Department of

Plant Sciences

The Department of Plant Sciences (PLSC) offers graduate studies leading to M.S. degrees in Plant Sciences or Horticulture, and to a Ph.D. degree in Plant Sciences. Specialized academic and research training is available in biotechnology, plant breeding and genetics, forestry, horticulture, physiology, production, and weed science. Additional information can be obtained on our home page at the NDSU website (WWW.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/plantsci).   

The Department of Plant Sciences is located in Loftsgard Hall, completed in 1991, with modern and well-equipped research laboratories, offices for faculty and graduate students, and state-of-the-art classrooms. Loftsgard Hall, which is part of the Plant Science Complex, provides a sophisticated and user-friendly facility for interdisciplinary research, ranging from basic studies and biotechnology to the more traditional applied sciences. Relatively new greenhouses and extensive growth chamber facilities also are available, as are 150 adjacent acres of field research plots. An additional 500 acres of research plots and a horticultural farm, with an extensive arboretum, are located near the campus.

Excellent supporting departments include Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Cereal and Food Sciences, Entomology, Microbiology, Plant Pathology, and Soil Science. The Plant Sciences Department encourages interdisciplinary research, and students usually tailor their research program to meet their interests by working with faculty in one or more of the supporting departments.

The department has a policy of only two to four graduate students assigned to each faculty adviser, so the student gets individualized attention and works closely in research with their adviser. Final selection of the adviser will be made on the basis of the student's interest, availability of space in the researcher's laboratory, and a common desire of the student and professor to work together.

If you are new to North Dakota, we know that you will soon agree that North Dakota State University, Fargo, and the state provide a wonderful place to learn knowledge and skills, experience sincere hospitality, make new friends, and enjoy wonderful, hard-working people. We welcome you!