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Plant Pathology

Department of Plant Pathology

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GRAD: How to Apply

These application procedures are specific to the Plant Pathology MS (PLNTPTH-MS) and PhD (PLNTPTH-PH) Graduate Program.  Other Ohio State graduate programs may have different application requirements and deadlines.

Before applying, explore


For information about applying to the Master in Plant Health Management program, visit > mphm.osu.edu


Plant Pathology Deadlines

Ohio State's Plant Pathology Graduate Program accepts applications year-round on a rolling deadline.  However, most funding decisions are made in January-March for the following Autumn.

Check > Plant Pathology MS/PhD Deadlines  Note: MS and PhD follow the same deadlines.  We do accept applications year-round.

For Autumn admission to M.S. and Ph.D. programs: to ensure that you are considered for all funding opportunities, applicants should apply:

  • We can still accept applications for Autumn 2024, but note that the deadline for some funding opportunities has passed.

We can accept test scores and letters of recommendation submitted a few days after this deadline.

We do accept applications year round, but most applicants are admitted for Autumn semester.  Plant Pathology will accept applications after the deadlines, but we cannot guarantee consideration for fellowship and other funding.  For questions, please contact the graduate coordinator, Monica Lewandowski > lewandowski.52@osu.edu


Graduate applications are processed by the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.
Helpful resources for questions regarding the application process, 
Graduate and Professional Admissions Office > Frequently Asked Questions


Applying to Ohio State and the MS/PhD Plant Pathology Graduate Program

All application materials can be submitted electronically

___ Application - Apply online at gpadmissions.osu.edu/apply/grad.html

There is a non-refundable application fee.
Ohio State alumni, students and students in several recruitment programs may be eligible for a fee waiver > gpadmissions.osu.edu/resources/fee-waivers.html 

When submitting your online application, you can upload your statement of intent and curriculum vita/resume as a Word or pdf file (see more information on statement of intent and curriculum vitae/resume below).  If you upload your statement of intent and curriculum vitae/resume with your online application, you do not need to mail or send another copy to the Department of Plant Pathology.

For the Plant Pathology Graduate Program, indicate Columbus campus on the application (even if interested in faculty programs located in Wooster).

____ Transcripts

- Transcripts or record of marks must be provided for each university-level school attended.  This includes transcripts for transfer and/or summer courses taken at other universities, even if the transfer credits/grades are posted on transcripts of institutions from which you have earned a degree.

- Include English translations of any foreign documents.

- Ohio State requires a minimum 3.0/4.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA); the GPA for the last degree obtained is used to determine eligibility.  Applicants whose GPA is below 3.0 can still apply for admission, although exceptions to this requirement are rare and require a petition to the Graduate School for admission.

- Applicants can upload electronic copies of transcripts in the online application process.  Please provide scans or electronic copies of actual transcripts, not advising reports or web printouts.  If you have coursework or degree(s) from Ohio State, you do not need to submit Ohio State transcripts.

► Please note that official copies will be required if admitted (paper or electronic).  Admission will be provisional until official transcripts are received and compared to the electronic transcripts for verification.

 Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test

The GRE is no longer required, but are optional.
Applicants to wish to send GRE scores can send official scores to Ohio State (institutional code 1592).
Plant Pathology does not have a department code.

____ English Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a recent, official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB, 54 or higher) or IELTS score (7.0 or higher on the IELTS).  Ohio State requires a 79 on the internet-based TOEFL.  TOEFL scores should be sent to Ohio State (institutional code 1592).

Currently:

Duolingo accepted: 120 or higher (Note: Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. The Duolingo English Test cannot be used to satisfy the English Proficiency requirement for Graduate Teaching Associates.) 

More info on specific requirements, including country-specific exemptions: gpadmissions.osu.edu/intl/english-proficiency.html 

____ Statement of Intent

1-2 page statement describing your academic goals, professional interests, as well as relevant work, research and academic experience.  It may be helpful to include autobiographical or other information as it relates to your motivations and interests in pursuing graduate study in plant pathology at Ohio State.

The Statement of Intent can also include how you have overcome educational, economic, and/or personal challenges to access Graduate School; experiences that you prepared you to contribute  intellectually to the research, scholarship, and engagement missions of the University, and skills and experiences related to at least one of OSU’s shared values through your academic, professional, or work experience; volunteer engagement; or leadership of student or community organizations.

The statement of intent and curriculum vitae/resume can be uploaded with your online application as a Word or pdf file.   (2-page maximum limit for each document for fellowship funding consideration)

___ Curriculum Vita/Resume

A 1-2 page document detailing your previous work and educational experience, academic and professional activities and honors, publications and other relevant information.  This can be uploaded with your online application.

___  ___  ___ Three Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation. We suggest professional references familiar with your qualifications and potential for graduate study.

The Plant Pathology Graduate Program accepts online submission (preferred).  We also accept paper letters/reference forms by mail:

a. Online submission (preferred)
Applicants can submit the names and e-mail addresses of 3 references in the online application process.  The references will receive e-mail instructions for completing the online recommendation process.  Letters of recommendation on letterhead can be uploaded as pdf or Word file in the online process.

For more information on submitting references' names/e-mail addresses for online submission, or to send reminders to your references, visit  Graduate Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
OR

b. Paper copies
If the recommender would rather submit a letter by mail, paper copies written on recommenders' original letterhead stationery may be mailed to the Plant Pathology Graduate Program.  However, if letters are submitted online, paper copies do not need to be submitted by mail. Paper copies must be accompanied by a completed Ohio State Reference Form: admissions.osu.edu/apps/pdfs/refer.pdf

For the paper forms, applicants should fill out page 1 of the reference form, and request that the recommender complete page 2.  The recommender should mail the reference form with the letter to:

Plant Pathology Graduate Program
The Ohio State University
201 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Rd
Columbus OH  43210   USA

No additional items are required for the Plant Pathology Graduate Program.


After you apply

Check your status online > appstatus.osu.edu.  Log in with your OSU Student ID and temporary password to access your Applicant Center.

For more information re-sending requests and reminders about letters of recommendation, visite Graduate and Professional Admissions:
gpadmissions.osu.edu/faq/


For assistance and questions

Please contact our Academic Program Coordinator, Monica Lewandowski:

E-mail: lewandowski.52@osu.edu
Tel. (614) 247-6876 (Eastern Standard Time)


Contact info:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
SAS Building, 1st Floor
281 West Lane Ave
Columbus, OH 43210-1132   USA

Telephone: (614) 292-9444  USA EST
E-mail: gradadmissions@osu.edu