Our department offers the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the plant and soil sciences. Two graduate areas exist in the department, namely: (1) Plant Science which involves course work in plant molecular biology, plant breeding, plant pathology, plant tissue culture, horticulture, crop science, plant anatomy and plant physiology with thesis research in one of those areas; and (2) Soil Science with course work and thesis research in soil chemistry, soil fertility and management, soil physics, soil microbiology and biochemistry, environmental microbiology, soil and water quality and soil formation and biogeochemistry.

The Department and the Delaware Biotechnology Institute (DBI) has a joint initiative between the University and the DuPont Company that emphasizes genomics and leads to a Ph.D. in Plant Biology and Biotechnology. More in depth information can be found at http://ag.udel.edu/plsc/grad/plantbiology.htm.

We have a distinguished faculty who are well recognized for their achievements in teaching, scholarship, and mentoring students. We also have state-of-the-art laboratory, greenhouse and field facilities and equipment.

To apply for admission, send the following documentation, with admission fee, to: Graduate Admissions, 234 Hullihen Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716-1501. (1) completed application for Graduate Studies (2) official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate studies; (3) Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores which may not be more than 10 five years old [suggested minimum minima (verbal and quantitative): pre-August 1, 2011 score of 1050; post-August 1, 2011 score of 300 (verbal and quantitative)]; (4) Three letters of reference (forms enclosed) should be requested from persons with knowledge of your academic record and potential for graduate studies; and (5) TOEFL score [suggested minimum of 550 paper test, 213 computer test) for applicants whose native tongue is not English. Also you should state your research interests in the essay portion of the application. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jeff Furhrmann, the Graduate Studies Coordinator for the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

Admission to graduate study in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences will be considered only after an applicant has 1) a complete application packet and 2) a faculty advisor who has agreed to direct and advise the applicant or, in the case of Plant Biology and Biotechnology applicants, a rotation coordinator. You may wish to write to one or more faculty members found under the Faculty & Staff and explain to them your interest in their research program.

There are a number of opportunities for financial assistance. University Fellowships and Scholarships are awarded by a University Graduate Studies Committee on the basis of merit. Students are nominated by department faculty in February and awards are made during March.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (TA's) are 9-month academic year appointments. Teaching Assistants are required to work half-time (20 hrs/wk) in the teaching program. Minimum stipends depend on the degree being sought and previous academic experience. Tuition is remitted for Graduate Teaching Assistants for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Graduate Research Assistants (RA's) work half-time (20 hrs/wk) on a research project. Minimum stipends depend on the degree being sought and previous academic experience. Tuition is remitted for Graduate Research Assistants for the Fall and Spring Semesters.

*****Before applying for admission, you should communicate with one or more of the faculty members in your area of research or with me in order to determine the availability of financial assistance. *****

An M.S. degree requires 24-graduate level credit hours plus 6 credit hours of thesis/ research. The student, faculty advisor, and advisory committee design a program of study, courses and research. The normative time for the M.S. and Ph.D. (entering with a M.S. degree) degrees is two and three calendar years, respectively. Highly qualified students can also pursue a Ph.D. degree direct from a B.S. degree. The normative time for this program of study is five calendar years.

We appreciate your interest in our program and, if possible, would be happy to have you visit our department. Please call (302-831-8153) or write me and I will arrange for you to meet faculty and graduate students in your area of interest and to tour our facilities.

Be sure to visit our internet home pages at the University of Delaware and the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences to obtain more information on our programs and on our faculty.

Sincerely,

Blake Meyers
Chair of Plant and Soil Sciences