Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Graduate Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Grain Science (Ph.D.)


The Ph.D. degree offered through the Grain Science and Industry  graduate program normally requires at least three years beyond the master’s degree. It is awarded to candidates who have demonstrated unique ability as scholars and researchers and proficiency in communication. The degree also certifies that the candidate has an understanding of the subject matter in the discipline and possesses the ability to make original contributions to knowledge.

Doctoral degree requirements


Graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree equivalent to 90 or more semester hours is required for the doctor of philosophy degree. Those hours include enrollment in at least 30 hours of research and 30 hours earned previously for the master’s degree. At least a year in residence at the university is required.

The student and major professor select an advisory committee. Selection of the committee is subject to approval by the Graduate School. The committee consists of the major professor and at least three other members of the graduate faculty. One member of the committee must be a member of the graduate faculty in a department other than that of the major professor.

The duties of the supervisory committee include advising the student on preparation of a plan of study and development of a doctoral research proposal, administration of a preliminary written examination, approval of the final form of the dissertation, and administration of the final oral examination.

It is expected that each graduate student’s dissertation or thesis will be published in the scientific literature. Graduate students are expected to prepare draft manuscripts prior to or by the time of their final oral exam. Publication of some items can precede publication of thesis or dissertation but guidance regarding prior publication should be followed.

Students without the prerequisite must have the permission of the instructor.

Course work


Grain science includes the science and technology of cereals and other grains, their basic properties and their utilization in foods, feeds, and other industrial products. Knowledge of chemical, biological, physical, and mathematical sciences is fundamental to grain scientists. As part of their degree programs, students will develop strong written and oral communication skills.

The course requirements for each graduate student in grain science will be drawn from the fields listed above. Specific requirements for each individual will be determined by the major professor and approved by the student’s graduate committee, with due consideration given the student’s qualifications and professional plans and interests. Students may be required to make up deficiencies in course work in their undergraduate curriculums.

Suggested courses for the M.S. degree


All students:

  • A graduate-level grain science course in at least one specialized area (i.e., baking, milling, feed science, extrusion)
  • A statistics course at the 700 level

Additional suggested courses for the Ph.D. degree


Graduate level courses in chemistry, biochemistry or other basic science in support of PhD research

Cereal science programs


10 credit hours of chemistry and/or physics, including an advanced course in biochemistry and an acceptable course in physical chemistry which has calculus as a prerequisite.