How to Apply
Admissions Requirements
To be admitted to the MHS program, you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Those interested in the MHS program should ensure they meet the following qualifications:
- Background courses (calculus, physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry)
- Biology courses (botany, plant pathology, entomology, soils, genetics, biochemistry, plant physiology)
- Horticulture Science or Landscape Horticulture courses (in your area of interest)
- GPA of 3.0 or better
- For those with non-native English, minimum TOEFL scores of:
- Internet exam: 80 or better
- Computer exam: 213 or better
- Paper exam: 550 or better
A GPA of at least 3.00 for both the degree requirements as well as for all graduate coursework at NC State is required for graduation. All degree requirements must be completed within six (6) calendar years, beginning with the date the student takes courses carrying graduate credit applicable to the degree program. Students must be continuously enrolled for the duration of their program.
How to Apply to the Master's of Horticultural Science
Step 1: Determine whether there are graduate faculty working in your area of interest
Because the Master of Horticultural Science is tailored to students’ specific interests, applicants should review the list of graduate faculty members before applying to ensure that their area of interest is represented.
Step 2: Ensure you meet the required qualifications for application
Applicants should ensure they meet all requirements before submitting their application. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, GRE scores, and references are needed to apply. The Graduate School has its own criteria for admission in addition to the specific admissions requirements for the MHS Program. To understand more about the Graduate School admission requirements, visit the Graduate School webpage. There you will find information regarding frequently asked questions along with Self Service features, Live Chat, and technical support.
Step 3: Check Graduate School requirements and deadlines
Applications and all supporting documents must be received on or before the deadlines posted in the left sidebar. For more information on enrollment dates, visit the enrollment calendar.
International applicants typically have earlier deadlines to allow time to process necessary visa documentation. Applicants applying for financial aid also usually have earlier deadlines. View the most up-to-date Graduate School deadlines.
Step 4: Prepare your application materials
All applications must include the following:
- Application fee ($75 for domestic and US permanent residents; $85 for international applicants)
- One unofficial transcript from each previously attended college or university
- Three recommendations
- Proof of English Proficiency (non-US citizen applicants only)
- Personal Statement
All of the above listed requirements can and should be uploaded to the online application (see Step 7), and test scores should be sent electronically to the Graduate School from the Educational Testing Service.
Step 5: Inquire about financial aid
Financial aid eligibility is determined by the Financial Aid Office. We encourage you to contact your financial aid advisor in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. A limited amount of grant funding is also available to students enrolled in Online and Distance Education degrees. Criteria for funding is based on academic merit, demonstrated financial need, and enrollment in multiple Online and Distance Education courses per semester. For additional information, please visit NC State’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid website, or call (919) 515-2421. NC State also offers a monthly payment plan.
Step 6: Inquire on assistantships and financial assistance with the Horticultural Science Department
Due to the limited number of assistantships available from the Department of Horticultural Science, if you require financial assistance, please contact Director of Graduate Programs Julia Kornegay before submitting your application. If you are interested, applicants should apply by January 31st for Fall enrollment of the same year, and by September 30th for Spring (January) enrollment.
Step 7: Apply to the online Master of Horticultural Science degree program
Use our online application (opens in a new tab) to apply to the Master of Horticultural Science Program. You may check the status (opens in a new tab) of your application at any time. Students will receive a letter of approval upon program acceptance.
Apply now (opens in a new tab).
Coursework
Not ready to enroll yet? You can still take classes! Classes taken independent of a certificate or degree program may be used to satisfy continuing education requirements or, if approved, be applied toward a certificate or degree program in the future. Learn how to enroll in individual classes as a Non-Degree Studies (NDS) student.
Application Deadlines
| Entry Semester | Application Deadlines and Details |
|---|---|
| Fall | Jan 15 (US + Int) |
| Fall | Jan 15 (US + Int) |
| Spring | Aug 1 (US + Int) |
| Spring | Aug 1 (US + Int) |
| Summer 1 | Jan 15 (US + Int) |
| Summer 1 | Jan 15 (US + Int) |
| Summer 2 | Jan 15 (US + Int) |
| Summer 2 | Jan 15 (US + Int) |