Our program provides training in the most state of the art methods and technologies. Graduate study in Interdepartmental Plant Biology (IPB), leading to the M.S. Degree and Ph.D. Degree, is offered through eight participating departments: Agronomy, Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology (BBMB), Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE), Chemistry, Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology (EEOB), Genetics Development & Cell Biology (GDCB), Horticulture, and Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology (PPEM).

The interdepartmental curriculum educates scientists in basic plant biology, including but not limited to plant molecular biology, plant cell biology, plant physiology, and plant organismal biology.

Research conducted by the faculty and students of the major represents basic plant biology. The experimental approaches represented in the major span the range of complexity from molecular studies, to cellular, organismal and the ecological level (crop monocultures and natural populations).

Although IPB graduate students are themselves involved in basic plant biology research, the research focus of the faculty in the major includes both basic and applied approaches. This mix of basic and practical research orientations helps foster a stimulating environment for graduate training.

More information available in the IPB Handbook (pdf)

We welcome this opportunity to provide you with a brief description of entrance and graduation requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D., plus a listing of courses available to choose from. Entering students are expected to have a basic competence in physical science, mathematics, and plant science. Minimum requirements for admission include courses in calculus, college physics, genetics, plant anatomy, and plant physiology. Minor deficiencies in these areas usually can be made up during graduate study.

Students should sign up for a total of 9 credits each fall and spring and 5 credits for summer session.

Minor in Plant Biology

For graduate students in other programs, we offer a minor in plant biology. 

Prerequisite Courses:

• STAT 5101 (formerly Stat 5870) (Statistical Methods for Data Analysis), Please enroll in Section 2 for the lecture course and section B for the lab portion (these are sections tailored for students in the biological sciences), Cr. 4. F., S., SS.
• BBMB 4040  (Biochemistry I), Cr. 3. F. or BBMB 501 (Comprehensive Biochemistry I), Cr. 4. F.

1. Take nine credits from the following list of courses:
   • AGRON 5160 (Crop Physiology), Cr. 3. S.
   • BIOL 4540 (Plant Anatomy), Cr. 4. F.
   • GDCB 5130 (Plant Metabolism), Cr. 2. F.
   • GDCB 5450 (Plant Molecular Biology), Cr. 3. F.

Information regarding course availability can be found in the official schedule of classes.

The plant biology program prepares students for academic careers, careers in industry and applied science, and careers in government:

• Academic careers such as postdoctoral research and university/faculty positions
• Careers in industry and applied science, working for biotechnology, seed, crop protection, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical companies
• Careers in government (USDA and EPA) and public sectors, which can involve providing extension and education services