Plant Sciences
The Department of Plant Sciences offers specialized academic and research training in plant breeding and genetics, weed science, biotechnology, and field and forage crop production and management leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Plant Science with an optional Ph.D. subplan in Plant Breeding and Genetics.
The programs are designed for students looking for a full-time, hands-on research experience in state-of-the-art laboratories and field plots across the state. The Dalrymple Research Greenhouse, extensive growth chamber facilities, and 600 acres of field research land located near the North Dakota State University campus allow our faculty and research technicians to build a program unlike any other in the region.
NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources is currently constructing the 85 million-dollar Peltier Complex to enhance collaborative work with such agricultural programs as Cereal Science without stepping outside. Excellent supporting coursework is offered just steps away from our home building, Loftsgard Hall, in biology, entomology, genomics/bioinformatics, microbiology, plant pathology, soils, and statistics. Our open curriculum guidelines allow students to tailor their academic and research programs to meet their interests and achieve their career goals.
Graduate student numbers per faculty member are limited, so the student gets adequate personal attention and works closely with their advisor in research. Final selection of the advisor will be made on the basis of the student's interest, availability of space in the researcher's laboratory, and a common desire of the student and professor to work together.