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Dec 06, 2025
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2025-2026 University Catalog
Botany and Plant Pathology, PHD
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About the Program
Top researchers and graduate students in Botany and Plant Pathology expand frontiers of knowledge in plant biology, plant pathology, and weed science. Research on plants and their interactions with other organisms and the environment is critical to crop production and food security. Studies consist of coursework and independent research leading to a dissertation. Upon completing the program, students can pursue research and leadership positions in industry, academia, and government. Here, students will experience: - A small, congenial department
- Camaraderie and support among peers and faculty
- Diverse research topics
- World-class facilities and equipment
- Opportunities for leadership and professional development
Program Website Program Requirements
90 Credits Required (30 credits from a Master’s may be applied.) Required Courses (17-20 credits)
The department does not mandate how many course credits an M.S. or Ph.D. student should list on their plan of study. However, the College of Agriculture strongly recommends that M.S. students list approximately 24 course credits and Ph.D. students list 48 - 54 course credits on their plans of study, respectively. All BPP graduate students are required to register for BTNY 69700 (Seminar in Plant Sciences) every semester. This is a graded course worth 1 credit. Students who attend at least 8 Wednesday BPP seminars will receive an “A” in the course. Students who fail to attend at least 8 BPP seminars will receive an “F” in the course. Accommodations will be made for students who are assigned to TA a course that is scheduled for the same time as the seminar or who are doing an external internship. Electives (xx credits)
In addition to the core courses, each student will take additional courses which will be determined in consultation of the student’s major professor and graduate advisory committee. Dissertation Research (xx credits)
Concentrations
Departmental concentrations: - Biochemistry Molecular Biology
- Botany
- Mycology
- Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Plant Cell and Developmental Biology
- Plant Cell Biology
- Plant Ecology, Evolution, and Systems
- Plant Genetics
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Physiology
- Plant Protection
- Plant Virology
- Virology
- Weed Science
Optional interdisciplinary concentrations: Additional Information
Teaching requirement: Graduate teaching assistantships are an important component of the graduate education process. Teaching assistantships help develop organizational, speaking, technical, and time-management skills. All Ph.D. students are required to serve as a graduate teaching assistant for a minimum of one semester during their program. All international graduate students must meet the university’s English proficiency requirement before serving as a teaching assistant. This is a different requirement than required during the application process. The specific semester in which a student is required to teach will be determined in consultation with the student’s major professor, the department teaching coordinator, and the department head. As a general rule, a student will not be expected to teach in his or her first semester unless admitted on a teaching assistantship. The teaching coordinator and the instructor will
determine the student’s specific duties and course assignment. To the extent possible, the student’s interest/expertise will be matched as closely as possible with the course assignment. GPA Requirements
A graduate student is expected by both the department and the Graduate School to maintain a cumulative and semester GPA of 3.0. If a student’s cumulative or semester GPA falls below 3.0, the student will be placed on departmental probation. If a student earns a GPA less than 3.0 in any two successive semesters or the cumulative GPA stays below 3.0 for two successive semesters, they may be asked to discontinue graduate study at Purdue University. Graduate students are expected to earn S grades for research credits. If a student earns a U grade in two successive semesters the department is required to take formal action with regard to discontinuation or conditions for continuation of the student’s graduate 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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