Plant science
Doctor of Philosophy
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Related Topics
Unlock nature’s potential
From developing crop-based biofuels to creating pest-resistant plants, plant scientists drive innovations that shape global food production, conserve natural resources and protect the environment. Their work also advances organic and regenerative agriculture and supports long-term sustainability across ecosystems worldwide.
This program equips you to have impact through in-depth exploration of plant production, protection, breeding and genetics. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of this interdisciplinary field while building specialized expertise in biotechnology, weed and invasive plant biology, crop management, plant genomics, plant pathology and more.
Your learning extends beyond the classroom to hands-on experience on campus plant science farms, climate-controlled greenhouses and cutting-edge laboratories. There, you'll conduct independent research alongside renowned faculty experts, preparing you for a future at the forefront of plant science, sustainability and regenerative approaches to agriculture.
Highlights from the Ph.D. plant science degree include:
- Idaho’s only doctoral program in plant science
- Many 500-level courses are taught jointly with Washington State University
- A 2:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- A nearly 100% job placement rate, with graduates working as faculty at other universities and positions within agricultural business involved in research
- Access computer-controlled greenhouses
- Conduct research at one of six experiment stations
- Conduct research in laboratories involved in plant physiology, biotechnology and genetics in Moscow or any one of six research and Extension centers located across the state
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in agriculture, biology, biochemistry, botany, horticulture, genetics, environmental science, natural resources or other related fields
- Have a strong interest in advancing the field of plant science
- Want to lead research in the lab and in the field
- Strive to think critically and creatively about complex problems
Shaping the future of plant science
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in plant science is a 76-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences.
Students are free to choose the courses that fit their individual career goals.
Explore program details in the University Catalog
View the online plant science graduate handbook
Learning objectives
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of core concepts such as plant anatomy, cellular biology and metabolic pathways
- Apply advanced statistical methods and computational tools to interpret complex biological and genomic data
- Author peer-reviewed publications and deliver professional presentations to scientific and general audiences
- Formulate testable hypotheses, design rigorous experiments and execute independent research
Hands-on learning
- Manage on-campus computer-controlled greenhouses and laboratories
- Conduct research at U of I and Washington State University facilities
- Partner with the William F. Barr Entomological Museum
- Assist faculty members’ research projects
Clubs
- Plant and Soil Science Club
- Hydroponics Club
- Agronomy Club
- Soil Stewards Club
- Aldrich Entomology Club
- Graduate and Professional Student Association
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,262 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Agricultural Managers
$36,690 - Animal Scientists
$95,233 - Soil and Plant Scientists
$82,430 - Conservation Scientists • Range Managers
$76,794 - Postsecondary Agricultural Sciences Teachers • Postsecondary Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers
$87,482
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs, funding and research
University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.
Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
- View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
- Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
- Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
- Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.
If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Contact information
Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.
Plant Sciences contact:
Allan Caplan
acaplan@uidaho.edu
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Application information
Applicants for the Ph.D. in plant science must meet the following admission requirements:
Program availability
- Semester intake: Fall or spring
- Open to international applicants
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates
University requirements
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
- Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- GRE: Not required
- Letters of recommendation: Three
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Other requirements: We encourage pre-approval from a program faculty member before applying
- Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
- Application fee: $50
Application and admission process
Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.
Applicants seeking admission to a Ph.D. are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences website to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.
Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.
International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Related Topics
Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.
Faculty specialty areas include cereal varietal adaptation, weed management practices, molecular genetics, wheat variety development, potato cropping systems, Brassica variety development, cropping systems, ornamental and landscape plants, potato storage, invasive plants, barley agronomy, potato variety development, potato postharvest research, water management and biotechnology.
Allan Caplan
Disease resistant wheat
Doctoral student advances wheat disease resistance through genetic research.