Students may choose from either a thesis-based (Option I) or non-thesis-based (Option II) degree program.  Both options allow students maximum flexibility in selecting coursework that meets their career goals and interests.  The Option I thesis program requires completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours, consisting of 20 to 24 hours of graduate coursework, and a thesis of 6 to 10 hours.  A minimum of 15 hours, to include the thesis, must be taken in agronomy.  The remaining 15 hours may be in supporting courses or in a minor consisting of at least 9 hours.  Up to 15 hours of approved graduate coursework from other institutions may be applied to the Option I program at UNL.

The Option II non-thesis program requires completion of at least 36 credit hours of graduate-level coursework, of which up to 6 hours can be devoted to the master’s project, which takes the place of the usual master's thesis.  Because this is a non-thesis program, it is considered a terminal degree in that it does not prepare students to matriculate directly into a doctoral program.  The program requires selection of one or two formal minors of 9 credit hours each. If one minor is selected, students must complete a minimum of 18 hours in agronomy courses; while a minimum of 15 hours in agronomy courses is required if two minors are selected.  Up to 18 hours of approved graduate coursework from other institutions may be applied to the Option II program at UNL.  All degree requirements for the Option II program, including presentation of the master's project, can be completed at a distance; and students are not required to visit the UNL campus at any time.

Students in the M.S. in Agronomy program can also receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the Certified Crop Adviser program. For more information on CEUs, visit the Certified Crop Adviser website or, once you have completed applicable courses, contact Ashley Hartman, 402.472.1730, who can help you register for your CEUs. 

Admission Requirements*

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in agronomy or closely related area, with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Successful completion of the following prerequisites:

• One semester calculus
• One semester chemistry
• One semester physics (excluding soil physics)
• Two semesters biological sciences
• An additional semester of either physics or chemistry

The above requirements can be met by having satisfactorily completed the courses, taken equivalent courses, testing out of the courses, exceeding the entry level requirements of the undergraduate degree institution and having these courses waived, or by taking the deficient courses early in the graduate program.

*Applicants with more than two deficiencies will not be reviewed for admission. It is recommended that you enroll in appropriate courses to remove deficiencies, and then reapply.

How to Apply

Required by the Office of Graduate Studies

• Online Application for Graduate Admission
• $50 non-refundable application processing fee
• One (1) set of unofficial transcripts
• If your native language is not English: verification of English proficiency

Required by the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture through GAMES

After you submit your online application to Graduate Studies, please allow one business day for us to establish your access to GAMES, where the following items required by the Department will be submitted online:

• GRE general test scores (Institution Code R6877; Department Code 0104)
• Résumé or vita
• Statement of interest and goals
• Three letters of recommendation

There are no set deadlines for submitting applications; they are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Admission Requirements*

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in agronomy or closely related area, with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Minimum of one semester in each of the following five areas:

• Plant production or plant system management
• Soil science
• Biological science
• Chemistry
• Algebra

The above requirements can be met by having satisfactorily completed the courses, taken equivalent courses, testing out of the courses, exceeding the entry level requirements of the undergraduate degree institution and having these courses waived, or by taking the deficient courses early in the graduate program.

*Applicants with more than two deficiencies will not be reviewed for admission. It is recommended that you enroll in appropriate courses to remove deficiencies, and then reapply.

How to Apply

Required by the Office of Graduate Studies

• Online Application for Graduate Admission
• $50 non-refundable application processing fee
• One (1) set of unofficial transcripts
• If your native language is not English: verification of English proficiency

Required by the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture through GAMES

After you submit your online application to Graduate Studies, please allow one business day for us to establish your access to GAMES, where the following items required by the Department will be submitted online:

• Statement of interests and goals
• Résumé or vita
• Three letters of recommendation

There are no set deadlines for submitting applications; they are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.