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Explore the intricate science of plant health and disease management with Iowa State University's Plant Pathology graduate program. Tailored for aspiring plant scientists and agricultural professionals, our program offers a robust curriculum that integrates advanced research with practical application.
Program Homepage Program Handbook
  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in plant pathology.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to knowledge and practice of plant pathology.
  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate data acquisition and analysis; appropriately interpret results and integrate data into existing knowledge.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate technical and practical information, both orally and in writing, to the scientific community, Extension audiences, and the general public.
  • Conduct scholarship or other professional activities, in teams or independently, in ways that demonstrate and promote ethical practice, and professionalism.

Degrees Offered:

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

 

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: 2.6 years (Methods)

Dai Nguyen

plantpath@iastate.edu
515-294-9052
Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology
207 Science Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1020

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in plant pathology.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to knowledge and practice of plant pathology.
  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate data acquisition and analysis; appropriately interpret results and integrate data into existing knowledge.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate technical and practical information, both orally and in writing, to the scientific community, Extension audiences, and the general public.
  • Conduct scholarship or other professional activities, in teams or independently, in ways that demonstrate and promote ethical practice, professionalism, diversity and inclusion.

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:

  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • 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 2026) 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Applications are accepted year round; however, to ensure full consideration for financial support (assistantships and fellowships), applications are due January 1 for Fall admission and August 1 for Spring admission.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions