Multi-cultural Scholars Program

Scholarships in Plant Sciences

The Department of Plant Sciences has scholarship funds for 3 incoming undergraduate students and 4 transfer students who are pursuing a bachelor's degree in Plant Sciences. The Multi-cultural Scholars Program (MSP) offers dynamic undergraduate programs in Plant Sciences, focusing on diverse plants that can solve pressing world challenges.Incoming undergraduate MSP scholars will receive $9,000 per academic year for a total of 4 years. Incoming transfer MSP scholars will receive $9,000 per academic year for a total of 2 years. All MSP scholars will receive interdisciplinary training, networking opportunities with industry professionals, and participation in national meetings. MSP is funded through USDA NIFA and administered through the UC Davis Plant Breeding Center.

Do I qualify for MSP?
The MSP in plant sciences is recruiting incoming undergraduate and transfer students from first-generation, low-income and underserved communities. Interested applicants must first be accepted into the Plant Sciences major, and be citizens, nationals or permanent residents of the United States of America.The Plant Sciences major is designed for students who want to learn how plants grow, develop and function in agricultural ecosystems, urban environments, and natural and managed wildlands, and how plant products are used for food, fiber and sustainable environmental improvements.

How to Apply:
A two-paragraph written response is required to apply for the MSP scholarship. Your written application should answer the following questions:

1)Why are you majoring in Plant Sciences?

2)How would you benefit from this scholarship?

Submit your application as a Word document attached to an email and send it to Honora Knopp at: hmknopp@ucdavis.edu, and let her know you would like to be considered for an MSP scholarship. The deadline to apply is April 23rd by midnight PDT. Reach out to Honora with any questions!

Careers in Plant Sciences:
What can you do with a bachelor's degree in plant sciences? A lot! UC Davis alums have gone on to fulfilling careers in the agricultural industry. With over one hundred seed companies in California, and many more globally, numerous opportunities exist in the private sector. Other students have gone on to graduate programs or research positions at universities and governmental research agencies around the world.Career titles in Plant Science include: agronomist, arborist, environmental consultant, cooperative extension agent, farm operations manager, farmer/rancher, horticulturist, pest control advisor, plant breeder, plant geneticist, postharvest technology manager, precision agriculture specialist, rangeland manager, researcher and seed producer.Students also have opportunities for practical experience managing a breeding program through the UC Davis Plant Breeding Center's SCOPE Project (https://plantbreeding.ucdavis.edu/scope-project). The center also has strong relationships with local and global seed companies and academic plant breeders around the world. This network helps students create new connections and find mentors to guide them through their educational program and find a job after graduation. For more information on career opportunities, visit the UC Davis Internship and Career Center: https://icc.ucdavis.edu/research/what-can-i-do