The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Kentucky offers graduate study toward the Master of Science or the Doctor of Philosophy degrees.   Both of our degree programs are research-oriented: we do not offer a non-thesis option.

We have chosen to maintain a high faculty-to-student ratio to ensure that every student receives individualized attention and support.   Every student has a primary research mentor as well as an Advisory Committee devoted to helping the student reach his or her individual professional goals. We have an excellent record of placement of our graduates and postdoctoral scholars in the United States and around the world.

Our department has traditionally had a strong commitment to cutting-edge, basic plant pathology research.   As a small department, we have chosen to focus our research efforts in the area of molecular genetics of plant-microbe interactions, in particular those involving plant viruses and fungi. Our faculty members have earned international reputations and numerous awards and honors for their research contributions in these areas. Our department has been very successful in attracting institutional support as well as outside funding for our research, and as a result our facilities are exceptionally well-equipped for modern plant pathology and molecular biology research.

Our department also has a strong commitment to serving the needs of the people of Kentucky.   Our basic researchers work closely together with our experienced and dedicated group of Extension plant pathologists to address disease problems that are of immediate concern to local agricultural producers and homeowners.   Thus we keep "one foot in the furrow", even as we apply the latest molecular technologies to these problems.

This informational web page has been designed to introduce you to our department, our university, and our community, and to aid you in the process of applying for graduate study.

Welcome!

Lisa Vaillancourt

Director of Graduate Studies