In this multidisciplinary program, there are several components to the application process: submission of paperwork, identification of advisor and funding, and approval by the Graduate College and Plant Science Steering Committee.
Paperwork to be Submitted to the Graduate College:
- All parts of your application required by the Graduate College must be received by the Graduate College before it can be given further consideration. You may contact the Graduate College to check on your application's status at any time.
- An official Graduate College application for admission and the non-refundable application fee. The current fee is indicated in the application materials.
- Original transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate course work.
Paperwork to be Submitted Directly to Dr. C. Tauer, the Plant Science Degree Program Coordinator.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. In addition to the general test, the Advanced Biology GRE is encouraged. The Department code for the Plant Science Degree Program is 0112 and should be used on your GRE application.
- A statement of purpose and goals that should include relevant information about the applicant's background, research interests, and vocational objectives.
- A resume summarizing the applicant's academic and professional accomplishments.
- Three letters of recommendation must be submitted directly from the references to Dr. C. Tauer, Coordinator of the Plant Science Degree Program.
- An abstract of the Master of Science degree thesis, if applicable.
Additional Paperwork to be Provided by International Students and Sent to the Graduate College
- A minimum TOEFL score of 570.
- A financial affidavit in accordance to OSU requirements.
Once the application is complete it will be forwarded to the Coordinator of the Plant Science Program for review. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all application materials arrive at OSU in a timely manner.
Finding an Advisor and Financial Assistance
To gain full acceptance into the Plant Science Ph.D. Program, the applicant must search out a suitable advisor for her or his academic study. As this program's faculty is housed in different departments, you will need to contact the faculty with whom you have a common interest. You can use the postal mail system, FAX, or E-mail (look for this specific information in the section "Plant Science Faculty"). You should seriously consider visiting our campus to acquaint yourself with the Plant Science faculty, program, and excellent research facilities. Financial support needs to be arranged with the advisor and home department. The Program Coordinator does not have financial support to offer.
Evaluation of Application
The Plant Science Program Steering Committee meets and evaluates the applicant's credentials when the application materials are complete. Upon making a decision, the Committee forwards their recommendation to the Graduate College. The Graduate College notifies the applicant of these results by letter, a copy of which is sent to the Program Coordinator.
The Graduate College specifies a number of steps that have to be fulfilled in order obtain a Ph.D. degree. These steps include; forming the Advisory Committee, specifying one of the three focus options for specialization, developing a Plan of Study, taking a sequence of examinations, and completing and defending a dissertation.
Fill out a general Graduate Application upon which you specify as your desired major, Plant Science.
To obtain an application to the Graduate College click on one of the following links:
Download Application - PDF or Text
Online International Application
You can also obtain an application by contacting the Graduate College or by mail at:
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