Graduate Programs: HORTICULTURE

NOTE: This document was generated from the 1995-1997 UIUC Programs of Study. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but be advised that requirements may have changed since this book was published. Errors may have also been introduced in the conversion to a WWW document. Thus for items of importance, it might be wise to seek confirmation from either the paper version or a live human being.

Head of the Department: A.G. Endress

Correspondence and Information: Department of Horticulture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1005 Plant Sciences Laboratory, 1201 South Dorner Drive, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-0350

GRADUATE FACULTY

Professors: M. C. Carbonneau, J. O. Dawson, A. G. Endress, W. L. George, G. E. Gerther, F. A. Giles, J. A. Juvik, M. M. Meyer, C. A. Rebeiz, K. R. Robertson, D. S. Seigler, R. M. Skirvin, W. E. Splittstoesser, L. A. Spomer, D. J. Williams

Associate Professors: T. W. Fermanian, G. J. Kling, S. S. Korban, J. B. Masiunas, S. M. Ries, M. A. L. Smith, J. M. Swiader

Assistant Professors: M. M. Kushad, G. Mitiku, W. C. Sullivan, K. A. Williams

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

The Department of Horticulture offers graduate work leading to the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees. Students may specialize in any phase of horticulture (fruit and vegetable crops, ornamentals, and turf), including breeding and genetics, culture and production, weeds and their control, environmental physiology, biochemistry, developmental anatomy and morphology, tissue culture, marketing, or plant-people interaction. A well-balanced program may include courses in crops and soils, plant biology, food science, genetics, statistics, entomology, plant pathology, chemistry, biochemistry, agricultural economics, and agricultural communications.

ADMISSION

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in horticulture or equivalent preparation in the plant sciences and must meet the Graduate College requirements for admission.

MASTER OF SCIENCE

A candidate must complete a minimum of 8 units of graduate study with a grade-point average of at least 4.0 (A = 5.0); at least 4 units must be in the 400 series of courses. Thesis and nonthesis options are available; however, the thesis option is preferred and is required of all research assistants. Any request for the nonthesis option is considered on its individual merit by the graduate committee of the department.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

The candidate must complete a minimum of 8 units of course work beyond the master's degree and pass a preliminary examination. The candidate must also complete 8 units of thesis research, submit an acceptable thesis, and defend it in an oral examination. Competence in a foreign language may be required, depending on the area of specialization and recommendations of the student's advisory committee.

SPECIALIZATION IN GENETICS

The Department of Horticulture offers an area of specialization in genetics. The program is flexible and provides the student with proficiency in several areas of genetics, including molecular genetics, developmental genetics, and evolutionary and population genetics. Students electing this area should have completed course work in calculus, computer sciences, basic genetics, and biochemistry. The program of study for each student in the specialization is decided individually. Interested students should direct inquiries and applications to the department.

SPECIALIZATION IN NATURAL RESOURCE ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

The Department of Horticulture offers a specialization in natural resource ecology and conservation biology. This Ph.D. program is flexible and provides students with proficiency in several core content areas. The program of study requires all students to satisfy requirements in specified core content areas before developing an individual specialization. Interested students should direct inquiries and applications to the department.

SPECIALIZATION IN PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

The Department of Horticulture also participates in the multidepartmental, interdisciplinary program in plant physiology and molecular biology. The program is flexible and provides the student with proficiency in several areas of plant physiology and molecular biology. Interested students should direct inquiries and applications to the program coordinator in the School of Life Sciences.

FINANCIAL AID

Various support monies available on a competitive basis include University fellowships, College of Agriculture fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, and waivers of tuition and service fees.

Go to Graduate Programs Index
Go to Programs of Study Table of Contents
Go to Graduate College Home Page
Go to University of Illinois Home Page