Program Overview

Doctorate in Horticulture Program

The Doctorate in Horticulture Program is designed to develop the scholarly knowledge and research skills necessary to become an independent principal investigator. Graduate students in this program are expected to excel in research, teaching, extension activities, and professional development.

Program Overview

The program requires at least three years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree, equivalent to at least 90 semester hours of graduate coursework and research credits. Up to 30 hours of graduate credits at the M.S. level may be applied toward the Ph.D. program of study.

Requirements

• 60 semester hours of coursework and research credit, to include:
  • 24 to 30 credit hours of graduate coursework
    • Must include 3 credit hours of Graduate Seminar (HORT 951)
  • 30 to 36 credit hours of research (HORT 999)
• A dissertation representing at least 30 hours of research credit
• Teaching experience: All Ph.D. students must participate in the teaching program of the department of horticulture and natural resources for one semester during their degree program
• Outreach/extension experience: Each student must participate in two of the three general categories listed below
  • Developing and Communicating Information
  • Interacting with the Public
  • Public Service

Research

All Ph.D. students must conduct original research under the supervision of the major professor and the advisory committee on a selected problem related to their field of study. A research proposal must be developed as the first step in the research process.

Tuition

The estimated tuition is $479.16 per credit hour. However, this estimate is for illustrative purposes only and does not include any course, department, or college fees; online fees; and may vary depending on transfer hours, course choices, and academic progress.

Program Features

• Opportunity to specialize in an area related to career
• Can start coursework in fall, spring, or summer
• Competitive, flat-rate tuition and fees

Graduate Research

The process of developing a concise research proposal is an appropriate and necessary prerequisite for the eventual completion of the research thesis. As a general rule, the proposed research effort should be rigorous and of high enough standard to merit its publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Teaching Experience

Teaching assignments are made annually by the director of graduate programs and the student's adviser in concert with the undergraduate teaching faculty. Teaching assignments are typically made at the end of the Spring semester for the subsequent academic year.

Outreach/Extension Experience

An outreach experience gives students exposure to a potential area of employment, adds to their expertise in their field of study, and helps them gain empathy for the industry and public that the discipline serves. Each student must participate in two of the three general categories listed below.

Doctoral Degree General Overview

See the Graduate School Handbook for a detailed overview of the graduate application process and degree expectations.

Related Programs

• Urban Food Systems (M.S.)
• Urban Food Systems (Certificate)
• Applied Biosciences (food track)

Graduate Degrees

• Master's Degrees
  • Animal Science
  • Applied Biosciences
  • Public Health
  • Urban Food Systems
  • Veterinary Biomedical Science
• Doctorate Degrees
  • Horticulture and Natural Resources
• Certificates
  • Animal Health Data Analytics and Insights
  • Animal Health Regulatory Affairs
  • Professional Interdisciplinary Sciences
  • Professional Skills for STEM Practitioners
  • Urban Food Systems

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    • Animal Sciences and Industry
    • Applied and Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology
    • Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health
    • Horticulture/Urban Food Systems
    • Hospitality Management
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    • Statistics
    • Technology
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