About PhD Program,

The Graduate Program in Horticulture at Michigan State University is one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious horticulture graduate programs in the U.S., and is recognized internationally for its scholarly development of research scientists, extension specialists, and horticultural business leaders in the economic plant sciences.

One of the strengths of the Horticulture Graduate Program is founded in the interdisciplinary and integrative nature of horticulture, allowing graduate students a great deal of flexibility in designing their individualized programs of study and research.

Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including laboratories, greenhouses, growth chambers, and both on- and off-campus field research stations.

Horticulture faculty develop and procure funding for individual and multidisciplinary team research projects, providing a wide range of opportunities for master’s and doctoral students. To view the department’s research areas, which includes a listing of faculty’s specific focus, visit our Research Focus Area page.

A graduate degree in the Horticulture Graduate Program draws upon the expertise of roughly 30 faculty members in the Horticulture Department, as well as the advisory expertise of many faculty from across campus in basic plant biology, pathology, entomology, forestry, agronomy, genetics, biochemistry, marketing, food science, health and nutrition, engineering, etc.

Students also may study with Horticulture faculty through interdepartmental programs in Genetics, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems.

At MSU, work towards the graduate degree involves training and experience in research, teaching and professional communications with peers, industries and the public. It is the goal of the Horticulture Graduate Program to produce the leaders of tomorrow who can integrate knowledge and resources from multiple disciplines to improve the performance, production, profitability, and environmental sustainability of high value crops.

PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA

A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, based upon the courses taken during the last two academic years, is required for admission.

Applicants are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to contact faculty who may be willing to serve as the major professor. Specific faculty interest areas can be found within our Faculty Directory and Programs Area. Willingness of a specific faculty member to serve as major professor is not required for application, but is required at the time of admission. For guidance in identifying a prospective faculty member to serve in this role, please contact the Graduate Programs Director.

Applicants should have a B.S. or B.A. degree in agriculture or biological sciences. Applicants not trained in these fields will be considered provided they have a robust academic and/or experiential background. Previous courses in college-level biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and plant science are strongly recommended. Applicants should read and understand the Departmental recommendations for minimum academic coursework to be completed prior to, or during, the program.

For non-U.S. students who are not native English speakers, scores for the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are required for consideration of applications. For TOEFL, a minimum average score of 80 is required, with minimal subscore of 19 for reading, listening, and speaking, and 22 for writing. For IELTS, a score of 6.5 or higher is required.

PhD Funding Coverage,

Most graduate students in the Department of Horticulture are supported by their faculty advisor through assistantships. Assistantships and fellowships are available to qualified individuals on a competitive basis. Research assistantships (1/2 time) for 2020- 2021 in the Horticulture department pay for tuition and health care, and provide an annual stipend of approximately $23,800 to $28,100, depending on graduate level. This equates to a total annual cost of approximately $39,600 to 44,000. Tuition support includes up to nine credits during Fall and Spring semesters and up to four credits during the Summer semester (six credits are considered full time for graduate students). Additional information can be obtained by contacting individual faculty members or the Department Graduate Programs Office.

Further information regarding the graduate assistantship benefits can be found at the MSU Graduate School website and on the Student Services Assistantship website. For consideration for the broadest range of fellowships, assistantships, and visitation opportunities, complete applications for study beginning in Fall should be received no later than December 1 the prior year, although applications are evaluated throughout the year for admission in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.

Application Requirement,

Applications can be submitted at any time. However, to receive full consideration for assistantships and fellowships, applications should be completed by December 1 for admission for the following fall semester.

Applicants must submit the following:

• Completed online MSU Domestic or International Graduate Applicationvia the MSU Graduate School No fee is required for the initial application.
• Three letters of recommendation, completed by instructors or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s work. Letters of recommendation must be submitted on official stationery with an original signature.
• A written Academic Statement. Include on the application or attach a separate sheet with a concise academic statement of your plans for graduate study, your career goals, and how MSU’s graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• A written Personal Statement. Include on the application or attach a separate personal statement about how your background and life experiences, including social, economic, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
• One official copy of transcripts from all previous universities attended.
• An official copy of TOEFL or IELTS scores (only for non-U.S. students who are not native English speakers)
• A statement of financial proof may be required. If so, the administrative staff of the Horticulture Department of the University will contact you and request the needed information.  In this case, the requested statement must originate from your source of support and must be a certified statement with an original signature. We cannot accept photocopies unless notarized, signed and sealed.

Application Deadline,

Dec 01, 2024

Application Fee,

Graduate Domestic $65.00

Graduate International $75.00