Admissions

The Graduate Group in Horticulture and Agronomy (GGHA) offers PhD and MSc degrees for students interested in the science and management of agricultural crops, including rangelands, and their ecology, physiology, genetics, and post-harvest management, as well as the interaction of crops with the environment.  This program is structured to meet the needs of a diverse student body interested in the application of biological principles to tackle critical challenges in crop production and resource management. Two primary objectives of the curriculum are to foster a sense of community among the students and to provide a rigorous interdisciplinary coursework supported by diverse learning experiences.  Our students go on to successful careers in academia, industry, extension, and government and non-governmental organizations. As a GGHA student, you will make scholarly contributions to the vast field of Horticulture and Agronomy by focusing on one of five areas of emphasis: agroecology, crop improvement/plant breeding, crop production systems, plant physiology, and post-harvest biology/physiology.  Research may be conducted within these areas with an applied and/or fundamental lens.

Entering graduate studies and choosing a graduate group is a big commitment. This website is developed to help students better understand the application process. The content provided here is for informational purposes only; this is not an official guide. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Graduate Coordinator Kelly Paglia.

Application Deadlines

The Fall 2025 Admission cycle is open!

Applications submitted after March 15th will not be reviewed. The Graduate Group in Horticulture and Agronomy (GGHA) accepts applications for fall quarter admission only for both the M.S. and Ph.D. programs.

  • January 5th 2025:  priority admissions deadline and campus fellowship deadline

  • March 15th 2025:  general admissions deadline

Apply early! Don't wait until the last day. Once the deadline passes and the application closes, it can't be reopened.

All supporting materials (transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, etc) must be received by this date.  Incomplete applications as of this date will not be considered.

GGHA strongly recommends that prospective students reach out and identify potential Major Professors and complete most of their prerequisite courses before beginning the application process. Apply NOW