About the Plant and Soil Science Doctoral Program
The doctoral program in Plant and Soil Science requires 60 semester hours of graduate coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree and 12 dissertation hours for a minimum total of 72 credits. Doctoral students may pursue one of the program’s disciplinary tracks that include: (1) Crop Protection; (2) Crop Science; (3) Fibers and Biopolymers; (4) Horticulture; (5) Plant Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology; and (6) Soil Science. The track should be chosen at the time of the preliminary examination. If the preliminary examination for admission to doctoral studies reveals weaknesses in the student’s subject matter background, the student may be required to take remedial courses designated by the graduate faculty of the department. The student’s advisory committee will make recommendations concerning language requirements and basic work in other sciences.
A Ph.D. candidate in the department is required to take written and oral comprehensive qualifying examinations prepared and conducted by the graduate committee. The purpose of these examinations is to determine whether the candidate possesses a depth of knowledge in the track they are following, a breadth of knowledge in supporting areas, an understanding of the scientific method, and the ability to communicate knowledge in an organized and scholarly manner.
Research, teaching, and scholarship stipends are often awarded to qualified applicants. Nonresident tuition is often waived with the award. Students receiving this support have special responsibilities in research and/or teaching.
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