Crop Sciences, PhD
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Sciences
Admission
Admission to the Ph.D. program will be considered for applicants with the M.S., those nearing completion of the M.S., and highly motivated students with the B.S. Because of the diversity of programs in the Department of Crop Sciences, the preparation that is needed varies considerably. Strong letters of reference, evident motivation to undertake graduate study, and good preparation in basic science courses enhance an applicant's credentials. For some programs, greater emphasis is given to previous training in plant sciences, chemistry, or mathematics. A grade point average equivalent to at least a B in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate course work plus any graduate level work completed is required. All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit the results of the TOEFL or IELTS as evidence of English proficiency. Official scores are required to be submitted directly from TOEFL/ETS or IELTS to the University. Additional information for international applicants can be found at the Graduate College website. Please see our webpage for additional information.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
Faculty Research Interests
Please refer to the following webpage for a detailed listing of our faculty and their areas of interest.
Financial Aid
Fellowships and assistantships are available to outstanding students on a competitive basis. Awards for financial assistance are based principally on a candidate’s academic record, statement of plans, and letters of reference.
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Sciences
Students are required to pass a preliminary examination within five semesters of first enrolling, not including the summer terms, and after substantial completion of the Ph.D. graded coursework requirement. The preliminary examination is comprised of both an oral and written component and students are expected to defend their Thesis Proposal at the oral component of the examination. Those students on the BA to PhD plan must also pass a Qualifying Exam. An acceptable dissertation is required. Residence requirements are the same as those of the Graduate College.
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.
Entering with approved M.S./M.A. degree
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Graded Coursework approved by the graduate guidance committee not including CPSC 594 or CPSC 598, with a grade point average of at least a B. | 12 | |
| CPSC 594 | Professional Orientation CPSC (not required if it was taken in fulfillment of the master's degree.) | 1 |
| CPSC 598 | Seminar (CPSC 598: Graduate Student Seminar (enrollment required each semester)) Maximum applied toward degree | 14 |
| CPSC 599 | Thesis Research (minimum applied toward degree) | 37 |
| Total Hours | 64 | |
Other Requirements
| Other requirements and conditions may overlap | |
| 64 hours of in-residence credit beyond the M.S. | |
| Qualifying Exam Required: | No |
| Preliminary Exam Required: | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required: | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required: | Yes |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
Entering with approved B.S./B.A. degree
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework approved by the graduate guidance committee not including CPSC 594 or CPSC 598, with a grade point average of at least a B. | 32 | |
| CPSC 594 | Professional Orientation CPSC | 1 |
| CPSC 598 | Seminar (Enrollment required each semester) Maximum applied toward degree | 14 |
| CPSC 599 | Thesis Research (minimum applied toward degree) | 49 |
| Total Hours | 96 | |
Other Requirements
| Other requirements and conditions may overlap | |
| 64 hours of in-residence credit beyond the M.S. | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 36 |
| Qualifying Exam Required: | Yes |
| Preliminary Exam Required: | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required: | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required: | Yes |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Sciences
BA Track
- Students will be able to read, understand, knowledgeably discuss and summarize in writing the primary scientific literature of their particular disciplinary research area (bioinformatics and statistics, crop genetic improvement, crop production, plant protection, sustainable food systems, and water quality and environmental systems).
- Students will assume responsibility and ownership in research project development and execution. They will also learn to independently conceive and develop their research projects.
- Students will acquire professional scientific writing and communication skills.
- Students will develop the capacity to communicate and collaborate across interdisciplinary boundaries.
- Students will develop the interpersonal skills to be competitive for career opportunities in plant sciences and agriculture.
MS Track
- Students will be able to read, understand, knowledgeably discuss and summarize in writing the primary scientific literature of their particular disciplinary research area (bioinformatics and statistics, crop genetic improvement, crop production, plant protection, sustainable food systems, and water quality and environmental systems).
- Students will assume responsibility and ownership in research project development and execution. They will also learn to independently conceive and develop their research projects.
- Students will acquire professional scientific writing and communication skills.
- Students will develop the capacity to communicate and collaborate across interdisciplinary boundaries.
- Students will develop the interpersonal skills to be competitive for career opportunities in plant sciences and agriculture.
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Sciences
Graduate Degree Programs in Crop Sciences
- Crop Sciences, MS (on campus & online)
- Bioinformatics: Crop Sciences, MS
- Crop Sciences, PhD
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Sciences
Department of Crop Sciences
Department Head: Dr. Adam Davis (asdavis1@illinois.edu)
Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Tiffany Jamann (tjamann@illinois.edu)
Director of online MS degree program: Dr. Gevan Behnke (gbehnke2@illinois.edu)
Department website
Department faculty
AW-101 Turner Hall
1102 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
Contact (217) 244-1530 or grad@cropsciences.illinois.edu for on-campus programs
Contact (217) 244-0595 or Dr. Gevan Behnke (gbehnke@illinois.edu) for online programs