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Master of Science in Bioagricultural Sciences
The Master of Science in Bioagricultural Sciences conducts research focused on plant stresses, microbes, insects, and weeds that threaten the safety and sustainability of the food supply.
Students study areas such as entomology, plant pathology, weed science, invasive species, ecology and biodiversity, genomics and molecular biology, integrated pest management, and pest management.
Program Overview | Curriculum | Application Information | Faculty Research | Objectives and Outcomes | Contact Us
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Bioagricultural Sciences focuses on research related to plant stresses, microbes, insects, and weeds that threaten the safety and sustainability of the food supply.
Agricultural Biology is a unique department among U.S. land-grant universities, encompassing the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, and weed science.
What makes this program unique:
- Research focused on plant stresses, microbes, insects, and weeds
- Study of threats to food safety and sustainability
- Departmental expertise in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science
- Specialization options in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science
- Access to Agricultural Biology research, collections, facilities, and outreach resources
Curriculum
The M.S. in Bioagricultural Sciences requires 30–32 credits beyond the undergraduate degree.
Course selection depends on each student’s focus within Bioagricultural Sciences and must be approved by the student’s graduate committee.
Plan of Study
Fall Semester (15 credits)
- AGRI 630 – Integrated Decision Making / Management Skills (3 cr.)
- AGRI 631 – Building the Business (3 cr.)
- AGRI 632 – Managing for Ecosystem Sustainability (3 cr.)
- AGRI 633 – Understanding and Managing Animal Resources (3 cr.)
- AGRI 634 – Animal Production Systems (3 cr.)
Spring Semester (15 credits)
- AGRI 635 – Integrated Forage Management (3 cr.)
- AGRI 636 – Analyzing and Managing the Business (3 cr.)
- AGRI 637 – Understanding Policy and Emerging Issues (3 cr.)
- AGRI 639 – Products to Profit (3 cr.)
- AGRI 640 – Integrated Resource Management Plan (3 cr.)
Specialization
Entomology Specialization
The Master of Science in Bioagricultural Sciences, Plan A – Entomology Specialization focuses on conducting research in the study of insects and other arthropods, such as ticks and mites.
Area of Study
- Entomology
Plant Pathology Specialization
The Master of Science in Bioagricultural Sciences, Plan A – Plant Pathology Specialization focuses on conducting research in the study of microbes that affect plant health, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Area of Study
- Plant Pathology
Weed Science Specialization
The Master of Science in Bioagricultural Sciences, Plan A – Weed Science Specialization focuses on conducting research in the study of weed management and pesticide function and resistance.
Area of Study
- Weed Science
Total Program Credits: 30 – 32
Application Information
Before applying to the Graduate School, prospective students must identify and confirm funding with an advisor in Agricultural Biology.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA
Application Deadlines
- Fall: July 15*
- Spring: December 1*
- Summer: April 1*
*Deadlines may vary depending on applicant status.
How to Apply
Students should follow the standard CSU Graduate School application process. Key steps include:
- Connect with a faculty member and ask to join their lab
- Submit online application
- Appoint advisor and committee (per Graduate School guidelines)
- File the Program of Study (GS Form 6)
- Meet all Graduate School deadlines for graduation and final exams
More details and forms are available through the Graduate and Professional Bulletin and the CSU Graduate School website.
Tuition & Support
- $643 per credit (online tuition; same rate worldwide)
- Federal financial aid and scholarships may be available
- Additional financial resources can be accessed through CSU Online and the Office of Financial Aid
Student Employment
Graduate assistantships (GTA, GRA, GSA) and hourly positions may be available. Students should contact their advisor and department graduate coordinator for current opportunities.
Faculty and Research
Students in the IRM program learn from faculty who conduct research across Colorado’s agricultural systems — including livestock production, ecosystem sustainability, resource management, and agricultural policy. Faculty integrate their active research into the online curriculum, ensuring that students gain insight into emerging issues affecting agricultural systems at regional, national, and global scales.
Agricultural Research and Development Center
Work directly with crops and livestock at this research and teaching complex — one of ten around the state.
C. P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity
Our collection represents most orders of insects with a strong coverage of Rocky Mountain and southwestern species.
Plant Growth Facilities
Plant Growth Facilities are an Institutional Core Research Facility, managed by the Agriculture Experiment Station.Â
Learn more about the Plant Growth Facilities.
Objectives and Outcomes
The M.S. in Bioagricultural Sciences prepares students to study biological and ecological challenges that affect agricultural systems, plants, pests, and food supply sustainability.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students have opportunities to:
- Study plant stresses, microbes, insects, and weeds that threaten food supply safety and sustainability.
- Develop knowledge in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science.
- Conduct research on insects and other arthropods, such as ticks and mites.
- Conduct research on microbes that affect plant health, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
- Conduct research on weed management and pesticide function and resistance.
- Explore biology and management of invasive species.
- Study ecology, biodiversity, genomics, and molecular biology.
- Examine integrated pest management and pest management systems.
- Conduct graduate work within a focus area approved by the student’s graduate committee.
Career Pathways
Graduates may pursue careers as:
- Agricultural Biologist and Engineer
- Agricultural Biosecurity Inspector
- Agricultural Science Research Technician
- Crop Scout
- Food Production Specialist
- Insect Molecular Biologist
- Integrated Pest Management Specialist
- Pesticide Safety Educator
- Research Biologist
- Research Entomologist
- Research Equipment or Agricultural Sales Representative
- Research Plant Pathologist
- Research Weed Scientist
- Weed Manager
Related interest areas include:
- Agriculture
- Biology
- Climate Change
- Ecosystem Health
- Entomology
- Microbiology
- Plants
- Weeds
Contact Us
Ready to learn more about the graduate programs at CSU’s College of Agricutlural Sciences? Connect with a program advisor today.
Grad Layout Update Test Form
Come to the Table
Become part of our agricultural community and experience hands-on learning while building relationships. Bring your creativity, ideas and lived experiences. Leave with the confidence to collectively solve the grand challenges of sustaining our natural resources and feeding the world.
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