Tennessee State University

What you'll study

The programme provides advanced coursework and supervised research that together build technical depth and applied problem‑solving skills across agricultural disciplines. Students typically follow either a thesis (research) option or a non‑thesis (coursework/project) option.

• Core topics: research methods in agriculture, experimental design and statistics, advanced soil science and fertility, plant physiology and crop production, animal production systems.
• Specialist areas: integrated pest management, sustainable agriculture and agroecology, precision agriculture and remote sensing, agribusiness management, biotechnology and plant breeding, extension education and community outreach.
• Research: thesis students undertake an original research project under the supervision of a faculty advisor, using the university's laboratories, greenhouses and research farm facilities.
• Practical learning: field practicals, laboratory techniques, data analysis workshops and opportunities for internships or collaborative projects with extension services and industry partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor's degree in agriculture, biological sciences or a closely related field. Typical admissions requirements include:

• Official transcripts demonstrating satisfactory undergraduate performance; a minimum cumulative GPA is commonly expected.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential and subject‑matter preparation.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals, and a current CV or résumé.
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants (such as TOEFL or IELTS) where English competency is not otherwise demonstrated.
• Some applicants may be asked to meet additional departmental requirements or to interview with potential faculty advisers; GRE requirements, if any, are determined by the department and may change over time.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MS in Agricultural Science are prepared for a range of professional roles in the public and private sectors, and for further academic study. Common career paths include:

• Extension specialist or county extension agent working with growers and communities to apply research‑based practices.
• Research technician or associate in university, government or private agricultural research programmes.
• Crop or soil consultant, pest management adviser, or agronomy specialist with companies servicing production agriculture.
• Roles in agribusiness management, quality assurance, supply‑chain coordination and policy analysis.
• Progression to doctoral study and academic careers in teaching and research.

Why study at Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is a land‑grant, historically Black university with an established College of Agriculture that emphasises applied research and community engagement. Students benefit from hands‑on access to research farms, teaching laboratories and extension networks that connect the university to Tennessee's agricultural producers and industry partners.

The university's location in the Nashville region offers proximity to a diverse agricultural economy and opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies and private agribusinesses. Small cohort sizes and faculty mentoring support personalised research supervision, and graduate assistantships and collaborative projects provide practical experience and pathways into professional roles or further study.