Graduate Program Areas

Crop, Soil and Pest Management [faculty]

The Crop, Soil and Pest Management graduate program area prepares students for careers in research, teaching, extension, production agriculture and related industries. Current research programs emphasize soil and nutrient management, forage management, cereal and oil seed crop production, alternative crops, cropping systems, weed management, integrated pest management and precision agriculture. Many degree programs are cross-disciplinary to give students a comprehensive view of the field.

Entomology [faculty]

Within the Entomology graduate program area, a student can select training from a wide range of courses and research programs to prepare for a career in any of the many areas of professional entomology, including research, teaching, industry and extension work. Current research programs emphasize the following areas: ecology, pest management, insect behavior, biochemistry, morphology, molecular biology, physiology and systematics, as well as aquatic, forest, horticultural and urban entomology, chemical ecology, biological and chemical control, host-plant interactions, and integrated pest management.

Horticulture [faculty]

The Horticulture graduate program area provides a meaningful educational opportunity for the student with career interests in any of the many fields of the diverse discipline of horticulture. The program addresses applied issues related to solving immediate production problems and basic questions related to plant biology. Current research programs emphasize turfgrass management, ornamental horticulture, tree fruit management and agroforestry.

Plant Biology and Genetics [faculty]

Understanding the fundamental concepts of plant biology and genetics is essential to providing solutions to the wide array of problems in food, fiber and energy production that are facing the growing world population. In the Plant Biology and Genetics graduate program area, students receive training in a wide range of courses and research programs in plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, plant-microbe interactions, breeding and biotechnology. We encourage interdisciplinary training that provides a comprehensive preparation for careers in research and education in plant biology, genetics and related areas.

Plant Microbiology and Pathology [faculty]

Many of us take for granted the fact that we have a safe, abundant food supply. In many parts of the world, however, plant diseases can be devastating not only to plants themselves, but to the humans who rely on them. Through the study of plant microbiology and pathology, we help find solutions to these important problems. Our research programs focus on fundamental issues of plant-microbe interactions including both parasitic and mutualistic interactions. We seek to educate graduate students for careers in molecular plant-microbe interactions, plant pathology and related areas.