Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources
Graduate Admissions
Those interested in graduate school in Horticulture at K-State should follow the procedures listed below. Those interested in the Urban Food Systems specialization within the M.S. program should visit the specialization pages for that program.  Those interested in the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Horticulture may follow a simpler admissions procedure.

 

 

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Check List
1. 
Determine if there are graduate faculty working in your area of interest. Start by visiting our research pages.
  • Students are encouraged to contact prospective faculty advisors before application and after their application is complete. Our objective is to match the needs of the individual student with a faculty member with similar interests.
2. Check your qualifications for the Horticulture graduate program.  
  • Background courses: two courses in math, statistics, calculus or computer science; general chemistry; organic chemistry
  • Biology courses: two courses in botany, biology, plant physiology, or genetics
  • M.S. program – completion of a bachelor’s degree
    - in horticulture, botany, biology or related agricultural science for applicants specializing in horticulture/forestry/park management & conservation.
    - in horticulture, horticultural therapy, plant sciences, medicine or social/behavioral science for applicants specializing in horticultural therapy or human issues in horticulture
  • Ph.D. program – completion of a M.S. degree
  • GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, based on the courses taken during the last two academic years
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE), including written portion, is required.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for students whose native language is not English. Acceptable TOEFL score is >599 (paper-based test) or >99 (IBT-internet-based test). Scores between 550/79 and 599/99 may be admitted provisionally and must at the time of their enrollment demonstrate proficiency in reading and writing English and in understanding spoken American English to the satisfaction of the Graduate School.
3. Check your qualifications for K-State Graduate School admission.
4. Complete the application package. Mail all application materials to the Director of the Graduate Program, 2021 Throckmorton, Manhattan, KS 66506-5506.
  • Complete the Admission Application for Graduate School online or by mail (if by mail, it can be sent to the Director of the Graduate Program).
  • Prepare a Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages) indicating your area(s) of research interest, your long-term goals, and why you are interested in graduate study at K-State. The Statement of Purpose is an important component of your application.
  • Request three letters of recommendation from former/current professors, employers, or other professionals in a position to evaluate your potential for graduate study. Request that your references send letters directly to the Director of the Graduate Program.
  • Order transcripts. Request that all official transcripts be sent directly from each college or university that you have attended to the Director of the Graduate Program. The Graduate School cannot accept copies of transcripts furnished directly to you. Students whose transcripts are not in English must furnish an English translation by an appropriate authority. 
  • Request GRE scores be sent to the Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources.
  • International Students:
    -Request TOEFL scores be sent to the Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources
    -Complete the Affidavit of Financial Support form and send to the Director of the Graduate Program
  • Please pay application fee when completing the online application.
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Deadlines

Applications can be made at any time. However, to be considered for departmental assistantships or to insure admission for a specific semester follow these deadlines:
   • Applicants interested in financial aid (the department has a number of graduate teaching and research assistantships available) should apply by January 31st for Fall enrollment of the same year and by September 30th for Spring (January) enrollment
  • For U.S. Citizens/U.S. Permanent Resident applicants:
    - For Fall Admission: July 1
    - For Spring Admission: December 1
    - For Summer Admission: May 1
  • For International applicants:
    - For Fall Admission: February 1
    - For Spring Admission: August 15
    - For Summer Admission: December 1

Once all application materials have been received in the department, the Graduate Admissions Committee will review the application materials, indicate deficiencies (if any), and identify potential major advisors. Before an applicant is accepted, a faculty member must agree to serve as the major advisor/professor for the applicant. The admissions recommendation of the Graduate Admissions Committee (full standing, provisional, probationary) with the name of the major professor is forwarded to the Graduate School. The Graduate School will verify that the applicant meets all the entrance requirements of the Graduate School and mail the applicant the letter of acceptance.

Contact Information:

Application materials should be sent to:
Director, Horticulture Graduate Program
Kansas State University
Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources
2021 Throckmorton
Manhattan, KS 66506-5506
slwarren@ksu.edu

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