University of California Davis
Horticulture and Agronomy
Overview
The Horticulture and Agronomy Graduate Group at UC Davis offers PhD training focused on agricultural crops and their interaction with the environment. You develop advanced research skills in areas such as crop physiology, genetics, nutrition, and post-harvest management.
About this programme
Overview
The Horticulture and Agronomy PhD program at the University of California, Davis is designed to provide advanced training in agricultural crops and their environmental interactions. Students engage in rigorous research that develops critical skills in crop physiology, genetics, nutrition, and post-harvest management, preparing them for leadership roles in the field.
What you'll study
The program combines research-led training with graduate coursework and dissertation research tailored to your interests. You will collaborate closely with faculty advisers to design a personalized plan of study.
Core academic areas (coursework)
- Crop Production
- Landscape Horticulture
- Mineral Nutrition
- Nursery Production
- Plant Growth and Development
Dissertation and milestones
- Conduct dissertation research under the guidance of a faculty adviser.
- Complete progress reviews and meet academic milestones set by the Graduate Group and your committee.
- Prepare for a final dissertation and defense as part of the PhD requirements.
How you tailor your PhD
- Select electives and graduate-level coursework that align with your research focus.
- Explore specific sub-areas such as physiology, genetics, nutrition, post-harvest management, or production systems.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) from an accredited institution where you obtained or will obtain your bachelor’s degree.
- A completed bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) that meets UC Davis academic preparation standards.
English language requirements
- Submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores unless you earned a degree from an institution where instruction was solely in English and is accredited or authorized as per UC Davis policy.
- TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 80 (or equivalent).
- IELTS: minimum score of 7.0 (or equivalent).
Application materials
- A non-refundable application fee is required.
- Additional documents such as transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and any program-specific materials are typically needed. Please refer to the UC Davis Graduate Studies application page for specific requirements for the Horticulture and Agronomy Graduate Group.
Career prospects
Graduates of the Horticulture and Agronomy PhD program can pursue various career paths in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and the private sector. Opportunities may include roles in agricultural research, crop management, environmental consultancy, and academic teaching positions, among others.
Latest PhD Scholarships in USA
Similar PhD programmes in USA
Similar PhD programmes at other universities
Get help applying to University of California Davis
Shortlist scholarships and plan your application — free guidance from our advisors.