CROP SCIENCES

Head of the Department: G. H. Heichel

Director of Graduate Studies: J. W. Dudley

Correspondence and Admission Information: Head, Department of Crop Sciences, AW-101 Turner Hall, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-3420; E-mail: cropsci@uiuc.edu

URL: www.cropsci.uiuc.edu

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: pla nt 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 including response of crops to climate changes and fate of agricultural chemicals.

Admission

Applicants are considered for admission to the master of science program if they have a bachelor's 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 near ing 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 paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination (230 on the computer-based test). Results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are required for applicants to all programs except the off-campus Master of Science program. Applications are accepted year-round for admission during the fall, spring , and summer terms.

Graduate Teaching Experience

Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.

Master of Science

Both a thesis and a nonthesis option are offered. For either option, candidates must complete eight units of graduate study as approved by their graduate advisory committee with at least a B average. For the thesis option, a minimum of five graded units of formal coursework is required, including at least one unit of graded coursework at the 400 level other than CPSC 499-Thesis Research. In addition, an acceptable thesis is required. No more than three units of CPSC 499 may be counted toward the eight-unit requirement. For the nonthesis option,
a minimum of eight graded units of formal coursework, of which three units must be at the 400 level, is required. Credit in thesis research (CPSC 499) cannot be counted toward a degree for the n onthesis option. An oral final examination is required of all M.S. candidates, and written examinations may be required at the option of the examining committee.

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 coursework approved by the graduate advisory committee with a grade point average of at least a B). For students admitted without a M.S., an oral qualifying examination must be passed after completion of five units of graded coursework. Students are required to pass an oral preliminary examination, usually after substantial completion of the Ph.D. coursework 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 and preliminary examinations may include written sections at the op tion 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.

Off-campus program

For working agri-professionals, the Off-Campus Graduate Studies (OCGS) Program in the Department of Crop Sciences offers semester-long courses in agronomic sciences, taught by University faculty at various locations around the state. Classes meet one weekday evening per week and are usually taught in person. Students may take individual courses as interest dictates, or may take three courses to qualify for a professional development sequence. Students who apply and are accepted to the Graduate College may obtain a master's degree in crop sciences.

research interests

A brochure that provides more details about the graduate program and individual faculty research interests is available upon request.

facilities

< P>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. All phases of research, from molecular biology and biophysics to field testing and crop production, are supported by state-of-the-art facilities.

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, letters of reference, and GRE scores.