The interdepartmental graduate program in Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology is jointly administered by the departments of Crop and Soil Sciences, Forestry, Horticulture, and Plant Biology. Faculty who have been identified by the chairpersons of these departments are members of the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Program. One member of the faculty is designated as the Coordinator and oversees the program.
The interdepartmental graduate program in Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology is designed to:
- Provide contemporary graduate education and training in the field of plant breeding and genetics, so that students may be prepared to teach, conduct independent research, and use modern technologies.
- Enable students to gain knowledge in the various disciplines that support plant breeding activities through course work in such fields as biochemistry, plant physiology, entomology, plant pathology, and food science.
- Provide an intellectual and resource environment conducive to graduate research.
- Foster an awareness of plant breeding and genetics programs in both the public and private sectors.
Master of Science
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Admission
A student seeking admission to the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology program at the master's level must have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in a plant science or related field with an emphasis on plant breeding and genetics. A minimum grade–point average of 3.00 in courses in agricultural, biological, and physical sciences and an academic background sufficient to indicate probable success in the program are required.
To be considered for admission to the program, the student must be accepted as an advisee by a faculty member in the student's major department who is also a member of the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology faculty. Admission to the program is by approval of one of the four participating departments, the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology faculty, and the Coordinator of the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Program. In special cases, applicants with deficiencies in background courses may be admitted on a provisional basis. Such students will not be considered for advanced degrees until they have fulfilled the requirements for admission to regular status.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree
The student's guidance committee, selected in consultation with the student and the major professor at the time that the student is admitted to the program, plans the student's course of study with the student's particular interests, capabilities, and professional goals in mind. The student's guidance committee is composed of three faculty members; the student's major professor and at least one other person must be members of the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology faculty. At least one member must be from a department other than the one that administers the student's major.
Only Plan A (with thesis) is available. The student is required to complete courses, learn research methodologies, and conduct thesis research pertinent to the plant species under study. The student must complete two credits of Horticulture 892, and two core courses as specified by the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology faculty. Credits in Master's Thesis Research (course number 899) must total at least 6 but not more than 10. One semester of teaching experience is also required. The student's program will be reviewed by the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology faculty. The degree is conferred upon recommendation of the department, the Coordinator of the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Program, and the Dean of the college.
Doctor of Philosophy
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Admission
A student seeking admission to the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology program at the doctoral level must have completed a Bachelor or Master of Science degree in the plant sciences with an emphasis on plant breeding and genetics. A minimum grade–point average of 3.00 is required.
To be considered for admission to the program, the student must be accepted as an advisee by a faculty member in the student's major department who is also a member of the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology faculty. Admission to the program is by approval of one of the four participating departments, the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology faculty, and the Coordinator of the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Program.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree
The guidance committee, selected in consultation with the student and the major professor at the time that the student is admitted to the program, plans the student's course of study with the student's particular interests, capabilities, and professional goals in mind. The student's guidance committee is composed of four faculty members; the student's major professor and at least one other person must be members of the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology faculty. At least one member must be from a department other than the one that administers the student's major.
The student is required to complete courses, learn research methodologies, and conduct dissertation research pertinent to the plant species under study. The student must complete at least 12 credits in 800–level plant breeding and genetics courses including four credits of Horticulture 892, and two core courses as specified by the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology faculty. One semester of teaching experience is also required.
The student's program is subject to review by the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology faculty. The degree is conferred upon recommendation of the department, the Coordinator of the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Program, and the Dean of the college.