Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Plant Sciences at Washington State University

Washington State University

United States of America, Pullman

University Rank:#423

The Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Plant Sciences at Washington State University is a PhD program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the Pullman campus in United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 6 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on October 1, 2026.

About Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Plant Sciences

Graduate study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree is offered as an interdepartmental curriculum by graduate faculty from the Departments of Crop and Soil Science, Food Science and Human Nutrition, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Molecular Biosciences, Plant Pathology, Biological Sciences, and the Institute of Biological Chemistry. The objectives of the program are to provide the graduate student with a broad knowledge in molecular plant sciences and with research experience in a chosen area within this discipline. Specialization includes cellular and subcellular physiology, the molecular biology and biochemistry of plant-related processes, photosynthesis and photorespiration, nitrogen fixation, phytochemistry, the physiology of vascular plants, metabolism, plant pathogen interactions, hormonal interactions and regulation of growth, crop production physiology, and physiological ecology as well as related areas in agriculture and biology. Students entering the program must have completed their baccalaureate degree with training in one year each of elementary biology or botany, and physics, chemistry through one semester of organic chemistry and biochemistry, one semester each of molecular plant sciences and genetics, and mathematics (through calculus). Limited undergraduate deficiencies may be remedied by taking the appropriate courses upon enrollment in the graduate program on a provisional basis. Degree requirements include courses in molecular biology, advanced molecular plant sciences, plant morphology and anatomy, and metabolism. To meet the minimum requirements of core course credit in the Graduate School, elective courses are chosen as approved by the student's advisor and the supervising committee of graduate faculty. There is no foreign language requirement. Course requirements are drawn from existing courses offered by MPS and cooperating departments and programs. In addition, a seminar is held weekly during each semester. Policies and procedures of the Graduate School apply to all admissions. Interested students may direct their inquiries to Molecular Plant Sciences or to any participating faculty member. Should the latter route be followed, preference for the Program in Molecular Plant Sciences must be indicated and, if possible, the research area of interest identified. The program offers flexibility for students with varied backgrounds in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular plant sciences, molecular biology, botany, genetics, biology, and the agricultural sciences to pursue advanced training in molecular plant sciences, with independent study and original research in areas of the student's own interests as the single most important component. The interdisciplinary nature of the program assures the student of interaction with molecular plant scientists representing a wide range of research interests and provides the student with a broad choice of specialized facilities which are available in the cooperating academic units. Students are typically supported by the program during the first academic year. Financial support during subsequent years will be managed by the administering academic unit. Participating faculty may provide support through individual grants and contracts. Every effort will be made to inform applicants of these opportunities.

All graduates will be able to:

Trainees will gain research expertise that is interdisciplinary, spanning the areas of cellular, molecular and structural biology, and receive focused training in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics or microbiology. This outcome will be demonstrated by their ability to:
- Develop the skills to critically read and evaluate molecular biosciences literature and place new findings in the context of the previous and current research in their general discipline and specific field of expertise.
- Develop testable hypotheses based on an in-depth understanding of previous and current research, and design experimental approaches to successfully test the hypothesis. Evaluate experimental results critically, including quantitative analyses, and formulate a defensible conclusion. Demonstrate technical competency in appropriate methodologies from the disciplines of biochemistry, genetics and microbiology.
Trainees will have opportunities to master various professional skills, particularly in the areas of communication, mentoring and leadership. Success in this outcome will be demonstrated by students' ability to:
- Communicate their research results and its importance to experts in their field as well as general lay audiences, effectively in both written and oral form.
- Understand and follow norms of scientific ethics, including concepts of publication ethics and responsible conduct in research.
- Exhibit proficiency in mentoring and teaching, including development of leadership skills.
SMB will enhance the quality and the number of its graduate student cadre by demonstrating the value of the SMB graduate training experience. Achievement of this outcome will be demonstrated by:
- Maintaining and improving the quality of applicants who are recruited into the SMB graduate program, including successful recruiting of underrepresented minority students and participating in Research Assistantship for Diversity Scholar program (RADS) through the Graduate School and recruiting to NIH-funded pre-doctoral training grants in Protein Biotechnology. Additionally, being proactive in increasing the success of the STARS program.
- Providing effective technical and professional training that allows students to complete their participating in Research Assistantship for Diversity Scholar program (RADS) through the Graduate School and recruiting to NIH-funded pre-doctoral training grants in Protein Biotechnology. Additionally, being proactive in increasing the success of the STARS program.
- Sustaining a research infrastructure built around accomplished, innovative faculty dedicated to research and training in an interdisciplinary environment.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Plant Sciences at Washington State University

English Program Requirements

550 TOEFL Minimum score

80 TOEFLI Minimum score

Career Opportunities after Completing Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Plant Sciences

Post-doctoral researcher, research institute scientist, industry scientist, assistant professor (academic track)

Tuition and Fee Information for Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Plant Sciences at Washington State University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Plant Sciences at Washington State University

Gather Your Documents

Check the admission requirements for information about academic standards and required documents.

Your application for admission must include:

Official transcripts
Proof of English language proficiency
Copy of your passport identification page or national identity card

Get the admission application and other necessary forms.

Prepare Your Information

You will want to prepare some information before beginning your online application.

Be ready to answer questions about your anticipated visa status
Be ready to tell us how you meet the language proficiency requirement (through an English proficiency exam score or an exam waiver)

You may upload electronic copies of your documents when you submit your application online. If you upload transcripts they will be considered unofficial. It is best to send transcripts separately after you submit your application.

Complete the Application and Submit Documents

To complete the application and submit it for our review you will need to pay the $70 application fee by credit card or wire transfer. If you have questions about paying this fee please contact us.

If you do not wish to upload documents into the application, or do not have them ready to upload and submit, you may mail or email them to the International Undergraduate Admissions Office when you submit your application.

Office of International Programs
International Undergraduate Admissions
Kruegel Hall
PO Box 643251
Pullman, WA 99164-3251
USA
[email protected]

Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Plant Sciences at Washington State University

Washington State University

United States of America, Pullman