PSPP graduate student workin in the lab

Bernard Nyamesorto, a doctoral student from Ghana, won the graduate research competition at the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative technical workshop for his research in rust-resistant wheat.

Overview

PSPP research faculty are involved in both teaching and research, which gives graduate students the benefit of hands-on experience in laboratories and classrooms. We excel in designing a program of study that will meet each student's needs and prepare them for a career or continued education.

Prospective graduate students

We are pleased you are interested in our graduate programs in the PSPP department. To apply, follow the first four steps below (the fifth item doesn't necessarily pertain to everyone).

  1. The GRE is not required. If needed, English Proficiency exams are listed on the Graduate School webpage, as are the minimum acceptable scores.
  2. Visit the PSPP faculty webpage and identify one or two prospective adviser(s) for a research project. Contact information is reported with each faculty member and email is often the best method of communication.
  3. Contact prospective thesis adviser(s) and identify your shared research interests.
  4. Once communication has been established with a prospective adviser, apply to The Graduate School. (If you have not yet established communication with a potential adviser, your application will likely be denied.)
  5. You can express an interest in self-funding. If you are an international student, this is only if your travel visa stipulates you will self-fund your education at MSU. This is accomplished through the Office of the Director of International Student and Scholar Services. Your graduate program would be 30 credits of coursework and not research-focused (for suggested coursework, see PSPP Graduate Student Policies and Procedures). Establish communication with a PSPP faculty. The expected cost for an international student self-funding a one-year 30-credit professional MS degree is approximately $36,000. For a Montana resident, it is approximately $12,000. 
Plant Sciences Graduate Programs
 Program Type Degree Program Options Required Coursework 
Masters

Plant Pathology 

Plant Sciences 

 

M.S. in Plant Pathology or Plant Sciences (click on appropriate link at bottom of page)
Doctoral Plant Sciences

Plant Pathology 

Plant Genetics 

 Ph.D. in Plant Sciences (click on appropriate link at bottom of page)

Department Informational Surveys

All prospective graduate students are required to submit an informational survey prior to submitting a full application to determine if your qualifications are suited for our current needs. 

Domestic Degree-seeking Application Deadlines*:

  • Fall Semester - July 15th
  • Spring Semester - December 1st
  • Summer Semester - April 1st 

International Degree and Non-degree-seeking Application Deadlines*:

  • Fall Semester - May 15th
  • Spring Semester - October 1st
  • Summer Semester - February 1st

*deadlines are not formal because applicants should be in communication with a prospective adviser

Additional Information 

Graduate Student Workshop Series

  • RNA seqWS - Drawing Conclusions - C. Hinson:

  • RNA seqWS - Raw Reads to Normalized Counts - C. Hinson: