Graduate Programs

Take microbial exploration and protection of life to the next level.

The Penn State Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology trains graduate students through a variety of degree programs. Students can couple our Plant Pathology Graduate Program with either Biogeochemistry or International Agriculture and Development. Alternatively, students may pursue intercollege degrees in Ecology, Plant Biology, Molecular Cellular and Integrative Biosciences, and Bioinformatics and Genomics or an online degree in Biosecurity with our dedicated faculty.

Master of Science

The Master of Science in Plant Pathology provides teaching and research experience and other educational opportunities in the study of plant pathology to help prepare graduates for careers in academia, industry, and government. The Master of Science degree requires a minimum of two years of study and research and can usually be completed within three years.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Plant Pathology Ph.D. program provides education and research experience in the study of plant pathology to help prepare graduates for careers in academia, industry, and government. The doctoral degree requires a minimum of three years of study and research.

Dual-Title Degree in Biogeochemistry

Ph.D. graduate students who are interested in strengthening their plant pathology degree by integrating their graduate education in biogeochemistry should consider applying to this dual-title degree program in the geosciences department in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Students in the Biogeochemistry Dual-Title Graduate Program complete the requirements for their major graduate program in addition to 15 specific credits.

Dual-Title Degree in International Agriculture and Development

Graduate students (both M.S. and Ph.D.) who are interested in strengthening their plant pathology degree by incorporating international experiences and credentials should consider applying to this dual-title degree program in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Dual-Title Graduate Degree in Microbiome Sciences

Microbiome sciences refers to a transdisciplinary research area investigating the structure, relationships, and functions of the complete microbial community and its environment (microbiome).

Intercollege Degree Programs

Earn your graduate degree through multiple Penn State colleges. Typical specialties include ecology, molecular cellular and integrative biosciences, plant biology, and more.

Funding Opportunities

Information on assistantships, scholarships, and awards for Penn State of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology graduate students.

How to Apply

Deadlines, instructions, and more for applying to Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology graduate programs at Penn State.

Plant Pathology Association

The Plant Pathology Association represents an organization designed for graduate students in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, providing a network for support, encouragement, and academic discussion.

Student Resources

Handbooks and student orientation, information for international students, scholarship and research integrity, funding opportunities, and more for new Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology graduate students.

Contact Us

Get information and answers to all your Penn State Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology graduate program questions.