Biological Sciences - Plant Science Specialization

Biological Sciences - Plant Science Specialization, Ph.D.

  • Application Deadline
  • 36 months
    Duration
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Overview

The Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department is an integrated department that includes programs in crop production, entomology, horticulture, plant biotechnology, plant breeding, plant pathology, precision farming, soils, water management, and weed science. 

The primary goals of the department are to conduct research in these areas, to transmit the results to the public, and to help prepare students for an occupation in these disciplines and to become productive members of a community. 

Graduate training of the Biological Sciences - Plant Science Specialization at South Dakota State University  includes classroom instruction, teaching experience, seminars designed to refine oral and written skills, and meaningful experience in laboratory and field research techniques. Departmental diversity encourages collaborations among disciplines and research programs that support this graduate training.

Career Opportunities

  • Agricultural consultant (domestic or international)
  • Agricultural chemical researcher or sales manager
  • Commercial crop or greenhouse manager
  • Food processing scientist
  • Plant biotechnologist
  • Plant breeder
  • Plant industry or biofuels researcher
  • Plant-pest protection specialist
  • Senior scientist or program leader for a federal or state agriculture, environmental quality, or land management agency
  • University professor, research support scientist, or extension educator

Detailed Programme Facts

  • Programme intensity Full-time
    • Full-time duration 36 months
  • Credits
    60 alternative credits

    you can also choose 90 credits plan

  • Languages
    • English
  • Delivery mode
    On Campus

Programme Structure

The student, major advisor and Advisory Committee select the discipline specific emphasis area of the biological sciences. The courses will be identified on the student’s Plan of Study no later than the end of the first year of study.  In addition, the study will successfully complete:

  • Seminar Credit: 1 - Selected with advisory committee approval
  • Research Regulations Compliance Credits: 1
  • Minimum of 3 credits of STAT courses numbered 500-level or higher
  •  Dissertation Credits: 30-40 - Students are required to present a seminar on their dissertation
  • Electives as needed to reach 60 or 90 credits

English Language Requirements

  • Minimum required score:

    83

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120.

  • Minimum required score:

    6

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

  • Minimum required score:

    560

    The TOEFL®PBT is administered in a paper format and measures your ability to use and understand English in a classroom setting at the college or university level. It accurately measures how well you can listen, read and write in English while performing academic tasks.

Academic Requirements

  • This programme accepts GRE® scores. However, it does not provide a recommended score range.

    The GRE® General Test is a widely administered admissions test that measures the skills needed in today's graduate and business school programs worldwide. The GRE® General Test contains three sections - Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Three scores are reported: a Verbal Reasoning score on a 130 - 170 score scale in one-point increments, a Quantitative Reasoning score on a 130 - 170 score scale in one-point increments, and an Analytical Writing score on a 0 - 6 score scale in half-point increments.

General Requirements

  • The application must include the application fee, all post-secondary transcripts, degree certificates, and other materials as required by specific programs before processing of the application will begin. The Graduate School employs a rolling deadline, however, students should check with their program of interest for specific admission deadlines. 
  • Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy degree, 60-credit plan, must have a Master’s degree. This degree must be awarded from an approved, accredited institution. In those cases where applicants do not have a Master’s degree, departmental requirements will apply, either requiring completion of a Master’s degree or permitting an individual to move directly into a doctoral program, 90-credit plan. Domestic, international or non-degree seeking students may submit an application online.

Tuition Fee

  • International

    648 USD/credit
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 648 USD per credit and a duration of 36 months.

  • National

    337 USD/credit
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 337 USD per credit and a duration of 36 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

Living costs for Brookings

  • 1085 - 1890 USD/month
    Living Costs

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

Funding

Check the programme website for information about funding options.

Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

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