Plant Sciences M.S. and Ph.D. Graduate Programs

Department of Plant Sciences

Admission into the Plant Sciences Graduate Program

The Department of Plant Sciences is always seeking highly qualified applicants for graduate admission. The Department currently offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees in Plant Sciences. Except in rare circumstances, we require an M.S. degree prior to acceptance into the Ph.D. program. We place a high level of emphasis on an applicant's ability to communicate effectively (orally, in writing, and digitally), independent problem solving skills, and the ability to work well as part of a team. The Department has a policy of accepting students only if a faculty member is willing to serve as a mentor; therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact a faculty member within our department to discuss research interests and for information about our program. In addition, please see the M.S. and Ph.D. requirements in the University Catalog.

Application Process

If you are interested in obtaining a graduate degree from the Department of Plant Sciences, please apply for a M.S. or Ph.D. in Plant Sciences at the University of Wyoming Admissions site (Admissions). You are required to submit the following:

• A statement of purpose that describes your professional objectives and scientific interests

• A current Curriculum Vitae

• Current academic transcripts

• Proof of English Proficiency (if English is not your primary language) - TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo tests are currently accepted

• Three letters of recommendation (to be submitted directly by references through the online application)

Our regular deadline for Fall semester admission is February 15, although we will accept applications any time during the year. October 15 is the recommended deadline for a spring admission. Submission of all materials before the deadline will ensure you receive full consideration for admission as well as funding.

Questions about the application process in Plant Sciences should be directed towards your potential academic advisor. Problems with the online application system should be directed to UW Admissions (307-766-5160 option 1, admissions@uwyo.edu).

More information on Graduate Education and the admissions process can be located at the UW Graduate Education website: www.uwyo.edu/uwgrad/ and in the Graduate Student Regulations and Policies entries in the University of Wyoming catalog (UW Catalog).

Graduate Assistantships

Teaching assistantships or research assistantships are available as funding allows in the Department of Plant Sciences. Graduate assistantships may be awarded exclusively for teaching or for research, but in most cases a combination of teaching and research will be expected from all students receiving assistantships. With few exceptions, financial support from an assistantship will be limited to two (2) years for the M.S. degree, and three (3) years for the Ph.D. degree. Additional funding may sometimes be provided if degree requirements are not yet met after these time limits; however, additional funding in most cases will be subject to availability of grant funds or other external funding sources. Please discuss these options with your advisor if you think these time limitations will be an issue. All funding is subject to adequate progress toward your degree.