Overview

Plant pathology encompasses basic and applied research, employs both model systems and economically important plants, and requires both laboratory and field experimentation. Active research programs in the department encompass this full spectrum of questions and approaches, including research on virology, nematology, fungal genetics, tissue culture, soil microbiology and ecology, forest pathology, bacterial plant pathogens, molecular biology of parasite–host interactions, microbial ecology, epidemiology, and integrated disease management strategies.

The graduate program in Plant Pathology at University of Wisconsin Madison educates students in the science of plant pathology and prepares them for successful careers. Students develop the following skills required to meet diverse professional situations: excellence in research; breadth and depth in plant pathology; breadth in an allied field; strong critical and analytical thinking skills; and effective communication skills. Students become sufficiently knowledgeable in all aspects of plant pathology to identify key research questions, recognize significant discoveries, and think analytically about interpretation of data.

The level of proficiency in specific areas will vary with the student's research area and career goals, and will be appropriate to the student's degree program (M.S. or Ph.D.). Specific areas of proficiency addressed by the Ph.D. curriculum include etiology, diagnosis, and management of plant disease; ecology and epidemiology; genetics and physiology of plant–microbe interactions; and organismal biology. Ph.D. students may elect an optional professional development experience as part of their curriculum. Graduates of the program attain positions in teaching, research in academic positions, government services, industry, extension services, and private practice.

Key Facts

Demonstrate an understanding of the basic biology of microorganisms that are symbiotic with plants including fungi, bacteria, viruses, oomycetes, and nematodes.

Demonstrate a basic understanding of: a. the basic processes of pathogenesis, plant defense, and defense circumvention at the molecular, genetic and physiological level for each of the major groups of plant pathogens and other plant associated microorganisms. b. the etiology, ecology, and epidemiology of economically significant diseases caused by the major groups of plant pathogens and be able to apply the understanding from a. and/or b. above in research.

Conduct project related to the discipline of Plant Pathology that requires specifying a problem, designing and conducting experiments, analyzing the resulting data, and reporting results/solutions.

Convey scientific knowledge to fellow scientists in a variety of formats.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Plants, Parasites, and People

Sustainable Turfgrass Use and Management

Diseases of Trees and Shrubs

Global Food Security

Plant Microbiomes

Soil Biology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-06-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Madison, United States

Disciplines

Horticulture and Crop Science Botany View 97 other Masters in Horticulture and Crop Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Students who are admitted to the department must meet the Graduate School requirements, including completion of a bachelor's degree which typically consists of courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

Successful applicants typically exceed the minimum requirement of a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale); exceed the minimum required Test of English as a Foreign Language (iTOEFL) score of 92, or a 7 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam (international applicants); perform well on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE); and articulate a strong interest in the discipline in their application.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25732 USD / year

≈ 25732 USD / year
Out-of-State

25732 USD / year

≈ 25732 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12404 USD / year

≈ 12404 USD / year

Additional Details

Minnesota Resident: $20,714

Living costs

Madison

United States

1015 - 1752 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Plant Pathology.

Available Scholarships

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About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Madison

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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