PhD Crop Sciences at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Programme overview

The PhD in Crop Sciences prepares students for career opportunities in plant sciences and agriculture. Research areas include bioinformatics and statistics, crop genetic improvement, crop production, plant protection, sustainable food systems, and water quality and environmental systems.

Faculty: College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences | Department: Crop Sciences | Duration: 96 credit hours from a bachelor's degree; 64 credit hours from a master's degree | Study mode: full-time | Location: Champaign, IL, United States

What you will study

Required CPSC 594 Professional Orientation, CPSC 598 Graduate Student Seminar each semester, CPSC 599 Thesis Research and graded coursework approved by the guidance committee; a preliminary exam (written and oral) within five semesters, a dissertation and final defense. BS-to-PhD students also pass a qualifying exam.

Career pathways

Career opportunities in plant sciences and agriculture.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants with an MS, those nearing MS completion, and highly motivated BS holders may apply. At least a B average in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work plus any graduate work. Strong letters of reference recommended; non-native English speakers submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,908 a year (2026-27). Illinois resident rate. Tuition only for new and continuing graduate students, Fall 2026-Spring 2027 at full-time (12 credit hours per term). Non-Illinois U.S. resident tuition for this programme: $32,204. Excludes campus and mandatory fees, health insura Source

International applicants: USD 32,204 a year (2026-27). International rate. Tuition only for new and continuing graduate students, Fall 2026-Spring 2027 at full-time (12 credit hours per term). Excludes campus and mandatory fees, health insurance, housing and other expenses as the source states them separately Source

Not all graduate programmes offer admission in all terms; term availability is set by each programme of study.

Graduate applicants apply online through the Graduate College application; deadlines and term availability are set by each programme. Medicine, law and veterinary medicine applicants apply directly to their colleges.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply

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