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Plant Science |
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Program Description
Among the most pressing and timely challenges to modern plant science are determining how plants function in both natural and modified ecosystems. Among these issues are how plants respond to and resist pests, pathogens, and environmental stresses. Research goals include the modification of plants to satisfy global needs for food, feed, fiber, and medicine.
Traditionally, these issues were investigated only through research in individual disciplines. Realizing the need for an integrated approach to plant science research, Oklahoma State University's faculty in the departments of Plant & Soil Science, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Botany, Entomology & Plant Pathology, Natural Resource Ecology & Management, Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, and Microbiology & Molecular Genetics have formulated a multidisciplinary Ph.D. degree program in Plant Science.
The Plant Science Ph.D. Program at Oklahoma State University provides the opportunity for exceptional students to undertake coursework and research tailored to their individual career goals. In this program, students can experience the many facets of plant science, which affords them the flexibility to seek employment in a variety of settings. With the Advisory Committee's guidance, students develop a program in one of three specialization areas:
- Cellular
and Molecular
- Organismal
- Ecological
Even
though students will develop a specialization area, they are expected
to develop a sound foundation across the disciplines of plant science.
For example, a student specializing in the Cellular and Molecular
area will also be required to have a basic understanding of Organismal
and Ecological plant sciences.
Admission Requirements
In
this multidisciplinary program, there are several components to
the application process: submission of paperwork, identification
of advisor and funding, and approval by the Graduate College and
Plant Science Steering Committee.
Paperwork
to be Submitted to the Graduate College:
- All
parts of your application required by the Graduate College must
be received by the Graduate College before it can be given further
consideration. You may contact the Graduate College to check on
your application's status at any time.
- An
official Graduate College application for admission and the non-refundable
application fee. The current fee is indicated in the application
materials.
- Original
transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Paperwork
to be Submitted Directly to Dr. Henley, the Plant Science Degree
Program Coordinator:
- Graduate
Record Examinatin (GRE) scores. In addition, to the general test,
the Advanced Biology GRE is encouraged. The GRE Department
code for the Plant Science Degree Program is 0112
and should be used on your GRE application.
- A
statement of purpose and goals that should include relevant information
about the applicant's background, research interests, and vocational
objectives.
- A
resume summarizing the applicant's academic and professional accomplishments.
- Three
letters of recommendation must be submitted directly from the
reference to Dr. Henley, Coordinator of the Plant Science Degree
Program.
- An
abstract of the Master of Science degree thesis, if applicable.
Additional
Paperwork to be Provided by International Students and sent to the
Graduate College:
- A
minimum TOEFL score of 570 (Paper-based) or 230 (Computer-based) or 88 (Internet-based)
- A
financial affidavit in accordance to OSU requirements
Once
the application is complete it will be forwarded to the Coordinator
of the Plant Science Program for review. It is the applicant's responsibility
to ensure that all application materials arrive at OSU in a timely
manner.
The
Plant Science Program Steering Committee meets and evaluates the
applicant's credentials when the application materials are complete.
Upon making a decision, the Committee forwards their recommendation
to the Graduate College. The Graduate College notifies the applicant
of these results by letter, a copy of which is sent to the Program
Coordinator.
Financial Aid
Assistantships are not available through the Plant Science program itself; the Program Coordinator does not have financial support to offer. Financial support needs to be arranged with the student's advisor and home department.
Participating Departments and Advisory Committee Members
Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology
Department Head
Dr. Gary Thompson
Departmental Contact:
Dr. Andrew Mort
246C Noble Research Center
Voice: (405) 744-6189
Fax: (405) 744-7799
andrew.mort@okstate.edu
Botany
Department Head
Dr. Linda Watson
Departmental Contact:
Dr. William Henley
301 Physical Science
Voice: 405-744-5559
bill.henley@okstate.edu
Entomology and Plant Pathology
Department Head
Dr. Phil Mulder
Departmental Contact:
Dr. Jacqueline Fletcher
311B Noble Research Center
Voice: 405-744-9958
FAX: 405-744-7373
jacqueline.fletcher@okstate.edu
Natural Resource Ecology & Management
Department Head
Dr. Keith Owens
Departmental Contact:
Dr. Stephen W. Hallgren
011 Agriculture Hall
Voice: 405-744-5437
FAX: 405-744-9693
steve.hallgren@okstate.edu
Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Department Head
Dr. Dale Maronek
Departmental Contact:
Dr. Jeff Anderson
360 Agricultural Hall
Voice: 405-744-5414
FAX: 405-744-9709
jeff.anderson@okstate.edu
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
Department Head
Dr. Robert V. Miller
Departmental Contact:
Dr. Robert Burnap
405 Life Sciences East
Voice: 405-744-7445
FAX: 405-744-6790
rob.burnap@okstate.edu
Plant and Soil Sciences
Department Head
Dr. David Porter
Departmental Contact:
Dr. Mike Anderson
369 Agriculture Hall
405-744-6417
FAX: 405-744-5269
michael.anderson@okstate.edu
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