Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture

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Program Link:
https://horticulture.wsu.edu/graduate/prospective-students/
Program Handbook:
https://horticulture.wsu.edu/academics/graduate/handbook/
Student Learning Outcomes:
https://horticulture.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3009/2017/11/Hort-MS_PhD-Learning-Outcomes-Assessment_2014_FinalRevision.pdf
Total Graduate Faculty in Program:
15
Graduate Students in Program:
16
Students Receiving Assistantships:
15
Priority Deadlines:

  • Fall January 10
  • Spring July 1

Campus:

  • Pullman

International Student English Proficiency Exams

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. If the graduate program has unique score requirements, they will be detailed below. Otherwise, please refer to the Graduate School’s minimum score guidelines.

Degree Description:

By enrolling in the graduate program in Horticulture at Washington State University, you form part of a team of students, faculty, and staff dedicated to the scientific and intellectual pursuit of knowledge in horticulture.

Depending on your career goals, your studies may concentrate on such basic sciences as plant physiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics, as well as horticulture. You may explore a variety of subjects, such as plant pathology, soil science, biological systems engineering, environmental science, or the social sciences to complement your graduate education. Keeping your interests and goals in mind, your research project, course requirements, teaching and/or Extension experiences for your graduate work will be individualized and determined with your faculty advisor and graduate committee.

All doctoral candidates must conduct independent research leading to a doctoral dissertation and publication of peer-reviewed research papers, with the objective of making a major contribution to the body of scientific knowledge in horticulture. Students in this degree option are expected to have completed a research-based master’s degree or to have research experience prior to enrolling in the doctoral program.

Admission Requirements:

Students with undergraduate majors in the plant sciences, including horticulture, crop science, plant pathology, environmental science, genetics, plant physiology, and biochemistry, may be well prepared for graduate work in Horticulture. If your undergraduate degree is not directly related to plants, you may be eligible by strengthening your preparation through enrollment in additional courses before applying, or while pursuing your graduate degree. Undergraduate students who are pursuing studies not related to plant science and who contemplate graduate work in horticulture should take as many courses in the basic physical and biological sciences as possible. Your graduate studies may be tailored for your individual background and needs.

Career Opportunities:

University faculty positions; Federal and state agricultural laboratories; Extension specialists; Management positions in allied and agricultural industries; Technical positions; Postdoctoral positions.

Career Placements:

Assistant professor/assistant landscape specialist, University of Hawaii;
Assistant professor, Penn State University;
Product specialist, Thermo Electron Corporation, San Jose, CA;
Extension educator, WSU Extension, Adams/Grant county, WA;
Director of new market development, AgroFresh, Inc., Springhouse, PA;
Research plant physiologist, Eastern Regional Research Laboratory, USDA/ARS, Philadelphia, PA

Contact Information: