Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science (Doctoral)

Overview

The Plant Science Ph.D. program provides broad training in the plant sciences through coursework and in-depth research training opportunities in molecular, cellular, genetic, genomic and physiological aspects of plants, including model organisms, crops and wild relatives. Study the urgent questions surrounding sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and challenges to agricultural and urban plant systems, including plant improvements through genetics, breeding and symbioses; novel strategies for mitigating plant disease and improving food safety; and innovative land management strategies to optimize plant growth. The program immerses you in the daily life of a laboratory scientist. An advisor will help you develop and conduct your own research for publication.

Coursework Location(s)

• Main/Tucson

Minimum Credit Units

• 54 Units

Required units may vary depending on the degree and/or minors pursued. Prospective students should familiarize themselves with the policies for the particular degrees in which they are interested.

Graduate College Admissions Requirements

• An awarded four-year undergraduate bachelor degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable international degree recognized by the home country Ministry of Education. (For international students see Minimum International Degree Requirements.)
• Proof of English proficiency is required for international applicants who hold citizenship from a country where English is not the official language. (View our English Requirement list to verify your need to submit an English proficiency test.)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher based on a 4.0 scale for Degree seeking applicants.

Individual programs may have additional requirements, such as a higher minimum GPA or test scores, please verify requirements with your program of interest. Applicants will also be required to submit a statement of purpose and at least one letter of recommendation.

Program Statistics

Program-level

• Application Accept. Rate: 9.09%
• Avg. Time-to-degree: 5.444 Years

Department-level

• Enrollment % Male: 47.37%
• Enrollment % Female: 52.63%
• Enrollment % International: 26.32%
• Enrollment % Under Rep. Minorities: 26.32%

All application, admission, and enrollment data are calculated in the fall of each academic year.

Average Time to Degree is a calculation showing the average time it took students in the program to complete their degree from the point of entry. This number is based on data from the previous 5 years.

Underrepresented Minorities (URM) includes domestic students of ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education: African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders.

Department / Academic Unit

• College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sci

Degree

• Doctor of Philosophy

Department Contact

• Graduate Program Coordinator: Deborah Cross
• Director of Graduate Studies: Mark Beilstein