Plant Breeding

Program Information:

Program Statement:

At ISU we are dedicated to your success as a graduate student. As a first step, we have collected information on application requirements as well as links where you can find further information. We encourage you to explore.

Degrees Offered:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Master of Science (M.S.)
Online Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

Predictive Plant Phenomics (Ph.D.)

Program Handbook(s):

Handbook

Learning Goals:

Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of study, i.e., plant breeding.
Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.
Conduct original research via appropriate data acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.
Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing, and appropriate use of display items (tables, figures, and other appropriate types of presentation), electronic or other forms of media.
Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.

How long does it take to earn a degree?

Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.0 years (Methods)
Median time to earn the master’s: 4.5 years (Methods)

Program Contact:

Contact: Brenda Kutz (distance students) & Kevin Desjean (campus based students)
Phone: 515-294-4161
E-mail Address:

Mailing Address:

Plant Breeding Graduate Programs
Iowa State University
Student Services
2101 Agronomy Hall
716 Farm House Lane
Ames, IA 50011-1051

Admission Requirements:

Graduate College Requirements:

4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
Academic Records/Transcripts
Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

Potential campus based students (not distance) must have a faculty commitment to serve as major professor and provide assistantship. Potential students should locate faculty whose work aligns with their educational and career goals and contact them directly BEFORE completing the application to inquire about open graduate positions and funding. Only applicants who are in contact with faculty and receive a faculty commitment will be admitted into the program. Click here for FAQ.
Resume and publications list should be submitted as PDFs in the online application system
Publications list, if applicable, should be submitted as a PDF in the online application system
DISTANCE PLANT BREEDING PROGRAM DOES NOT REQUIRE GREs.
Program Requires GRE: Yes
Program Requires GMAT: No
Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

Financial Statement: Application

English Proficiency Minimum:

TOEFL Paper (PBT)	550
TOEFL Internet (iBT)	79
IELTS	6.5
PTE	53
Duolingo (approved through spring 2025)	105

Application Information:

Application Deadlines:

Continual review for distance Plant Breeding program. Continual review for campus based Plant Breeding program, no deadlines for admission or assistantships. Faculty commitment required prior to admission in campus based program.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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