Graduate Student Resources

Fang Wang in Wheat field
AHGSA Fall 2025

Degree Requirements

Master's Degrees

ONLINE MASTER'S DEGREE

Degree Requirements

MASTER'S DEGREE MILESTONES

In your final semester

 Graduate Studies Steps to Completion

Graduate Student Handbook 2025-26

Doctoral Degrees

Degree Requirements

DOCTORAL DEGREE MILESTONES

In your final year

  • Application for Graduation
  • Application for Final Oral Examination – due to department 4 weeks prior to Dissertation submission
  • Graduate Student Defense Seminar form – due to the department 6-weeks prior to defense/final presentation. Schedule a day and room for your defense with Lisa Hilfiker.
  • Report of Completion
  • Select expected degree at Graduate Studies Steps to Completion for exact due dates, more information and current forms. 

 Graduate Studies Steps to Completion

Graduate Student Handbook 2025-26

Options

Students pursuing an online M.S. in Agronomy Degree can choose between two tracks.

Option A (Thesis)

30 credit hours total

  • Minimum of 15 credit hours (including AGRO 899) in agronomy
  • Minimum of 8 credit hours (in addition to AGRO 899) in graduate-only courses
  • 6-10 credit hours of AGRO 899 (thesis hours)
  • Successful completion of AGRO 991 and AGRO 992.
  • 20-24 credit hours of graduate coursework (minor optional)

Option B (Project)

30 credit hours total

  • Minimum of 15 credit hours (including AGRO 894) in agronomy courses
  • Minimum of 15 credit hours (including AGRO 894) in graduate-only courses
  • 3 credit hours of AGRO 894 (project hours)
  • Successful completion of AGRO 991
  • Optional minor; minimum of 9 credit hours

Teaching

Center for Transformative Teaching Workshops

TA Teaching Programs, Tools, and Resources

All on-campus graduate students in the Department are encouraged to incorporate meaningful teaching experiences in their programs. Examples include: teaching or assisting in lab or lecture; organizing seminars; giving presentations; and contributing to extension and other educational outreach efforts. The student's teaching experience should be noted on their Annual Progress Report. The student's advisor should assist in contacting teaching faculty to arrange for appropriate teaching or extension opportunities.

grad student teaching in the teaching garden

Graduate Student Services

Lisa Hilfiker serves as the Graduate Program Coordinator for Agronomy and Horticulture. She works closely with both resident and online students, providing proactive communication, individualized guidance, and support as they navigate program milestones and requirements.

Lisa co-teaches PLAS 95: Graduate Student Orientation and AGRO 894: Master’s Project, helping students transition into graduate study and successfully complete their programs. She also advises the Agronomy and Horticulture Graduate Student Association (AHGSA), supporting graduate student leadership and community within the department. Lisa is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where graduate students feel connected, supported, and positioned for success.

Contact Lisa with any questions or needed support related to your graduate program.

Questions? Contact Lisa