Plant and Soil Science, Ph.D.

Plant and Soil Science Doctoral Program

The doctoral program in Plant and Soil Science requires 60 semester hours of graduate coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree and 12 dissertation hours, totaling 72 hours. Doctoral students can follow a track in crop protection, crop science, fibers and biopolymers, horticulture, and soil science. The track should be chosen at the time of the preliminary examination. If the preliminary examination for admission to doctoral studies reveals weaknesses in the students subject matter background, the student may be required to take remedial courses designated by the graduate faculty of the department. The students advisory committee will make recommendations concerning language requirements and basic work in other sciences.

A Ph.D. candidate in the department is required to take written and oral comprehensive qualifying examinations prepared and conducted by the graduate committee. The purpose of these examinations is to determine whether or not a candidate possesses a depth of knowledge in the track they are following, a breadth of knowledge in supporting areas, understanding of the scientific method, and the ability to communicate knowledge in an organized and scholarly manner.

Research, teaching, and scholarship stipends are often awarded to qualified applicants. Nonresident tuition is often waived with the award. Students having this support have special responsibilities in research and/or teaching.

Graduation requirements include a minimum cumulative Texas Tech University GPA of 2.0 for all courses, including repeated courses, attempted in the degree program in which students seek graduation. To obtain a degree granted by the university, at least 25 percent of the total semester credit hours must be earned through instruction offered by Texas Tech University. Students in their semester of graduation must be enrolled in a minimum of one credit-bearing semester hour.

• Applicant attended four (4) consecutive long semesters of credit-bearing/non-development/non-ESL courses at an accredited post-secondary school in the U.S.
• Attended two (2) consecutive years of high school in the United States.
• Attended two (2) consecutive years of high school with U.S. accreditation or within an English proficiency exempt country
• Applicants from the below English Proficiency exempt countries (must provide proof with passport)

• Unofficial copies of transcripts, and test scores are required for application evaluation purposes. If admitted, you will be required to submit official transcripts, diplomas/degree certificates, and test scores. Please do not send official transcripts until you have received a notice of acceptance from Texas Tech Graduate School.
• Provide Program Materials: In addition to transcripts and test scores, most Texas Tech graduate programs require supplemental materials for admission review. These materials may include (but are not limited to) items such as a statement of purpose, recommendations, writing samples, creative portfolio, etc. Supplemental materials are reviewed by the department only, not the Office of Graduate Admission. Please refer to the homepage of your intended graduate department as well as the instructions on the "Program Materials" quadrant on our online application to verify which supplemental materials are needed. You may also find the required material here.
• While you will be able to add to certain segments on the application (e.g. test scores) post submission, you will not be able to make revisions once the application has been submitted.
• Submitting incorrect information on your application or failing to include important details can delay the admissions process.