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Programs of Study, 1997-1999
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
CROP SCIENCES
Head of the Department: G.H. Heichel
Correspondence and Information: Head, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, AW-101 Turner Hall, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-3420
GRADUATE FACULTY
Professors: D.P. Briskin, J. L. Crane, C.J. D'Arcy, J.W. Dudley, S.K. Farrand, R.E. Ford, D.W. Graffis, L.E. Gray, J.E. Harper, G.H. Heichel, J.D. Hesketh, R.G. Hoeft, D.A. Holt, T. Hymowitz, H.E. Kauffmann, E.L. Knake, R.J. Lambert, M.D. McGlamery, E.D. Nafziger, C.D. Nickell, G.R. Noel, D.R. Ort, J.K. Pataky, M.J. Plewa, A.R. Portis, P.D. Shaw, J.B. Sinclair, K.L. Steffey, E.W. Stoller, L.O. Vodkin, L.M. Wax, D.G. White, J.M. Widholm
Associate Professors: F.E. Below, D.G. Bullock, D.M. Eastburn, D.I. Edwards, M.E. Gray, H.W. Kirby, F.L. Kolb, R.L. Nelson, W.L. Pedersen, G.E. Pepper, A.L. Rayburn, S.M. Ries, T.R. Rocheford, F. W. Simmons, R.A. Weinzierl
Assistant Professors: S. Aref, A.F. Bent, W. Chen, L.L. Domier, C.E. Eastman, S.E. Hart, G.L. Hartman, M.M. Sachs
GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Department of Crop Sciences offers programs 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, along with some of the corresponding disciplines indicate the breadth of opportunities. These areas are plant pathology including epidemiology, control, mycology, phytobacteriology, virology, nematology, and host plant resistance; plant breeding and genetics including cytogenetics; molecular genetics, quantitative genetics, and genetics of host-pathogen interactions; molecular biology and physiology including biochemistry, plant physiology, tissue culture, and plant-pathogen interactions; crop production including management, crop ecology, plant nutrition, and international crop production; weed science including biology, control, and ecology; biometry including experimental design and data analysis; and integrated pest management.
ADMISSION
Applicants are considered for admission to the M.S. program if they have a bachelors or equivalent degree comparable to that granted by the University of Illinois. 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 Crop Sciences, the preparation that is needed varies considerably. Strong letters of reference, evident motivation to undertake graduate study, and good preparation in basic science courses enhance an applicant's credentials. For some programs, greater emphasis is given to previous training in plant sciences, chemistry, or mathematics. A grade-point average equivalent to at least a "B" 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 570 on the TOEFL examination.
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Candidates must complete eight units of graduate study as approved by their graduate advisory committee with at least a "B" average, present an acceptable thesis (for the thesis option), and pass an oral examination. At least three units must be at the 400 level, including at least one unit of course work other than Crop Sciences 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 three 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 locations 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., eight units of which must be course work approved by the graduate advisory committee with a grade-point average of at least a "B"). For students admitted without an M.S., an oral qualifying examination must be passed after completion of five 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 four units of 300- or 400-level courses offered outside of the immediate area of specialization are required. Residence requirements are the same as those of the Graduate College.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
The Department of Crop Sciences 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 Crop Sciences 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. For some forms of financial aid, GRE scores are required.
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