Master of Plant Protection

Graduates of the program are expected to achieve the following competencies:

Scientific Knowledge: Demonstrate a deep understanding of pest and plant disease symptoms, their life cycles, and their impact on crops.

Advanced Research Skills: Ability to design and conduct both scientific and applied research to identify and solve plant health issues.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Proficiency in applying IPM strategies to improve crop health while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Chemical & Biological Proficiency: Mastery of pesticide analysis, including chromatography and spectrophotometry, and the use of beneficial organisms.

Environmental Stewardship: Competence in protecting the environment from agro-chemical contamination and ensuring sustainable agricultural development.

Technical Consultation: Ability to provide expert technical support and advisory services to both public and private agricultural sectors.

• Degree Eligibility: Applicants must hold a full-time Bachelor’s degree in Plant Protection or a relevant agricultural discipline from KSU or an accredited university.
• GPA Requirements:
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25/5.0 (Above Average) is typically required.
  • Applicants with a lower overall GPA (at least “Good”) may be considered if their GPA in specialty courses is at least 3.75/5.0 (Very Good).

First Year – First Semester

ENG055 – English Language Course – 0 Credit Hours
PLPT501 – Diagnosis of Plant Diseases – 3 Credit Hours
PLPT502 – Insect Pests – 3 Credit Hours
PLPT503 – Pesticides and the Environment – 3 Credit Hours
PLPT595 – Seminar – 1 Credit Hour

First Year – Second Semester

PLPT504 – Phytopathology (Fungi & Bacteria) – 3 Credit Hours
PLPT505 – Insect Biology – 3 Credit Hours
PLPT536 – Integrated Insect Pest Management – 3 Credit Hours
PLPT537 – Advanced Toxicology – 3 Credit Hours
PLPT590 – Selected Topics – 2 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester

PLPT535 – Fumigants and Fumigation – 3 Credit Hours
PLPT539 – Pests and Diseases of Date-palm Trees – 3 Credit Hours
PLPT600 – Research and Thesis – 6 Credit Hours

Second Year – Second Semester

PLPT600 – Research and Thesis – 6 Credit Hours

Notes:
• Total credit hours required: 29–37 Credit Hours (depending on specialization: Entomology, Plant Pathology, or Pesticides).
• Compulsory Courses: Minimum 17 Credit Hours.
• Elective Courses: Minimum 12 Credit Hours.
• Students must complete PLPT600 (Research and Thesis) and submit an original written dissertation.
• Students with a TOEFL score of 450+ are exempted from ENG055.