Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) - Plant Science Specialization

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Program Coordinator/Contact
David Wright, Department Head
Howard J. Woodard, Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science
Berg Agricultural Hall 244, Box 2207A
605-688-5123 or 605-688-4774
E-mail: howard.woodard@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/ps/grad

Program Information
The Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science Department is an integrated department that includes programs in crop production, entomology, horticulture, plant biotechnology, plant breeding, plant pathology, precision farming, soils, water management, and weed science. The primary goals of the department are to conduct research in these areas, to transmit the results to the public, and to help prepare students for an occupation in these disciplines and to become productive members of a community. Graduate training includes classroom instruction, teaching experience, seminars designed to refine oral and written skills, and meaningful experience in laboratory and field research techniques. Departmental diversity encourages collaborations among disciplines and research programs that support this graduate training.

Course Delivery Format
The program coursework is available on campus, in classroom and laboratory settings, as well as field-based settings.

Facilities and Services
The department is housed in seven buildings across campus. These buildings provide research and teaching laboratories, greenhouses, seed house facilities and access to the functional genomics core facility. The on and off-campus facilities also include the SDSU Seed Testing Laboratory, SDSU Plant Diagnostics Clinic, Seed Certification, and Foundation Seed Stocks Division, which operates as services for the public. In addition, the department conduct research at four research farms near campus and four research stations across the state. The Field Specialists are housed in seven regional extension offices across the state.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities
Students are encouraged to join and participate in the Plant Science Graduate Student Association (PSGSA) which conducts professional and social events on a regular basis. In addition, students are encouraged to participate and mentor undergraduate students in the Arboriculture Club, Agronomy and Conservation Club, or Horticulture Club which offers opportunities for fellowship, leadership, and career planning for undergraduate students.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy	60 Credit Plan
	90 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

For details see specific programs: Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) .

The student, major advisor and Advisory Committee select the discipline specific emphasis area of the biological sciences. The courses will be identified on the student’s Plan of Study no later than the end of the first year of study. In addition, the study will successfully complete:

XXX 790 or 890 Seminar Credit: 1 - Selected with advisory committee approval
GSR 601 - Research Regulations Compliance Credits: 1
Minimum of 3 credits of STAT courses numbered 500-level or higher
XXX 898D Dissertation Credits: 30-40 - Students are required to present a seminar on their dissertation

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: recommended, but not required
TOEFL: minimum requirement of 560 paper-based, 83 Internet-based
IELTS: minimum score of 6.0

Students must be accepted by an advisor before admission is granted.

General Requirements

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

For additional information refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .