to change to the Thesis plan; applicants should address this interest in their Statement of Purpose.
Application Deadlines
- Fall – June 1st
- Summer – March 1st
- Spring – October 1st
Admission Criteria
- The application review committee considers a G.P.A. of 3.0 or better, as stipulated by the Graduate School, supportive, insightful letters of recommendation, and a clear “statement of purpose” by the prospective student. A cumulative undergraduate G.P.A. of at least 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scales is required by the Graduate School.
- Your statement of purpose should address your intent and specific research interest area(s) as well as your career objectives. What are your goals and future plans in relation to pursuing this degree? This is an important part of the application and will be key to aligning your interests with an appropriate advisor as well as ensuring the admission review committee that you are well suited for this degree program. Be as specific as possible.
- A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably a Bachelor of Science. Applicants who do not have a Bachelor of Science degree should, at a minimum, have completed the equivalent of one year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) of post-secondary coursework in both introductory chemistry and biology with a B or better. Lack of coursework in scientific disciplines will be problematic in the admission process. Students who are applying without a Bachelor of Science degree should plan to address their preparedness for the MS in Ag degree program in their Statement of Purpose.
- Additionally, applicants should have a background in a related area, such as agriculture, plant science, biology, entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, or food science; or documented evidence of coursework or work experience in these areas. Without this relevant background, students may be required to complete 6 to 9 semester credits of prerequisite courses at the beginning of their degree program, and these courses may or may not be counted toward the degree program requirements.
Application Review Process
Once your application is complete it will be reviewed by the MS in Ag Admission Review Committee. The committee will carefully consider your application materials and if recommended for admission, the committee will recommend an advisor for you based on your interests as indicated in your Statement of Purpose. Decisions are based on careful appraisal of the application materials submitted.