Doctor of Philososphy [Ph.D] [Horticulture] From Kansas State University

Graduate students are expected to excel in research, teaching, extension activities and develop professionally. Independent and original research is an important part of the graduate program and forms a basis for a graduate thesis. Research can be conducted within the department or in other cooperating departments.

The Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources offers courses of study leading to degrees of master of science and doctor of philosophy in diverse study areas and graduate certificates in advanced horticulture and horticultural therapy. Study areas include: environmental stress and molecular biology; forestry, recreation and natural resources; horticulture and human health; sustainable food production; and turf and ornamentals.

The department is housed in Throckmorton Plant Sciences Center and has over 15,000 square feet of modern office, laboratory and classroom space and 30,500 square feet of greenhouse space. Faculty have individual research labs, equipped for their specific type of research. Field research is conducted on our five off-campus research centers located in Manhattan and throughout the state. Cooperative research programs exist with the KSU departments of pathology, soil science, entomology, agronomy, biochemistry, microbiology, marketing, food science, health and nutrition, kinesiology, psychology, education and other disciplines.

The department consists of 24 faculty members, about 30 graduate students and 10 research associates, as well as post-doctoral fellows and visiting scientists. The faculty have received awards for excellence in research, teaching, and extension, and serve in leadership positions with various professional societies grants panels, etc. Faculty receive competitive research grants from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, foundations, and industry groups.The graduate program is dedicated to providing advanced discipline training, breadth and depth in research training, and mentoring to our students. The goal is the scholarly and professional development of research scientists, extension specialists, teachers, and horticultural business leaders.