Candidates for the M.S. degree select one major in the field and one minor outside the field. Candidates for the Ph.D. degree select one major in the field and two minors outside the field. There are no general course credit requirements for the M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. All graduate students must take the field seminar (FS 600) each term and must make at least one seminar presentation prior to graduation. All students are required to assist with the teaching program for at least one semester. In addition to the examinations required by the Graduate School, a qualifying examination is required of Ph.D. degree candidates before the start of their second semester of residence.

Excellent opportunities for graduate study in both basic and applied research are available. All course work is done on the Ithaca campus, but students may conduct their research at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station at Geneva as well as on the Ithaca campus. In addition, the M.P.S. (Agriculture and Life Sciences) program has a Peace Corp option in which the student undertakes two semesters of academic work at Cornell and a Peace Corp assignment. For information and instructions on how to apply, visit the M.P.S. (Agriculture and Life Sciences)/Peace Corps Web site, or contact International Programs, 33 Warren Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853; phone 607-255-3037; email mpsag_peacecorps@cornell.edu.