Graduate Admissions Policy
Consideration Of Applications: Applications are welcomed from all qualified students. Normally, applications for admission to the graduate program are considered only during the spring semester for subsequent fall admission. However, applications received from exceptionally well-qualified applicants during the fall can be considered for subsequent spring admission at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Applications are reviewed by the department's Graduate Admissions and Academic Standards Committee and recommendations for admission are brought to the full Plant Biology faculty for final decisions.
The department generally prefers to admit only as many students as the department can support through graduate assistantships and tuition scholarships; thus admission of graduate students without support through the university is discouraged. Should a student be admitted without support, future support is not guaranteed, and any future consideration for support shall be on an equal footing with all new applicants.
Interdepartmental Programs: When a student admitted through an interdepartmental program (e.g., Genetics, Natural Resources, etc.) requests an advisor in the Plant Biology Department, the request must be approved by the faculty of the department. The Graduate Admissions and Standards Committee must review the student’s credentials, determine whether or not sufficient space and facilities are available to the student, and make a recommendation to the faculty of the department. Acceptance of a student from an interdepartmental program by a Plant Biology advisor carries with it no commitment for financial support from the Plant Biology Department, as support should be provided from the particular interdepartmental program or through grant support to the advisor.
Degree Requirement for Admission to Ph.D. Program: An applicant will be considered for admission to the Ph.D. program only if she or he possesses—or will possess prior to enrollment—a Master’s degree. Applicants to the Ph.D. program whose most advanced degree is a Bachelor’s degree will be asked to apply to the Master’s program. The Plant Biology faculty believes that the Master of Science degree provides important preparation for the Ph.D. Such preparation includes experience in problem solving and data analysis, familiarity with the primary literature, development and completion of a research project, and experience in scientific writing.
The Plant Biology faculty acknowledges that exceptions to the above policy may be made. Some applicants may demonstrate experience equivalent to the M. S. degree through other research experience, writing experience, and course work.
