Leading Plant Protection Research
Protecting crops from pests and disease is essential to sustaining global food production. The Master of Science in Agriculture with a Specialization in Plant Protection Science prepares you to conduct applied field and laboratory research in pest biology, biological control, invasive species, tritrophic interactions and plant disease management while collaborating with industry and research partners.
Hands-On Learning Labs
Conduct applied research in specialized laboratories, greenhouses and field environments where you’ll investigate pest biology, plant disease management, biological control and other real-world agricultural challenges.
Explore Your Living Laboratories
Industry Connections
Located in California’s world-renowned agricultural region, you’ll build connections with growers, researchers, government agencies and industry partners while conducting research that supports sustainable agriculture.
The Cal Poly Difference
Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy extends to graduate education. Through applied research in greenhouses, nurseries and landscape environments, you’ll transform scientific knowledge into real-world solutions for the horticulture industry.
Advance Your Education
Advance your expertise through Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing approach, where hands-on learning and applied research begin on day one, preparing you to lead the future of plant protection.
Master of science in Plant Protection science Curriculum
Explore the curriculum that builds advanced expertise in horticulture through applied research, innovation and real-world problem solving.
Graduate Studies Faculty
Work alongside faculty who are leaders in propagation research and collaborate with industry to address today’s agricultural challenges.
You Belong Here
Being a Mustang means more than earning a degree — it’s growing your potential, finding your community, exploring the world and building a foundation for a life of meaningful impact.
Graduate Program Requirements
Students who complete a master’s degree at Cal Poly are prepared for jobs in industry, further graduate work at a Ph.D. institution, or teaching. Discover the graduate program requirements.