Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Crop Production and Physiology

Crop Production and Physiology (CP&P) includes crop physiology, ecology, and management; forage quality and utilization; seed production and physiology; weed biology and control. Emphasis is on corn, soybeans, oats, and forages. The program goals are to provide every graduate with the theoretical concepts and practical experience needed to function effectively as an independent scientist in the public or private sector. The learning experience in the Crop Production and Physiology Program has three major components: academic courses, thesis or dissertation research, and informal interaction among faculty and students. We believe that a collegial environment is essential for personal intellectual growth. Graduate students can select from a wide range of advanced courses in agronomy, biochemistry, genetics, horticulture, meteorology, molecular biology, plant physiology, seed and weed science, and sustainable agriculture. Depending upon research interest and career focus, the student, in consultation with his/her advisory committee, will design a program of study (POS) from courses taught in several departments. The CP&P Program has no foreign language requirement. Generally, students will be expected to develop a basic competence in crop physiology, plant physiology, statistics, and biochemistry. There is no foreign language requirement. Students whose research is of a basic nature may obtain the Ph.D with a major in Plant Physiology through an interdepartmental program in which Agronomy participates. Entering students are expected to have a basic competence in physical science, mathematics, and plant science. Minor deficiencies in these areas usually can be addressed during graduate study. Minimum competency is defined by undergraduate credit in the following subject areas (ISU course equivalent in parentheses).