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Graduate degrees in Plant and Soil Science provide professional development for students who wish to continue their education after graduating from science oriented programs, typically in earth, biological or agricultural sciences.

Both our M.S. programs and Ph.D. programs require the student to complete a research program and schedule of classes, designed by the student and their advisor, to support the research study. Each student will be further supported by a study committee comprised of faculty with expertise in relevant areas. Research topics are generally supported by peer-reviewed grants and thus address important topics in Plant and Soil Science and allied fields.

We offer multiple Ph.D degree options in all fields in plant science and soil science.Our department provides excellence in education, research, and extension to foster environmentally, economically, and socially sound practices.

Prospective students should be in dialogue with prospective advisors before and during the application process.We encourage site visits prior to application and/or acceptance into the program. See the checklist below regarding contacting us prior to completing a formal application through the Graduate College.

For specific questions, please contact our department Graduate Program Coordinator by emailing Josef.Gorres@uvm.edu.

Requirements

  • For Admission - A Master of Science degree in an appropriate agricultural, environmental, biological, or physical science. Additionally,  some laboratory programs may have their own specific requirements. Students must consult and familiarize themselves with their program requirements.
  • For Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy - Satisfactory completion of two academic years of graduate study in the Department of Plant and Soil Science at the University of Vermont. With the approval of the dean of the Graduate College and the Department of Plant and Soil Science, a master's degree may be accepted in partial fulfillment of this requirement. Satisfactory completion of a written and oral qualifying doctoral examination as prescribed by the department.

Before You Apply

  • Prepare your CV/Resume
  • Contact the departmental faculty member with whom you are interested in working. Include your CV/Resume with your email. Refer to the list of faculty and area of study below.
  • Note: it reduces your chances of connecting with new research opportunities when you send your email to all of our faculty; please focus on selecting a faculty member based on your research interests.
  • The departmental deadline for fall applications is January 15.

Graduate Faculty

Faculty MemberArea of ResearchContact
Eric Bishop von Wettberg Genetics, Domestication, Crop Breeding, Legumes, GermplasmEric.Bishop-Von-Wettberg@uvm.edu
Terence BradshawTree Fruit, Viticulture, Integrated Pest ManagementTerence.Bradshaw@uvm.edu
Yolanda ChenInsect Ecology, Agroecology, Evolutionary Biology, Population GeneticsYolanda.Chen@uvm.edu
Heather DarbyAgronomic Crops, Soil Health, BiofuelsHeather.Darby@uvm.edu
Joshua FaulknerAgriculture and Natural Resources, Agricultural hydrology, Soil and Water Resource Engineering Joshua.Faulkner@uvm.edu
Josef GorresSoil Physical Properties and Fauna, Soil Ecological ManagementJosef.Gorres@uvm.edu
Ann HazelriggPlant Pathology, Integrated Pest Management, Pesticide EducationAnn.Hazelrigg@uvm.edu
Stephanie E. HurleyLandscape Design, Stormwater Treatment, Ecological DesignStephanie.E.Hurley@uvm.edu
V. Ernesto MendezInternational Environmental Studies, Agroecology, Rural DevelopmentErnesto.Mendez@uvm.edu
Scott C. MerrillLandscape/Systems Ecology, Climate Change, Precision AgricultureScott.C.Merrill@uvm.edu
Deborah NeherSoil Ecology, Nematodes/Microarthropods, Plant-Soil InteractionsDeborah.Neher@uvm.edu
Bruce L. ParkerEntomology, Forest Pest Management, International AgricultureBruce.Parker@uvm.edu

 

Jeffords Hall sign

Resources for Applicants

Resources for Current Graduate Students