Master in Plant Health Management

Teaching students during field work
Next Application Deadline:
October 27, 2025
Credit hours: 35
Next Term Start Date:
August 26, 2025

Overview

Ohio State’s online Master in Plant Health Management (MPHM) degree is a flexible, fully online plant science degree program designed for both recent graduates and working professionals seeking to advance their careers in agriculture, sustainability, and plant health. Delivered asynchronously, the core curriculum combines training in plant pathology, entomology, weed science, botany, soil science and soil fertility with electives in agribusiness, leadership, and more—offering a truly interdisciplinary education. Students gain practical knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges in crop protection, urban agriculture, and sustainable food systems. With multiple start terms and no GRE requirement, the MPHM prepares graduates for diverse careers in fields like crop advising, pest management, research, and regulatory inspection, making it an ideal fit for those looking to lead in the growing plant health industry.

Academic Calendar

Ohio State’s MPHM program accepts online students three times a year: spring, summer, and autumn.

*Please note that the following dates are U.S. application deadlines. Visit our graduate admissions page for international deadlines.

Academic Calendar

Ohio State’s MPHM program accepts online students three times a year: spring, summer, and autumn.

*Please note that the following dates are U.S. application deadlines. Visit our graduate admissions page for international deadlines.

Admission Criteria

Applicants must have earned a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. All majors are eligible, but applicants should have completed a college-level biology, plant biology, microbiology, or chemistry course.  A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for the last bachelor’s or advanced degree earned is required.  If below a 3.0 GPA, contact the MPHM program for recommendations. There is a non-refundable application fee. ($60-domestic applicants/ $70-international applicants).

Transcripts

Submit transcripts or record of marks for each university-level school attended.  This includes transcripts for transfer and/or summer courses taken at other universities, even if the transfer credits/grades are posted on transcripts of institutions from which you have earned a degree.  Include English translations of any foreign documents.  (for coursework taken at Ohio State, the Ohio State transcripts do not need to be uploaded)

► Please note that official transcripts (sent directly from the college or university) will be required.

English language testing requirements

  • 79 Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) or TOEFL iBT Home edition
  • 7.0 IELTS
  • 120 or higher Duolingo

Statement of Intent

1-2-page statement of intent describing your professional goals, as well as relevant work, and academic experience.  It may be helpful to include autobiographical or other information as it relates to your motivations and interests in pursuing a MPHM degree at Ohio State.

The statement of intent and curriculum vitae/resume can be uploaded with your on-line application as Word or pdf file.

Three Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation from professional references familiar with your qualifications and potential for graduate study. The MPHM program accepts online submission of letters OR paper letters/reference forms by mail:

a. Electronic submission
Applicants can submit the names and e-mail addresses of 3 references in the online application process.  The references will receive e-mail instructions for completing the online recommendation process.  Letters of recommendation on letterhead can be uploaded as pdf or Word forms in this process.

Applicants can also log into their application status to verify submission of recommendation letters, and to send remainders to references for letters.

b. Paper copies
If your recommender(s) would rather submit letters by mail, paper copies written on recommenders’ original letterhead stationery may be mailed to the MPHM Graduate Program.  If letters are submitted online, paper copies do not need to be sent by mail.

Paper copies must be accompanied by a completed Ohio State Reference Form: admissions.osu.edu/apps/pdfs/refer.pdf
Applicants should fill out page 1 of the reference form, and request that the recommender complete page 2 (this is for paper submission only and is not necessary if the online submission process was used).  The recommender should mail the reference form with the letter to:

MPHM Graduate Program
The Ohio State University
201 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Rd
Columbus OH  43210   USA

Curriculum Vita or Resume

A 1-2 page document detailing your previous work and educational experience, academic, and professional activities and honors, publications, and other relevant information.

For more information, visit: Graduate and Professional Admissions or email Monica Lewandowski if you have further questions.

NC-SARA Participating Institution logo

The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).

SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.

California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.

The Application Process

Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.

Career Outlook

Graduates of Ohio State University’s Plant Health Management program are well-positioned for a range of career opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of plant science. The career outlook is promising due to the growing need for expertise in managing plant diseases, pests, and environmental stressors.

Whether you’re looking to grow in your current career or make a career change altogether, Ohio State’s online programs can help you achieve your goals. Learn what the outlook is for your current or next career move using O*Net’s My Next Move tool.

Top Occupations by Median Income

National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.

Curriculum

Review the sample curriculum to explore a comprehensive mix of coursework and practical training aimed at equipping you with the expertise necessary to tackle and manage plant health challenges.

Monica Lewandowski

Professional Practice Associate Professor, Teaching, Outreach, Undergraduate Advisor
Monica M. Lewandowski Professional Practice Associate Professor, Teaching, Outreach, Undergraduate advisor

Christopher G. Taylor

Associate Professor, Plant Pathology and MPHM Co-Chair
Associate Professor, Plant Pathology and MPHM co-chair

Horacio Lopez-Nicora

Assistant Professor, Plant Pathology
Assistant Professor, Plant Pathology

Testimonials

Find out how online learning has helped Ohio State students excel.

Tuition Fee Overview

Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program. Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student, or either 8 credit hours (for graduate programs) or 12 credit hours (for undergraduate programs) each semester as a full-time student. Actual costs may vary.

Tuition Fees Fee Per Credit Hour Part-Time – Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) Full-Time – Total Cost Per Semester
Instructional Fee $829.75 $4978.50 $6,638
General Fee $32.63 $195.78 $261.04
Learning Technology Fee $8.20 $49.20 $49.20
Distance Learning Fee $100.00 (per semester)
Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) $200.00 (per semester)

Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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