Agricultural Sciences (MS)
Learn the art and science of agriculture through exciting experiential learning and in-field training.
- Offered Hybrid Online and Face-to-Face in Commerce.
- 2 years
- 30 credit hours
- No thesis required
- No foreign language credits required
Cultivate Your Career in Agricultural Sciences
Our program offers the opportunity to explore key areas of agriculture, including agricultural economics, mechanization, animal science, plant and soil science, and horticulture. Learn through hands-on experiences in our on-campus classrooms, research farms and off-campus partner facilities. Build practical skills and knowledge through immersive, real-world training designed to prepare you for a variety of careers in agriculture.
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
A master's in agricultural sciences offers opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships in a range of agriculture-related industries and businesses.
Careers and Salaries
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
A master's in agricultural sciences offers the chance to study topics such as agricultural economics, agricultural mechanization, animal science, plant and soil science, or horticulture, along with graduate-level research conducted on and off campus. This combination of research and coursework supports deeper exploration of the field and can open pathways toward professional or academic development.
What Will I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Crop and Soil Science
Understand plant biology, soil health and sustainable agricultural practices.
Technology in Agriculture
Familiarize yourself with advancements like precision agriculture, biotechnology and data analytics.
Policy and Regulations
Understand agricultural policies, regulations and their implications on farming practices.
Sustainable Practices
Learn about environmentally friendly farming methods and conservation techniques.
Taking Classes
Work with professors who have ambitious research agendas solving problems on the farm, increasing nursery efficiency and improving worker safety.
Hands-on Learning
Our programs emphasize hands-on learning using the application of concepts, principles and proficiency needed in business and industry so you can develop analytical, leadership and problem-solving skills you can use for the rest of your professional life.
Join the Family
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is a growing family with a supportive student culture, including multiple student organizations and competitive judging and show teams.
Curriculum
Our program leverages state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, providing you with hands-on experience in your chosen sectors. To earn your degree, you are required to successfully complete a comprehensive exam.
Degree Requirements
In our thesis track, you’ll engage in original research, culminating in a thesis. Our curriculum includes data analysis courses such as Statistical Methods in Agriculture and Qualitative Research, a proposal writing course (Scientific Methods in Agricultural Research), and electives tailored to your individual interests.
Our non-thesis track emphasizes coursework and applied research, requiring a research literature techniques course, data analysis courses, a grant writing course, and prescribed electives.
Note: Individual departments may reserve the right to dismiss from their programs students who, in their judgment, would not meet the professional expectations of the field for which they are training.
Adding Value with Certificates
Much like a minor, you can also get a graduate certificate in a specific topic along with your master’s degree. At East Texas A&M University, we offer several Agricultural graduate certificates to help you widen your horizons.
Agribusiness Graduate Certificate
In the Agribusiness Graduate Certificate program, you'll explore key concepts in agricultural economics, finance, marketing, and management. Designed to build your understanding of business practices in the agricultural sector, this program can help you strengthen your skills for roles in agribusiness, government, or related industries.
Plant and Soil Science Graduate Certificate
In the Plant and Soil Science Graduate Certificate program, you'll explore advanced topics in plant physiology, nutrition, and production techniques. Our program offers a deeper understanding of how plants interact with their environment, providing you with skills that can be applied in various agricultural or environmental roles.
Sustainable Food Systems Graduate Certificate
Our graduate certificate program focuses on the principles of sustainable food systems. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the theories, resources, and strategies involved in fostering these vital systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, our program seeks to examine various facets of sustainability in relation to food. You’ll engage in coursework designed to introduce you to these important concepts.
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support, and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Robert “Bob” Williams, Ph.D.
Alum Faculty
Derald A. Harp, Ph.D.
Faculty
Desire Djidonou, Ph.D.
Faculty
Student Organizations
The Agribusiness Club encourages fellowship among students in both agribusiness and agricultural and applied economics. We provide students with unique networking and professional opportunities and experiences.
Sigma Alpha
The objective of Sigma Alpha shall be to promote its members in all facets of agriculture and to strengthen the bonds of friendship among them.
Horticulture Club
The Horticulture Club works to provide a supportive space for students to develop or pursue a love of plants and horticulture.
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- GPA minimum 2.5
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Admission Process
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
Note: Program is not available to international applicants.
Deadlines
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Agricultural Science, MS” as your “Major.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Provisional Status
After you submit your application, you may be granted provisional status, which means you can enroll in one semester of courses. You will not be eligible for financial aid until you submit all of your documents and are accepted into the program.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
Submit a statement of educational and professional goals of 500 words or less on the following prompt:
- Discuss your educational and professional goals and how you believe this graduate degree will help you achieve them.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
- 9038865358
- 2000 University Dr.
- Commerce,TX 75428