Plant and Soil Science, Ph.D.

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, totaling 72 hours. Doctoral students can specialize in crop protection, crop science, fibers and biopolymers, horticulture, and soil science. The specialization 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 or not a candidate possesses a depth of knowledge in their area of specialization, a breadth of knowledge in supporting areas, 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 having this support have special responsibilities in research and/or teaching.