Mission Statement
The Department of Horticultural Sciences is focused on improving the quality of life related to the aesthetic disciplines, the production of healthful fruits and vegetables, and improving the utility and sustainability of the built environment. The PhD in Plant Breeding prepares students to accomplish this mission by providing them with the knowledge, resources and skills to become productive researchers in the field of Plant Breeding. The program includes formal classroom training and basic and applied plant breeding research opportunities. Interdisciplinary training is encouraged to provide comprehensive preparation for careers in plant breeding research and education. The PhD degree is obtained through appropriate course work, completion of research and other requirements, successful completion of university-directed administrative procedures, and successful defense of the dissertation. The research project and specific coursework will be outlined by the student with guidance from the student's graduate advisory committee members. Students completing a Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Breeding are prepared for teaching/research positions within academia or lead plant breeding research positions in government or the private sector.