Degree Title: Doctor of Philosophy

Program Name and Number: Plant Biology - PH2111

Department/Unit: Department of Environmental and Plant Biology

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Program Mission: To train the next-generation of scholar-scientists in plant ecology, systematics and evolution, and/or molecular and cellular biology. Emphasis is placed on conducting original research and communicating science to the scientific community and in a classroom environment.    

Program Learning Objectives:

• Students will know professional standards of science and responsible conduct of scientists that are essential for the pursuit of knowledge.
• Students will be able to demonstrate a depth of knowledge within their area of study and a breadth of knowledge across the field of plant biology.
• Students will be able to write a research proposal.
• Students will know how to design and complete a research study and/or scientific experiments. 
• Students will be able to process and analyze data to make sound interpretations.
• Students will be able to communicate scientific ideas in both written and oral forms to diverse audiences.

Program Overview: The Environmental and Plant Biology Ph.D. graduate program provides educational and research experience in plant biology from the molecular to the organismal and ecosystem levels.  Most students are trained within three general areas of study: plant ecology, plant systematics and evolution, or plant molecular and cellular biology. The program strives to foster communication across and beyond these areas of study to provide unique opportunities to meet each student’s specific career goals. The Ph.D. program is designed to train and prepare students to be successful in teaching and research positions in academia, industry, government, or non-governmental organizations. Each student will be trained to conduct independent research in the pursuit of knowledge. Students are mentored in grantsmanship and have many opportunities to support their own research with internal and external funding. Students have hands-on teaching experience because the program provides a teaching assistantship. As teaching assistants, students have the opportunity to assist in a variety of courses and interact with faculty. Students may additionally have opportunities to supervise and mentor undergraduate students in a research laboratory environment. All students are exposed to the national and international plant biology community through colloquia, seminars, and scientific meetings that will aid them in achieving their post-Ph.D. career goals.  

Link to Program Handbook: http://www.ohio.edu/plantbio/Assets/documents/grad/graduate_handbook_2013_2014.pdf  

Graduation Requirements:

1. Successfully complete Biological Research and Science Ethics (PBIO 5170).
2. Successfully complete the required minimum graded credit hours. For students without an M.S. degree, a minimum of 30 graded graduate credit hours is required, of which 20 must be PBIO. For students with an M.S. degree, a minimum of 21 graded graduate credit hours is required, of which 12 must be PBIO. Seminar, supervised study, colloquium, and research are not part of these graded credit hours required for a Ph.D.
3. Successfully complete the minimum number of courses from the following list. A Ph.D. student with an M.S. degree must take one (1) course, whereas a Ph.D. student without an M.S. degree must take two (2) courses from:
   1. PBIO 5150: Statistical Methods in Plant Biology
   2. PBIO 5160: Problem Solving with Bioinformatics Tools
   3. PBIO 5180: Writing in the Life Sciences
   4. PBIO 8700: Biostatistics II
   5. GEOG 5730: Principles of GIS
4. Maintain a GPA at or above 3.00.
5. Earn a minimum of 60 credits hours of research (PBIO 8950)
6. Successfully complete four semesters of Seminar (PBIO 6970).
7. Pass a Comprehensive Examination composed of written and oral sections no later then the 9th semester.
8. Successfully complete a research dissertation with an oral defense
9. Expected time to degree – 4 years with an M.S. degree, 5 years without an M.S. degree.

For more details: http://www.ohio.edu/plantbio/Assets/documents/grad/PBIOGradGuidelines_2014.pdf

Admission Requirements: An M.S. degree is preferred. Minimum GPA: 3.00. Combined Graduate Record Examination (GRE) verbal and quantitative scores of 305, achieved within the last 4 years, are recommended. TOEFL score of 95 is recommended. In addition to test scores, the following documents must be submitted with the application: a curriculum vitae; a 1-2 page personal statement indicating preferred faculty advisor(s) and describing previous research experience, graduate school goals, and career plans after graduate school; and three letters of recommendation. A faculty member willing to advise the student is required for admission.