Dec 23, 2025  
2010-2011 Graduate Catalog 
    
2010-2011 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biological Sciences (PhD)


 

This is a cooperative program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biological Sciences. Departments that cooperate in the program are Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Animal Science, Biology and Microbiology, Dairy Science, Nutrition & Food Science, Plant Science, Veterinary Science, at South Dakota State University, and the Department of Biology at the University of South Dakota.

This program allows for considerable latitude in the education and training of students. The plan of study, including a range of thirty to forty (30-40) hours of dissertation credit, can be designed to meet the interests and individual needs of the student. While the training of most students is largely directed to a single discipline represented within one of the participating departments, cross-discipline training is available. Generally, identification of a major professor with resources to support the student’s dissertation project is required for unconditional acceptance into the program. Therefore, interested persons should make application for program admission well in advance of the anticipated date of enrollment.

Please refer to each departmental section for a listing of the graduate faculty and details regarding the areas of study offered in this program. Inquiries should be made directly to the department representing the discipline of interest.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees


Doctor of Philosophy: 60-Credit Plan
                                   90-Credit Plan

Core Requirements


All students are required to present a seminar on their dissertation project. All other courses submitted in the doctoral candidate’s plan of study are approved by the student’s advisory committee.

The Biological Sciences PhD program has only three (3) specific course requirements:
BIOS 890  Seminar (1 Credit)
GSR 601  Research Regulations Compliance (1 Credit)
STAT 541 Statistical Methods II (3 Credits)

All other courses submitted in the doctoral candidate’s plan of study are approved by the student’s Advisory Committee.

General Requirements (PhD)


Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

See Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements.