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Plant Biology Graduate Program
Penn State's Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Plant Biology (formerly Plant Physiology) provides educational and research experience for students interested in a variety of fields, including molecular, cell, and evolutionary biology; biochemistry, biophysics; genetics and functional genomics; physiology; and root biology. It prepares students for teaching and research positions in colleges and universities, and research positions in industry and government.
Program overview
The program includes faculty members from 9 departments in 3 colleges. Their research interests range from from the cellular, molecular and biochemical levels to whole-plant physiology and ecophysiology. Students' program of study includes a comprehensive set of team-taught courses that reflect the breadth of scientific fields, and the linkages between them. All students must also complete a thesis based on their own original research.
Work for an MS degree is usually completed in two years. The PhD degree requires three or more years of research beyond the MS level. BS-level applicants with good academic records who have had strong training in plant biology and related courses, including research experience, are admitted directly into the PhD program. More about admission requirements.
As a first-year student in the PhD program you will spend time in different labs to explore potential PhD projects and advisors. These lab rotations introduce you to faculty research programs and develop your skills in problem solving. After you have chosen an advisor, or dual advisors, you will become associated with the (primary) advisor’s academic department, which provides research facilities and office space.
To fulfill the required number of academic credits for the PhD or MS degree, you will need to take a set of required courses and a colloquium class. Additional elective courses may be chosen in consultation with your advisor. You may also be able to obtain supervised experience in teaching. More about degree requirements and the curriculum.
Financial aid
All applicants are automatically considered for financial support. However, financial support is awarded preferentially to students pursuing a PhD degree. Students receiving financial support (stipend plus tuition grant-in-aid) will be funded throughout their study, provided they remain in good standing and maintain satisfactory progress.
Participating departments
The departments represented by program faculty are: