Head of the Department: G. H. Heichel
Correspondence and Information: Head, Department of Agronomy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, AW-101 Turner Hall, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-3420
GRADUATE FACULTY
Professors: W. L. Banwart, C. W. Boast, D. P. Briskin, J. W. Dudley, D.
W. Graffis, J. E. Harper, J. J. Hassett, G. H. Heichel, J. D. Hesketh, R. G.
Hoeft, D. A. Holt, T. Hymowitz, R. L. Jones, E. L. Knake, R. J. Lambert, M. D.
McGlamery, D. A. Miller, R. L. Mulvaney, E. D. Nafziger, J. J. Nicholaides III,
C. D. Nickell, W. L. Ogren, T. R. Peck, M. J. Plewa, A. R. Portis, E. W.
Stoller, J. W. Stucki, L. M. Wax, J. M. Widholm
Associate Professors: F. E. Below, D. G. Bullock, M. A. Cole, R. G. Darmody, M. G. Huck, F. L. Kolb, R. L. Nelson, K. R. Olson, G.E. Pepper, A. L. Rayburn, F. W. Simmons, L.O. Vodkin
Assistant Professors: A. F. Bent, T. R. Ellsworth, S. E. Hart, S. E. Hollinger, T. R. Rocheford, W. R. Roy, M. M. Sachs, G. K. Sims, M. M. Wander
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
The Department of Agronomy offers course work leading to the master of science
and doctor of philosophy degrees. Great flexibility exists for planning
programs in various areas, and no rigid curricula are prescribed. The following
areas of specialization indicate the breadth of opportunities, although they
are not mutually exclusive: plant breeding, genetics, cytogenetics; molecular
genetics and genetic engineering; crop physiology and biochemistry; weed
science; soil fertility; soil management and conservation; crop production and
management; crop ecology; soil chemistry; soil genesis, classification, and
pedology; soil microbiology and biochemistry; soil physical chemistry and
mineralogy; soil physics and management; biometry; environmental agronomy; and
international agronomy.
ADMISSION
Applicants with an appropriate bachelor's degree will be considered for
admission to the M.S. program. Admission to the Ph.D. program will be
considered for applicants with the M.S., those nearing completion of the M.S.,
and in some cases, those with the B.S. Because of the diversity of programs in
the Department of Agronomy, the preparation that is needed varies considerably.
Undergraduate training equivalent to that required at the University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for majors in agricultural science (plant or soil
science), agronomy, crops, or soils is appropriate. For some programs, greater
emphasis is given to previous training in plant sciences, soil sciences,
chemistry, geology, or mathematics. In all cases, previous experience or other
significant evidence of serious interest in crops and/or soils is expected. A
grade-point average of at least 4.0 (A = 5.0) in the last 60 semester hours of
undergraduate work plus any graduate work completed is required. Applicants
whose native language is not English must score at least 550 on the TOEFL
examination.
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Candidates must complete 8 units of graduate study as approved by their
graduate advisory committee with a grade-point average of at least 4.0, present
an acceptable thesis (for the thesis option), and pass an oral examination. At
least 3 units must be at the 400 level, including at least 1 unit of course
work other than Agronomy 499 (thesis research). An acceptable thesis must
receive unanimous approval by the graduate advisory committee for the thesis
option, or a non-thesis option with 3 additional units of course work can be
substituted. An oral final examination is required of all M.S. candidates and
written examinations may be required at the option of the examining committee.
The department offers an off-campus master of science (OCMS) degree targeted
for fully employed students located at various places in the state.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Candidates must complete a minimum of 24 units of graduate study (16 units of
in-residence credit beyond the M.S., 8 units of which must be course work
approved by the graduate advisory committee and with a grade-point average of
at least 4.0). For students admitted without an M.S., an oral qualifying
examination must be passed after completion of 5 units of graded course work.
Students are required to pass an oral preliminary examination, usually after
substantial completion of the Ph.D. course work requirements. An acceptable
dissertation is required. An oral final examination is required, consisting of
a defense of the dissertation and examination on such other matters as members
of the examining committee may select. The qualifying, preliminary, and final
examinations may include written sections at the option of members of the
examining committee. At least 4 units of 300- or 400-level courses outside the
Department of Agronomy are required. Residence requirements are the same as
those of the Graduate College.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
The Department of Agronomy has excellent laboratory, greenhouse, and field
research facilities available for all types of research. A network of
experimental locations throughout the state and cooperative arrangements with
other states make thesis research possible under a wide range of environmental
and climatic conditions. The department's involvement in international programs
may provide opportunities to conduct thesis research abroad. A brochure that
provides more details about the graduate program and individual faculty
research interests is available upon request.
The Department of Agronomy also offers a genetics specialization through the School of Life Sciences.
FINANCIAL AID
Fellowships and assistantships are available to outstanding students on a
competitive basis. Awards for financial assistance are based principally on a
candidate's academic record, statement of plans, and letters of reference.
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