Faculty Advisors
The Horticulture MS and PhD programs do not support lab rotations. All students are admitted directly into a faculty member’s lab. Thus, we strongly encourage applicants to contact faculty members who work in their areas of interest before and during the admissions process.
Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer entry. Please ensure that we receive all parts of your application by the following dates.
Spring: September 1
Summer: December 1
Fall: December 1
Please note that late applications are not guaranteed consideration.
Application Materials
The department requires the following materials as part of the graduate application.
Graduate School Application Form and Application Fee
- All applicants must complete the Graduate School’s online application which is available on their Online Application.
Supplementary Application
- To assist the admissions committee in reviewing files, we require applicants to submit a supplementary application. The supplementary application will appear as a part of the Graduate School’s electronic application once the applicant selects Horticulture.
Statement of Purpose
- Your essay should be a concise description of your reasons for choosing to study horticulture at the University of Wisconsin. Please include your research interests and career goals as well as a description of your preparation for graduate study including relevant coursework, related employment, research experience, publications, presentations, awards, and honors. The statement may be submitted electronically through the online application.
- The statement of purpose should be around two pages in length.
Transcripts
- We require all applicants to submit an unofficial transcript in PDF format to their online application. If an applicant is recommended for admission, then they will be required to submit their official transcript to the Graduate School. International academic records must be submitted in the original language and accompanied by an official English translation. Documents must be issued by the institution with an official seal/stamp and an official signature.
Three Letters of Recommendation
- These letters are preferably from people acquainted with the applicant’s academic, research and/or professional qualifications.
- The preferred method for submitting letters is online through the Graduate School’s electronic format (see FAQs for more information).
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores
- GRE scores are not required and will not be considered for admission to the Horticulture graduate program.
Proof of English Proficiency
- Applicants, whose native language is not English, must follow the Graduate School’s guidelines for proof of English proficiency.
Additional information regarding admission requirements and international student expenses can be found on the Graduate School website.
Connect with PSGSC
We encourage prospective students to connect with their Horticulture program representative from the Plant Sciences Graduate Student Council if they are considering an offer and/or visiting campus to interview with faculty.