Demystifying the Horticultural Science Online Program Admissions Process

This month on the blog, Dr. Julia Kornegay sheds light on the Horticultural Science online programs admissions process, focusing specifically on the Masters of Horticultural Science distance education program. Dr. Kornegay is the Director of Graduate Programs and a Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science. Dr. Kornegay received her Bachelor of Science in Horticultural Science, and her Masters of Science in Plant Pathology, both from the North Carolina State University. Her Doctoral degree is in Plant Breeding from Cornell University.

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What is the admissions process for the MHS distance education program, and where does it begin?

JK: Students should apply to the Masters of Horticultural Science distance education program before one of the four deadlines per year, depending on when the student would like to begin course study. However, the two primary deadlines are for Fall and Spring. Once the NC State
Graduate School has received the completed application, it is forwarded to the Department of Horticultural Science and reviewed by our Graduate Admissions Committee.

Who is on the Graduate Admissions Committee?

JK: The Graduate Admissions Committee is composed of eight faculty members who represent the Department’s research, teaching, and extension programs. The Committee reviews all the applications that are received for a particular semester and makes a determination on admittance.

What factors are taken into consideration for admittance?

JK: The Committee reviews the applicant’s undergraduate degree program, courses taken, and overall GPA. They also look at GRE test scores, letters of reference, and finally the student’s resume and personal statement.

What are some of the courses an applicant should have taken previously for admittance?

JK: A student applying to the MS degree program should have previous undergraduate courses in math (statistics is helpful), general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Biology course prerequisites may include botany, plant pathology, entomology, soils, genetics, biochemistry and plant physiology, depending on the area of study. Courses in Horticultural Science or Landscape Horticulture are also advantageous and may be required prerequisites. The Admissions Committee review the student transcripts for completeness. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better is required.

What tests should students take before admittance, and what scores do you look for?

JK: Students should take the GRE prior to applying to the program. We look for GRE scores of 152 or better for verbal, 143 or better for quantitative, and 3.0 or better for analytical tests.

Distance education at NC State University has had a large draw for international students. What do international students need for their applications?

JK: Students who do not have English as their first language should take the TOEFL for their applications. We look for TOEFL scores of 80 or better on the internet exam, 213 or better on the computer exam, and 550 or better on the paper exam for those with non-native English. The TOEFL is the only difference in applications for international students.

Do students need references from their undergraduate schools or previous employers?

JK: Yes, we require three letters of recommendation, typically from past instructors or supervisors. We look for emphasis on work ethic, interest or skill within the field, and self motivation.

Is there any part of a student’s application that is especially crucial for admittance?

JK: The statement is particularly important. It should highlight the applicant’s strengths and experiences as well as future career goals. It is also useful to explain gaps or deficiencies in a student’s course of studies or major changes in careers. Students should make sure that they
spend some time writing their statement as it is a key component of their application.

Have additional questions? Find answers to commonly-asked questions
about our programs here.

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