The minimum number of units required for a Master's (thesis option) is 30 units of graduate credit. Except for a limited number of units that can be transferred from other approved institutions, the remaining unit requirements must be met by University of Arizona courses. At least one half of the required units must receive a grade of A, B or C. In cases in which a thesis is part of the degree program, 8 thesis units (910) may count toward the degree. Master’s students enrolled in the non-thesis option must complete a minimum of 36 units. Eight non-thesis units (909) may count toward the degree and the student is required to present a report to his/her Advisory Committee. Except as specified below, all units of coursework for the Master's Degree must be in 500-level courses or above. At least 12 of the units of coursework must be completed on campus. All requirements must be completed within a six (6) year period (including transfer work). A total of 12 units of graduate credit earned as an undergraduate senior, in graduate Non Degree Status, and/or transferred from an accredited institution, may be applied for credit toward a Master’s Degree. Units transferred from other institutions must have received graduate credit, have a grade of A or B, and not exceed 20% of the total number of required units. A cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher is required for completion of degree requirements.

Divisions of Plant Biology and Horticulture and Crop Sciences
Students are required to enroll in the Interdisciplinary Plant Sciences (PLS 696A) and the Department of Plant Sciences (PLP 596A) Seminars every semester and give at least two seminars during their M.S. program. The balance of the coursework will be chosen based on the student’s particular areas of emphasis in consultation with the Major Advisor and Advisory Committee.

Division of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
Students are required to enroll in the Interdisciplinary Plant Sciences (PLS 696A) and the Department of Plant Sciences (PLP 596A) Seminars every semester and give at least two seminars during their M.S. program. In addition, PLP 550 and 551 and one semester of Journal Club (PLP 695A) are core courses required by the Division of Plant Pathology and Microbiology. The balance of the coursework will be chosen based on the student’s particular areas of emphasis in consultation with the Major Advisor and Advisory Committee.

In the second semester in residence, students must submit the Master's/specialist Plan of Study to the Graduate Degree Certification Office in the Graduate College. One-half of the total units on the Plan of Study must be graded A, B, or C. Grades D, E, and Audit may not be used on the Plan of Study. Only courses designated “rpt” in the Graduate Catalog may be repeated.

Graduate students may receive course work credit for independent study projects and research by enrolling in various courses as described briefly below. Independent Study information is found under the Special Grades heading.