Master's Degree

The Master's degree typically takes two years to complete. Non-thesis (comprehensive examination) and thesis options are available. The student selecting a non-thesis degree program will generally take a minimum of 36 units of upper-division and graduate courses, of which 18 must be graduate level courses in Plant Pathology. An examination committee administers a comprehensive final oral exam in the major subject. Students selecting a thesis program for the master's degree will generally enroll in 36 units of upper division and graduate courses, of which 24 must be graduate level courses in Plant Pathology. Up to 12 units may be in research for the thesis. The research advisor guides the student toward completion of an acceptable thesis.

 Ph.D. Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy program is tailored to the needs and interests of each student. The program involves course work and independent research experience. Classes are selected in consultation with the student's major professor or curriculum advisor, and the graduate affairs committee of the program that will confer the Ph.D. degree. In addition to core subjects such as plant pathology or nematology, some degree of competence may be expected in other areas such as biochemistry, entomology, or genetics, depending on the student's intended field of expertise. Partway during the Ph.D. training period, students must demonstrate adequate preparation in the fields fundamental to their degree subject and in areas in which students have placed special emphasis in their training. This is determined by written and oral qualifying examinations which must be passed before the student can advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. Degree candidates will prepare a dissertation based on their original research, which must be approved by a dissertation committee selected to supervise the student's progress. A final, oral defense of the dissertation and related areas is required.