Plant pathology graduate students may study in one or more emphasis areas, including phytobacteriology, mycology, virology, epidemiology, host parasite interactions, soil microbiology, disease management and molecular biology. Commodity-oriented strategic research areas in which the above emphasis areas may be studied include vegetable crops, fruit crops, nursery, landscape and ornamentals, field crops, turf crops, and forest and tree pathology. Students are encouraged to take courses which provide a broad background in biological and physical sciences in addition to training in specialized areas.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Admission
Regular admission may be granted to those students who have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, a 3.00 grade point average, and appropriate training in the biological and physical sciences and mathematics.
Provisional admission may be granted to those students who do not meet the requirements for regular admission. Students with deficiencies in their backgrounds will be required to complete collateral courses in addition to the courses that are required for the master's degree. Collateral course work does not count towards the degree requirements.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Plant Pathology
The student may elect either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under either Plan A or Plan B. The student's program of study is planned in consultation with the guidance committee, which includes the major professor.
| Requirements for Plan A and Plan B |
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| 1. |
Both of the following courses (3 credits): |
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PLP |
894 |
Seminar in Plant Pathology |
1 |
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PLP |
805 |
Principles in Plant Pathology |
2 |
| 2. |
Two of the following courses (7 or 8 credits): |
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PLP |
847 |
Advanced Mycology |
4 |
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or |
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PLB |
402 |
Biology of Fungi |
4 |
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PLP |
884 |
Prokaryotic Diseases of Plants |
3 |
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PLP |
885 |
Plant Diseases in the Field |
2 |
| 3. |
One of the following courses (3 credits): |
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PLP |
812 |
Epidemiology of Plant Diseases |
3 |
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PLP |
850 |
Physiological Plant Pathology |
3 |
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PLP |
881 |
Molecular and Biochemical Plant Pathology |
3 |
| 4. |
Acquire experience in either (a) teaching, by serving as a teaching assistant in a course or, (b) extension, through the development and delivery of outreach programs or materials, as approved by the guidance committee. |
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| 5. |
Other courses and/or reading knowledge of a foreign language as specified by the guidance committee. |
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| Additional Requirements for Plan A |
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| 1. |
Complete 4 credits of PLP 899 Master's Thesis Research. |
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| 2. |
Complete a written thesis and present the result publicly at a departmental seminar prior to graduation. |
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| 3. |
Pass a final oral examination in defense of the thesis before the guidance committee which occurs immediately after the public seminar at which the thesis results are presented. |
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| Additional Requirements for Plan B |
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| 1. |
Complete a project and present the result publicly at a departmental seminar prior to graduation. |
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| 2. |
Pass a final oral examination before the guidance committee which occurs immediately after the public seminar at which the project results are presented. |
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