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Doctor of Philosophy in Bioagricultural Sciences
The Doctor of Philosophy in Bioagricultural Sciences conducts research in plant abiotic stress and the microbes, insects, and weeds that threaten the safety and sustainability of the food supply.
Students learn how ecosystems function and how to protect them through advanced study in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science.
Program Overview | Curriculum | Application Information | Faculty Research | Objectives and Outcomes | Contact Us
Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Bioagricultural Sciences focuses on research in plant abiotic stress and the microbes, insects, and weeds that threaten the safety and sustainability of the food supply.
Agricultural Biology is a unique department among U.S. land-grant universities, encompassing the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, and weed science.
What makes this program unique:
- Research focused on plant abiotic stress, microbes, insects, and weeds
- Study of threats to food safety and sustainability
- Focus on how ecosystems function and how to protect them
- Departmental expertise in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science
- Access to Agricultural Biology research, collections, and outreach resources
- Advisor and funding confirmation required before applying to the Graduate School
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in Bioagricultural Sciences requires 72 credits beyond the undergraduate degree.
Course selection depends on each student’s focus within Bioagricultural Sciences and must be approved by the student’s graduate committee.
Plan of Study
Required Program Components
- Lecture Courses — 25 credits
- ANEQ 792A — Seminar: General — 1 credit
- ANEQ 699 — Thesis — Variable credits
Additional Curriculum Notes
- A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.
- At least 12 credits must be at the 500-level or above.
- Courses are selected with approval from the advisor and graduate committee.
- The program requires preparation and defense of an original research thesis.
- At least one peer-reviewed publication is expected from the thesis research effort.
Specializations
Entomology Specialization
Entomology Specialization
The Doctor of Philosophy in Bioagricultural Sciences, Entomology Specialization conducts research in the study of insects and other arthropods, such as ticks and mites.
Students in this specialization help build a healthier food system for a growing world while protecting the environment.
Area of Study
- Entomology
Plant Pathology Specialization
The Doctor of Philosophy in Bioagricultural Sciences, Plant Pathology Specialization conducts research in the study of microbes that affect plant health, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Students in this specialization help build a healthier food system for a growing world while protecting the environment.
Area of Study
- Plant Pathology
Weed Science Specialization
The Doctor of Philosophy in Bioagricultural Sciences, Weed Science Specialization conducts research in the study of weed management and pesticide function and resistance.
Students in this specialization help build a healthier food system for a growing world while protecting the environment.
Area of Study
- Weed Science
Total Program Credits: 72
Application Information
Before applying to the Graduate School, prospective students must identify and confirm funding with an advisor in Agricultural Biology.
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
*Deadlines may vary depending on applicant status.
How to Apply
Students should:
- Review the sequential degree program requirements.
- Complete the SDP application created by the partnering undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Follow application timing and requirements defined by the partnering programs.
- Visit the CSU Graduate School website to learn more about the program.
Tuition & Support
- $643 per credit (online tuition; same rate worldwide)
- Federal financial aid and scholarships may be available
- Additional financial resources can be accessed through CSU Online and the Office of Financial Aid
Student Employment
Graduate assistantships (GTA, GRA, GSA) and hourly positions may be available. Students should contact their advisor and department graduate coordinator for current opportunities.
Faculty and Research
Students in the Ph.D. in Bioagricultural Sciences program study plant abiotic stress, microbes, insects, weeds, and related threats to the food supply.
Bug Zoo and Community Outreach
Volunteer with this traveling exhibit to introduce K-12 students to 30+ species of arachnids, insects, and other arthropods.
Agricultural Research and Development Center
Work directly with crops and livestock at this research and teaching complex — one of ten around the state.
Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Building
CSU’s new home for Colorado agriculture, student aspirations and agricultural innovation for global impact.
Objectives and Outcomes
The Ph.D. in Bioagricultural Sciences prepares students to study plant abiotic stress, microbes, insects, weeds, and ecosystem protection.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students have opportunities to:
- Conduct research in plant abiotic stress.
- Study microbes, insects, and weeds that threaten food supply safety and sustainability.
- Learn how ecosystems function.
- Learn how to protect ecosystems.
- Develop advanced knowledge in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science.
- Conduct graduate work within a focus area approved by the student’s graduate committee.
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue roles in:
- Agricultural Biologist and Engineer
- Agricultural Biosecurity Inspector
- Agricultural Science Research Technician
- Crop Scout
- Food Production Specialist
- Insect Molecular Biologist
- Integrated Pest Management Specialist
- Pesticide Safety Educator
- Research Biologist
- Research Entomologist
- Research Equipment or Agricultural Sales Representative
- Research Plant Pathologist
- Research Weed Scientist
- Weed Manager
Related interest areas include:
- Agriculture
- Biology
- Climate Change
- Ecosystem Health
- Entomology
- Microbiology
- Plants
- Weeds
Contact Us
Ready to learn more about the graduate programs at CSU’s College of Agricutlural Sciences? Connect with a program advisor today.
Grad Layout Update Test Form
Come to the Table
Become part of our agricultural community and experience hands-on learning while building relationships. Bring your creativity, ideas and lived experiences. Leave with the confidence to collectively solve the grand challenges of sustaining our natural resources and feeding the world.
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