Crop Production and Physiology

Aline Sartor Chicowski
Courses and hands-on experience provide the advanced techniques that will enable you to address environmental and agricultural problems facing our global community. If you’re interested in our graduate program, browse our scientist’s areas of expertise and current research projects. If a subject or project interests you, reach out to that researcher.
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The graduate program in Crop Production and Physiology equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to address pressing challenges in global food production, promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural practices for the future.


Degrees Offered:

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

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

  • Seed Science (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Weed Science (M.S., Ph.D.)

Area(s) of Emphasis:

  • Forages
  • Grain Crops
  • Seed Science
  • Weed Science

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.2 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.3 years (Methods)

Kevin Desjean

agrongradprograms@iastate.edu
515-294-4161
Crop Production and Physiology Graduate Programs
Iowa State University
2101 Agronomy Hall
716 Farm House Lane
Ames, IA 50011-1051

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of basic and applied knowledge pertaining the physiology and production of agronomic crops.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to better understanding crop production and physiology.
  • Develop skills for the appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.
  • Interpret research results and integrate them into the existing knowledge of the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings in traditional and non-traditional forms such as in-person presentations, scientific publications, outreach publications, social media, blogs, video, and webinars.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams and independently, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.

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:

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 2026) 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Continual review, no deadlines for admission or assistantships. Faculty commitment required prior to admission.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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