Degree Requirements
Thesis and Non-Thesis Options
The following requirements apply to each of our online graduate programs in the College of Agriculture. Â The thesis option leads to a Master of Science degree, and the non-thesis option leads to a Master of Agriculture. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available for the master’s program in Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences.
Thesis |
Non-Thesis |
Master of Science |
Master of Agriculture |
Minimum Background Courses
There are no background course requirements to be admitted into our online degree programs. Â However, in order to succeed it is suggested students have general background courses in the subjects listed below, and students lacking these courses may be required to take these courses prior to or following admission into their program.
NOTE: a student’s graduate committee may require additional courses.
See also our Course Prerequisite Quick Reference Guide
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MINIMUM:
SOIL SCIENCE OPTION
CROP/WEED SCIENCE OPTION
Chemistry – 2 semesters Chemistry – 2 semesters Biology – 2 semesters Biology – 2 semesters if taking Soil Physics:Â Physics – 1 semester Â
RECOMMENDED:Â
RECOMMENDED:Â
Calculus I – 1 semester Calculus I – 1 Semester Organic Chemistry – 1 semester Organic Chemistry – 1 semester Plant Physiology – 1 Semester Botany – 1 semester Genetics – 1 semester
MINIMUM:
SOIL SCIENCE OPTION
CROP/WEED SCIENCE OPTION
 Chemistry – 2 semesters Chemistry – 2 semesters  Biology – 2 semesters Biology – 2 semesters  if taking Soil Physics: Physics – 1 semester
RECOMMENDED:
Plant Physiology – 1 semester Botany – 1 semester Â
Residency Requirement
Auburn Agriculture Online master’s students are not required to come to campus. However, they are expected to interact on a regular basis with their major professor and graduate committee, and to participate in other ways in the department such as in seminars as well as online classes.
Time Required
Although a Master’s degree in Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences may take a full time student up to two years to complete, distance education students who do not take a full load will require more time. Those with scholastic deficiencies of any sort may also require additional time. Also, for those doing a Master of Science degree, research is unpredictable and frequently requires more time than anticipated.