Overview

Plant pathology is the study of disease in plants and concerns the dynamic interaction between the plant, the causal agent (bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes, etc.), and their environments.

Features

A Plant Pathology student at Pennsylvania State University may specialize in the etiology and integrated management of diseases of forest trees, agronomic or horticultural crops.

Advanced studies in molecular systematics of fungi and applied mycology, related to the production of the commercial mushroom, are also available.

Modern, well-equipped laboratories, controlled environment facilities and greenhouses, and well-developed field research areas are available for graduate study.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Microbe-Plant Interactions: Plant Disease and Biological Control
Plant Disease Diagnosis
Phytopathology
Plant Virology: Molecules to Populations
Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenesis in Plants
Biology of Fungi
Turfgrass Disease Management
Virus Ecology
Applied Microbial Ecology
Principles of Integrated Pest Management
Molecular Genetics of Plant-Pathogen Interactions
Epidemiology of Plant Diseases

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

26 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

University Park, United States

Disciplines

Botany Pathology View 38 other PhDs in Botany in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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Other requirements

General requirements

Students with a 3.00 junior/senior average (on a 4.00 scale) and with appropriate course backgrounds will be considered for admission. Exceptions to the minimum 3.00 grade-point average may be made at the program's discretion for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests.
Students are expected to have a strong foundation in biological and physical sciences. Generally, students with B.S. degrees in biology, microbiology, plant science, molecular biology, or biochemistry are well prepared for graduate study in Plant Pathology.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

16900 USD / year

≈ 16900 USD / year
Out-of-State

16900 USD / year

≈ 16900 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9377 USD / year

≈ 9377 USD / year

Living costs

University Park

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Plant Pathology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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