Dec 07, 2025  
2025-2026 University Catalog 
    
2025-2026 University Catalog

Landscape Systems and Design, MS

Location(s): West Lafayette


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About the Program


The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Purdue University offers a thesis-based Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Master of Science (M.S.) and Landscape Systems and Design Master of Science (M.S.) degree. Reflecting the faculty’s research interests, graduate students in the Horticulture program engage in projects that explore fundamental concepts of plant biology, applied aspects of horticulture, and landscape management. The research program in Purdue HLA is internationally recognized for its discoveries, extraordinary publication and extramural funding records, and the strong involvement of its excellent faculty in graduate student mentoring. Areas of study include plant molecular genetics and epigenetics, plant physiology and stress biology, plant genetics and breeding, plant cellular and developmental biology, sustainable production horticulture, bioenergy, contained environment growing, floriculture, weed science, turf management, horticultural marketing, landscape management, and horticultural social sciences.

Program Website

Program Requirements


30 Credits Required

Primary Area Courses (15 credits)


Choose courses to fulfill remaining degree requirements. Up to 6 credits are allowed from 300/400-level courses with a grade B- or better required. Options for courses listed below.

Thesis Research (6 credits)


In addition to the thesis research course, students must register for HORT 695 in their final semester. This is a 20-30 minute P/NP seminar prior to the final thesis defense.

GPA Requirements


The total number of hours of academic credit used to satisfy degree requirements consists of all graduate course credit hours with a grade of C- or better (B- or better for 300/400-level courses). Those that appear on the Plan of Study and the appropriate number of research credit hours (69800 and 69900) with grades of S will appear on the Purdue transcript. Pass/No Pass courses do not count towards credit hours nor can they be used on the Plan of Study.

Graduate Programs Disclaimer


  • The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
  • Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary. 
  • Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
  • Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
  • Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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