Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) - Plant Molecular Biology Specialization

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Student working in a lab and sitting at a computer.

Program Coordinator/Contact

David Wright, Department Head
Brent Turnipseed, Assistant Department Head
Sunish Sehgal, Associate Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science
Raven Precision Agriculture Center 140
605-688-4600

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.

Student Learning Outcomes

Knowledge of program: Exhibit knowledge concerning biological and/or microbiological systems/sciences at a level appropriate to a Ph.D. holder.
Communication skills: Express their scientific views effectively in both oral and written form.
Understand scientific method: Understand the scientific methods and techniques for solving research problems and analyze scientific data using the appropriate statistics.
Use statistics to analyze data: Be able to use statistics to analyze scientific data.
Publish research: Be able to conduct and publish scholarly research.
Professional development: Demonstrate professional development and competence so that they may enter the work force in academia or industry.

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 student 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
Electives as needed to reach 60 or 90 credits

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: recommended, but not required
TOEFL: 83 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
IELTS: minimum total score of 6.5
Duolingo: 110

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

General Requirements

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

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