Advisory Committee
An Advisory Committee must be formed. It is to the advantage of the student to form the Advisory Committee as early as possible. The Advisory Committee should consist of graduate faculty that will facilitate the research and monitor the academic progress of the student.
Plan of Study
A Plan of Study must be developed by the end of the first academic year. The Plan of Study will indicate how core and specialization requirements of the chosen area will be met and how the credit hour requirements for graduation will be fulfilled.
One course can satisfy more than one requirement. For example, a student in the "Cellular and Molecular" specialization area may take Community Ecology and have it count for both the General Ecology and the Diversity requirement in the Ecology area.
The remainder of the course work in the Plan of Study must be approved by the Advisory Committee and Program Coordinator. These courses should reflect the breadth of plant science, the student's goals, and the acquisition of strength in one of the three specialization areas. The Plant Science Program Coordinator will review the student's Plan of Study and may consult the Steering Committee. The student, in conjunction with her/his Advisory Committee, may petition the Coordinator and Steering Committee for a change or waiver of any requirement.
Core and Specialization Requirements
The Plant Science Program is designed to provide a mechanism for students from a diverse range of backgrounds (in plant science or other disciplines) to achieve an advanced level of training in the plant sciences. For this reason, no specific courses are required for entrance into the program. Students with little plant science course background will work with their Advisory Committee to develop an appropriate Plan of Study to address deficiencies.
Core Degree Requirements
Seminar (2 credits): Research proposal and final research seminar, to be taken within the home Department.
Diversity (6-8 credits): One course in each of the two specialization areas not selected. Courses must be approved for graduate credit, and at least one course must be taken in residence. As course offerings are often dynamic, specific courses available to fill the diversity requirement are not indicated in this document. However, click here to view a list of courses that the student and Advisory Committee may consider for fulfilling these requirements.
Quantitative Skill (3-4 credits): Statistic, biochemical methods, computer language, experimental design, quantitative analysis, etc.
Courses in the following areas are required but may be omitted if taken previously at the undergraduate or graduate level as determined by the Advisory Committee:
Ecology
Genetics
Plant Anatomy and Morphology
Plant Classification and Taxonomy
Plant Physiology
Teaching Component
A specific teaching activity is not required but is strongly encouraged. This should be developed by the student in consultation with the Advisory Committee.
Graduate College Requirements for a Ph.D.
To receive a Ph.D. degree students must enroll in a total of 90 credits beyond the B.S. or 60 credits beyond the M.S.
The Graduate College recommends that 75 percent of courses in the Plan of Study be at the 5000-6000 level.
Research hours will be taken at the 6000 level within the home Department.
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