The Ph.D. in Plant Science is offered jointly by the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences. The curriculum for each student will be tailored to individual needs by his or her graduate committee. Selection of courses will be guided in part by the requirement that each student pass two written exams in his or her area of specialization, plus two supporting areas. After passing the written exams, each student must also pass an oral comprehensive exam administered by the graduate committee.

An original research dissertation is the heart of the Plant Science Ph.D. This work is required to be of the quality and significance that warrants publication in a refereed research journal. Acceptability of the dissertation will be determined by the student’s graduate committee.