Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agricultural Sciences Program Overview ##nodoc"

The School of Agricultural Sciences offers a graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. This degree is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary doctoral education in the physical, biological, and social sciences that enhances, regulates, and sustains agriculture, food, and forestry producers, industries, and agencies. The Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences program prepares graduates to teach and conduct research and outreach at universities and community colleges, and for careers in the corporate, private, and government sectors. ### Admission Requirements All applications to the program must include a statement of interest, college transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores including verbal and quantitative. Criteria for admission include an official transcript, letters of recommendation, grade point average (must meet the minimum 3.25 GPA in graduate work), and GRE scores. The Graduate Committee of the School of Agricultural Sciences must approve admission to the Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences program. Ph.D. students will be selected on a national and international competitive basis. Students may be admitted to the doctoral program with a Bachelor's, a Master of Science, or a Master of Arts degree in Agriculture, a discipline within the School of Agricultural Sciences, or a closely related field. Upon nomination of the master's committee and upon approval by the School of Agricultural Sciences doctoral program committee, exceptional M.S. students may be allowed accelerated entry to the Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences program. ### Program Requirements Each doctoral student in the School of Agricultural Sciences must successfully complete a common core of research methodology courses, including a two-semester sequence of graduate-level statistics courses and a graduate-level experimental design course. Students also will be required to take a course in Research and Teaching Communications, two semesters of graduate seminar, and 24 credit hours of dissertation credits. There will be an additional minimum of 20 credit hours of structured courses appropriate for each student's area of emphasis. Emphasis areas include:

• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Systems Technology
• Agricultural Education
• Animal Science
• Biotechnology
• Crop Science and Environmental Management
• Forestry
• Horticulture
• Plant Pathology
• Renewable Energy All Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences students in the program will be required to teach or assist in teaching at least two courses within the School of Agricultural Sciences while in the program. ### Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences Candidacy By the end of the second semester in residence, students must have chosen an area of emphasis and formed a graduate advisory committee to approve their coursework and oversee their dissertation research. The graduate advisory committee will consist of at least five graduate faculty members. To be admitted to candidacy, the student must have completed the residency requirement, plus the core and emphasis area coursework that was approved by their graduate advisory committee. At this time, they will take both written and oral preliminary examinations designed and administered by the student's graduate advisory committee. After passing the written and oral preliminary exams and with an approved dissertation proposal, the student will be admitted to candidacy. ### Dissertation and Dissertation Examination By the beginning of the fifth semester of residence, the students will present to their graduate committee a dissertation research proposal. The student's committee must approve the proposal by the end of their fifth semester of residence. When the dissertation is completed to the satisfaction of the graduate advisory committee, the committee will administer a final oral exam that will focus on defense of the dissertation. When the dissertation and final oral exam are successfully completed, the student will be recommended for the doctoral degree.

Southern Illinois University

---

Overview:

Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a public research university located in Carbondale, Illinois. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and off-campus options. SIU is known for its commitment to access and opportunity, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

---

Services Offered:

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

SIU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students can participate in outdoor adventures, explore the university's 3,000 acres of hills and forests, and engage in various recreational activities. The university also boasts a strong athletic program, with the Salukis competing in NCAA Division I athletics.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

SIU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, regardless of their residency.

Small Class Sizes:

The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and smaller class sizes.

Diverse Academic Programs:

SIU offers over 200 majors, minors, and specializations, providing students with a wide range of academic options.

Research Opportunities:

SIU is a research-intensive university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects.

Strong Alumni Network:

SIU has a large and active alumni network, offering support and connections to students after graduation.

---

Academic Programs:

SIU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Majors:

A variety of undergraduate majors are available, including engineering, business, education, and the arts.

Graduate Programs:

SIU offers a wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees in various fields.

Online Programs:

SIU offers a variety of online programs, allowing students to pursue their education from anywhere in the world.

Off-Campus Programs:

SIU offers off-campus programs at various locations, providing students with opportunities to study and learn in different environments.

Simmons Law School:

SIU's law school offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

School of Medicine:

SIU's medical school offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

---

Other:

SIU is committed to providing a safe and inclusive campus environment for all students. The university offers a variety of resources and support services to help students succeed, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.