Degree Requirements

Master of Arts

At least 30 semester hours of coursework, including Biology 698 or 398R, are required. The coursework must include a minor of six hours of work acceptable for graduate credit in another area or areas. In general, at least one full year (including the summer) is needed to meet the requirements for the master’s degree.

Doctor of Philosophy

Mastery of an integrated and meaningful program of graduate study is deemed more important than the completion of a prescribed number of semester hours. Most programs include at least four graduate courses in plant biology. Further supporting work in related sciences augments the program.

Admission to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree requires approval of the Graduate Studies Committee and is based on the total record of the student, performance in graduate courses, and such further examinations as the committee may require. A research proposal, written by the student, is a major part of the qualifying exam, which is administered by the student's Qualifying Exam Committee by the end of the second year in residence.