Graduate Field
Plant Biology
Program Description
Programs in the field of plant biology range from the molecular/genetic investigation of fundamental plant processes and mathematical modeling of plant development to study of plant diversity and evolution. In addition to studying a major subject in the field of plant biology, students also take coursework in two other minor subjects of their choice, either in or outside the field. The field has no language requirement.
Students who want to major in plant ecology are encouraged to apply through the field of ecology and evolutionary biology.
Research Facilities
The field provides equipment and expertise in all research programs related to the special interests of the faculty. Instrumentation of modern molecular and biochemical techniques, visible and electron microscopy, biological spectrometry, and computing equipment are available. Growth chambers, cell culture and transformation facilities, greenhouses, and field plots are also readily available. L. H. Bailey Hortorium Herbarium, adjacent to the Plant Science Building, houses one of the nation's major systematics resources.
Concentrations
- Cytology
- Paleobotany
- Plant biochemistry
- Plant biotechnology
- Plant cell biology
- Plant ecology
- Plant molecular biology
- Plant morphology, anatomy, and biomechanics
- Plant physiology
- Systematic botany
Program Information
- Program Mode of Delivery: In Person
- Program Location: Ithaca, NY
Program Requirements
- Minimum Semesters for Degree: 6
Graduate School Milestones
- Responsible Conduct of Research Training: Required
- Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID): Required
- Student Progress Reviews (SPR) begin: Second year
- Examination for admission to candidacy (A Exam): Spring of third year
- Defense of Dissertation (B Exam): Spring of seventh year
Field Specific Milestones
- One semester of teaching assistantship required
Course Requirements
Additional course requirements may be set by the student’s Special Committee. Program specific requirements that apply to all students are included below.
Year 1 (Fall)
Year 1 (Spring)
- PLSCI 6841 Plant Form and Function: Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Development
- PLSCI 7410 Problems in Plant Biology
Graduate School Enrollment Requirements
Course Requirements
- Course requirements are determined by the student’s Special Committee.
- Enrollment in a GRAD research course or the equivalent field specific research course is expected of all students each semester through graduation. These courses include:
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
Admissions
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Fall, November 16; no spring admission
Requirements Summary
- A research statement that summarizes your research experience including the research questions that were addressed, methods utilized, and summary of research outcomes and significance. Note that this research statement is separate from the statement of purpose contained within the Graduate School requirements.
- The statement of purpose should include an overview of your current interests, why the plant biology field at Cornell aligns with those interests, and future aspirations/expectations.
- Three recommendations
- GRE test scores are not required and are not accepted.
- English language proficiency requirement for all applicants
- Prospective applicants are encouraged to correspond with faculty members in their area of interest. Additional details, including descriptions of courses available in the field, can be obtained from the graduate field office.
Admissions Contact Information
Email: kpg2@cornell.edu
Phone: 607-255-4075
Campus Address: 412 Mann Library Building
Website: https://cals.cornell.edu/school-integrative-plant-science/school-sections/sips-plant-biology-section
