Landscape Systems and Design, MS

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

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Integrate knowledge from natural sciences, social sciences, and creative arts to solve problems within built and natural environments.
• Apply diverse research methodologies to model relationships between variables that address complex challenges in landscape theory and systems.
• Develop the capacity to lead an independent research project from conception through defense.
• Effectively communicate complex research-backed findings to diverse stakeholders, including federal agencies, private firms, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical conduct of research, particularly regarding human-environment relationships and community engagement.

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 Handbook

Graduate Handbook for Agriculture: Horticulture and Landscape Architecture  

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.
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