Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture

The Department of Horticulture offers graduate study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Horticulture. In addition, students may work with Horticulture faculty to obtain M.S. and/or Ph.D. degrees in several interdepartmental graduate programs including Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology-Horticulture, Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Molecular Plant Physiology, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Faculty and students in MSU-Horticulture engage in scholarly research, teaching and outreach programs that are recognized nationally and internationally by our peer institutions and horticultural industries. Furthermore, our faculty and graduate students comprise an inclusive community of diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences from across the U.S. and around the world. The Horticulture graduate curriculum is flexible and can be tailored specifically to individual backgrounds, educational experiences, and career goals. Students can participate in interdisciplinary studies in such diverse areas as plant breeding, genetics, genomics, molecular biology, modeling, development, biochemistry, physiology and environmental response, sustainable and organic cropping systems, integration of plants with the human environment and marketing of horticultural/specialty crops. This integrated educational and research approach fosters new discoveries in the plant sciences and technological innovations in the sustainable production of food, ornamental and landscape crops. Numerous fellowships and grant-funded assistantships are available on a career interest and competitive basis.

All Official Transcripts. TOEFL PBT - 550. TOEFL IBT - 80. IELTS - 6.5.
Applicants for the M.S. program must have completed a bachelor of science or arts degree, applicants for the Ph.D. program must have completed a M.S. program or its equivalent.

Applicants should have a B.S. or B.A. degree in agriculture or biological sciences. Applicants not trained in these fields will be considered provided they have a robust academic and/or experiential background. Previous courses in college-level physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and plant science are strongly recommended. Applicants should read and understand the Departmental recommendations for minimum academic coursework to be completed prior to, or during, the program.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, based upon the courses taken during the last two academic years, is required for admission.
Three letters of recommendation, completed by instructors or supervisors familiar with the applicant's work. Letters of recommendation must be submitted on official stationery with an original signature.
A written Academic Statement. Include on the application or attach a separate sheet with a concise academic statement of your plans for graduate study, your career goals, and how MSU's graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
A written Personal Statement. Include on the application or attach a separate personal statement about how your background and life experiences, including social, economic, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
One official copy of transcripts from all previous universities attended.
An official copy of TOEFL or IELTS scores (only for non-U.S. students who are not native English speakers)
A statement of financial proof may be required. If so, the administrative staff of the Horticulture Department of the University will contact you and request the needed information. In this case, the requested statement must originate from your source of support and must be a certified statement with an original signature. We cannot accept photocopies unless notarized, signed and sealed.