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 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-15 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 20 other PhDs in Pathology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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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.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Pennsylvania State University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

46790 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 46790 USD per year during 36 months.
National

46790 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 46790 USD per year during 36 months.
In-State

27116 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 27116 USD per year during 36 months.

Living costs for University Park

1000 - 1500 USD /month

Living costs

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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