Plant Breeding

Plant Pathology
Master the art and science of enhancing crop genetics with Iowa State University's Plant Breeding graduate program. Designed for aspiring plant breeders and agricultural scientists, our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates cutting-edge research with practical application.
Program Homepage Program Handbook

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. For on-campus graduate students, a faculty member must agree to be your major professor before admission into the program. Those participating in the online distance program will be expected to find a major professor by the 2nd or 3rd semester. Our graduate students are mentored by their major professor, as well as their Program of Study committee which includes a small group of faculty members, one of which must be in a different field of study.


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.)
Online Degree Information

Brenda Kutz (distance students) & Kevin Desjean (campus based students)

agrongradprograms@iastate.edu
515-294-4161
Plant Breeding Graduate Programs
Iowa State University
Student Services
2101 Agronomy Hall
716 Farm House Lane
Ames, IA 50011-1051

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.

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 2025) 105

Application Requirements

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