PhD in Horticulture

By enrolling in the graduate program in Horticulture at Washington State University, you form part of a team of students, faculty, and staff dedicated to the scientific and intellectual pursuit of knowledge in horticulture.Depending on your career goals, your studies may concentrate on such basic sciences as plant physiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics, as well as horticulture. You may explore a variety of subjects, such as plant pathology, soil science, biological systems engineering, environmental science, or the social sciences to complement your graduate education. Keeping your interests and goals in mind, your research project, course requirements, teaching andor Extension experiences for your graduate work will be individualized and determined with your faculty advisor and graduate committee.All doctoral candidates must conduct independent research leading to a doctoral dissertation and publication of peer-reviewed research papers, with the objective of making a major contribution to the body of scientific knowledge in horticulture. Students in this degree option are expected to have completed a research-based master’s degree or to have research experience prior to enrolling in the doctoral program.