Biological Sciences (Ph.D.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Student working in a lab.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Yajun Wu, Interim Department Head
Radhey Kaushik, Professor and Graduate Coordinator
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 228, Box 2104A
605-688-6141

Program Information

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; Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science; Animal Science; Biology and Microbiology; Dairy and Food Science; Natural Resource Management; and Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at South Dakota State University. The master’s and doctoral programs in Biological Sciences allow for considerable latitude in the education and training of students. The plan of study 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-disciplinary 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 an 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. Specializations are available in the following areas:

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy

60 Credit Plan
90 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

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.

XXX 790 or 890 - Seminar Credits: 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: Not a general requirement, but individual departments may require GRE
TOEFL iBT: 4
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

(Individual departments may have different requirements for GRE, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, and Duolingo.)

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 .