Plant Pathology

Program Overview

The BS in Plant Pathology at Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences prepares students to address global challenges in food security, environmental quality, and bio-based products. The curriculum combines a solid science foundation with specialized courses in plant pathology, plant science, and related areas. Graduates are equipped for careers in research, diagnostics, government agencies, and academia, with average starting salaries ranging from $30,000 to $40,000.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Degree: BS
• Campus: Columbus
• College: Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
• Overview: Plant pathology, the study of plant disease, is at the forefront of global challenges in food security and food production, environmental quality and sustainability, and advanced bioenergy and bio-based products—the signature areas of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Plant pathologists specialize in plant health, similar to the way a physician specializes in human health or a veterinarian in animal care. Plants are affected by a variety of disease-causing organisms (pathogens) such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes that can cause devastating crop losses and damage forests and ecosystems. Invasive diseases such as Dutch elm disease, chestnut blight and sudden oak death have devastated forests and landscapes. Even chocolate production is threatened by the spread of cacao disease in South America.

Outline:

• Curriculum: The plant pathology curriculum includes a solid background in the sciences augmented by in-depth courses in plant pathology, plant science, biology, microbiology and related areas.
Plant pathology majors take a specified set of required courses in biology, chemistry and plant pathology, including courses in microbiology, genetics and soil science. Students can tailor their program to areas of interests. An approved list of electives for the major includes courses from plant pathology, biochemistry, chemistry, soil science, entomology, horticulture and crop science, microbiology, and plant biology.
• Students must also complete a minor (12–15 credit hours).

Careers:

• Possible careers: Professionals with expertise in plant pathology are needed to address challenges pertaining to food security, agricultural chemicals, food safety, genetically modified crops, organic agriculture, renewable resources, invasive species and bio-based technologies.
The plant pathology major provides excellent course work and training for students interested in pursuing advanced studies in plant pathology, plant biology and related disciplines. A master’s degree provides additional training and skills students need in order to work as research technicians, educators or in industry. For those interested in becoming a research manager or university faculty, a PhD is usually required. Graduates with strong academic credentials may be eligible for graduate research or teaching assistantships that provide living and educational expenses while pursuing a graduate degree.
• Many plant pathology graduates work in research or diagnostic laboratories in the academic or private sector.
Graduates also work for government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state departments of agriculture or regulatory agencies, while others may teach or work in Extension outreach.
• Salary estimates: Salaries are variable depending on a graduate’s experience, background and area of specialization, with an average starting annual salary between $30,000 and $40,000.
Students with graduate degrees can expect to earn more than graduates with bachelor’s degrees.