Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Pathology

Plant pathology focuses on the biology of plant-microbe interactions, and incorporates research involving biochemical, molecular, genetic, physiological, whole organism, population, and community levels of biological organization. Plant pathology interfaces with all plant science disciplines, and with food sciences, veterinary medicine, biobased products, and ecology. Areas of concentration include molecular plant pathology (offered as a special emphasis), plant disease management, biological control of plant disease, forest pathology and microbial degradation of wood, microbial ecology, population biology, plant-microbe interactions, disease resistance, host-parasite coevolution, plant microbe mutualisms, and virology. Students have opportunities for laboratory and field research locally as well as nationally and internationally. The course of study varies with the requirements of the area of concentration and interests of the student. Students who choose the emphasis in molecular plant pathology enhance their ability to design and use molecular approaches to investigate plant disease, increase basic knowledge, and develop new strategies for disease control.

The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.50.

Applicants must have a sound college background in the basic biological and physical sciences and mathematics.

Applicants must satisfy all the prerequisites for the master's degree program in plant pathology, or have a master's degree in either plant pathology or a field of natural science.

English Language Proficiency Requirements: TOEFL iBT – Total Score: 79; Writing Subscore: 21; Reading Subscore: 19; IELTS Academic – Total Score: 6.5; Writing Subscore: 6.5; Reading Subscore: 6.5; Pearson Test of Academic English (PTE Academic) – Total Score: 59; Writing Subscore: 59; Reading Subscore: 59; Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) C1 Advanced – Total Score: 180; Writing Subscore: 180; Reading Subscore: 180.

Students may apply at any time; however, submission of all application materials by December 1 will ensure priority consideration for fellowships and research assistantships for the next academic year.