Graduate Study in Plant Pathology

The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Kentucky offers graduate study toward the Master of Science or the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Academic Analytics FPI has consistently ranked our program in the top four in the nation. In the latest ranking, we are number #1. Both our degree programs are research-oriented; we do not offer a non-thesis option.

Areas of Study

Graduate students are trained in plant-microbe interactions and related disciplines such as:

• biochemistry
• ecology
• evolution
• genetics
• genomics
• molecular biology
• plant physiology and symbiology
• mycology
• virology

Mentoring & Career Focus

The department promotes a tradition of close interaction among students, postdoctoral scholars, visiting scientists, staff specialists, and faculty. We maintain a high faculty-to-student ratio to ensure that every student receives individualized attention and support. Every student has a primary research mentor (the Major Professor) and an Advisory Committee devoted to helping the student reach her or his professional goals. We have an outstanding record of placing graduates in academia, biotechnological industries, agricultural Extension, and government and private research institutions.