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. Students already holding an applicable master’s degree upon admission can count 30 credits toward the 90 credits required for the doctorate. 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.

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.

Total Credit Hours Required for Doctorate: 90