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Head of the Department: G. H. Heichel
Director of Graduate Studies: J. W. Dudley
AW-101 Turner Hall
1102 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-3420
E-mail: 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:
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
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 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
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 32 hours of graduate study as approved by
their graduate advisory committee with at least a B average. For the
thesis option, a minimum of 20 graded gh of formal coursework is required,
including at least 4 gh of graded coursework at the 500 level
other than CPSC 599–Thesis Research. In addition, an acceptable
thesis is required. No more than three units of CPSC 599 may be counted
toward the 32 gh requirement. For the nonthesis option, a minimum
of 32 graded gh of formal coursework, of which 12 gh must
be at the 500 level, is required. Credit in thesis research (CPSC
599) cannot be counted toward a degree for the nonthesis 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 96 hours of graduate study (64 gh
of in-residence credit beyond the M.S., 32 gh 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 20 gh 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 option of members
of the examining committee. At least 16 gh of 400- or 500-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
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. |
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