PhD Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Programme overview

The program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics provides a broad exposure in the various disciplines involved with plant improvement. The program is truly interdisciplinary with faculty participants from biochemistry, botany, entomology, genetics, plant and agroecosystem sciences, plant pathology, and statistics. Research areas include biochemical and molecular genetics, bioinformatics, biometry, cytogenetics and cytology, genecology, genetics, plant breeding, and quantitative genetics.

Duration: 51 credits | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (deadline December 1), Spring (deadline September 1), Summer (deadline December 1) | Location: Madison, WI, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 51 credits. Courses listed in the requirements include PLANTSCI 501 Principles of Plant Breeding; PLANTSCI 812 Selection Theory for Quantitative Traits in Plants; PL PATH 517 Plant Disease Resistance; PLANTSCI 550 Molecular Approaches for Crop Improvement; PLANTSCI 811 Biometrical Procedures in Plant Breeding; AN SCI 865 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies.

Career pathways

Close working relationships between plant breeding and plant genetics (PBPG) students and faculty with companies, commodity groups, and NGOs allow for exposure to various work environments and potential employers. Opportunities exist for students to complete short-term internships with companies depending on research interests and progress toward graduate degrees.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) Not required; Letters of Recommendation Required 3. All PhD students in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics (PBPG) must satisfy the following general course requirements. These may be completed as undergraduates, during another graduate program, or while enrolled in the PBPG program. One course in General Chemistry One course in Organic Chemistry One course in Mathematics beyond algebra Four courses among at least three of the following areas: a. Biochemistry b. Genetics c. Structure and Function of Organisms d. Ecology and Population Biology (including Plants) e. Physics or Engineering Application Checklist A complete application should include the following items: Graduate School Application: We only accept applications submitted online through the Graduate School.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms (spring, summer or fall) vary by programme and are listed on each programme's Graduate Guide admissions tab. An applicant may have active applications in only one entry term at a time.

Application deadlines vary by programme and are listed on the programme's Graduate Guide admissions tab. Applications are submitted through the Graduate School application portal. The application fee is $75 US, non-refundable, payable by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or debit/ATM; international applicants pay an extra $6 processing fee. Up to three programmes in the same entry term can be applied to for one application fee.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/

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