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Dec 06, 2025
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2025-2026 University Catalog
Agronomy, PHD
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About the Program
The Department of Agronomy is home to trailblazing faculty and staff who share an unwavering commitment to student success and are celebrated for ground-breaking research. Our graduate students have access to innovative research opportunities and the latest technologies in the field. Our curriculum emphasizes the foundational knowledge and skills required to improve the productivity and management of agroecosystems using biotechnologies, informatics, and technical solutions for a broad range of environmental challenges. We invite you to become part of our research community, where you will refine your critical thinking skills, expand your professional network, and contribute your unique perspective to shaping agricultural systems both locally and globally. Within each degree (MS and PhD), there are six areas of research specialization: • Genetics & Crop improvement
• Crop Physiology & Ecology
• Cropping Systems
• Landscape & Hydrologic Processes
• Soils & Biogeochemistry
• Meteorology & Climatology Program Website Program Requirements
90 Credits Required (30 credits from a Master’s may be applied, including 24 graduate course credits and 6 research credits.) Required Courses (36 credits)
Core Courses (xx credits)
Statistics Courses (6 credits)
Students must take two statistics courses. The first statistics course should involve graduate-level probability and statistics emphasizing the scientific methods of data collection, particularly randomized experiments, random samples, analysis of variance, and theory of statistical inference. The second statistics course should contain at least 50% of theoretical/applied statistical reasoning and thinking. The course should emphasize topics such as designing investigations, formulating research questions, sampling, describing and comparing data sets, proposing and justifying conclusions and predictions based on data. Examples include Non-Gaussian probability distributions, data cleaning, Hypothesis testing, Simulation, Randomization, and spatial, time series and or Bootstrapping techniques. Suggested courses for both requirements listed below. Seminar Courses (2 credits)
Two professional developmental seminars (1 credit hour each) are required. They can be within the Agronomy department or other department on prior approval by the Graduate Program Chair. Suggested AGRY options listed below. Students must also attend at least 14 departmental seminars (at least 9 Agronomy seminars and at most 5 regular seminars in other departments or Distinguished Professor seminars) from matriculation to time of scheduling of Preliminary exam. Documentation must be submitted to the Graduate Program Coordinator at the time of Preliminary exam Scheduling and should consist of a list including: Date of seminar, Department of seminar, Speaker, Title of seminar. Dissertation Research (xx credits)
The dissertation is authored by an individual, describing results of original research undertaken by that individual, and asserting a position that individual is willing to defend. Joint or collaborative research endeavors are not prohibited; however, in such situations, unique aspects of the broad problem are to be explored by each individual, and the dissertation written and presented to the final examining committee is to be a document describing the student’s creative effort and contribution. It is expected that students will revise and publish a portion of their dissertation in reputable scientific journals before or after their final examination. Concentrations
Optional departmental concentrations: - Agricultural Meteorology
- Crop Physiology and Ecology
- Plant Genetics and Breeding
- Soil Chemistry
- Soil Fertilization and Plant Nutrition
- Soil Microbiology
- Soil Mineralogy and Genetics
- Soil Physics
Optional interdisciplinary concentrations: GPA Requirements
In general, a student can remain in good standing by maintaining a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or better-including courses not listed on the Plan of Study. Those students on assistantships or fellowships must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 (“B” average). The student also is expected to earn S grades for research registration. Two consecutive sessions of U grades for research registration mandate that the department take formal action and inform the student, in writing, and the Graduate School with regard to discontinuation or conditions for continuation of the student’s graduate study. All courses within a Plan of Study must cumulatively have a GPA of 3.0. Courses taken as pass/not pass or satisfactory are unacceptable on plans of study. Additional Information
A maximum of 6 credit hours on the plan of study may be independent study, but not with the student’s major professor. Students must have prior approval by Agronomy Graduate Chair for independent study credit hours. Approval will require documentation of course objectives, syllabus, and deliverables. A maximum of 6 credit hours of upper-level courses (300/400-level courses at Purdue) that were not required in your undergraduate curriculum are allowed on the plan of study. Graduate Programs Disclaimer
- The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
- Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary.
- Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
- Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
- Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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