Graduate Studies

The Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology is a comprehensive department offering several degree pathways.

Master of Agriculture

Entomology
Plant Pathology

Master of Science in Agricultural Life Sciences

Biochemistry
Entomology
Plant Pathology

Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology

Doctor of Philosophy in Life Sciences

Biochemistry
Entomology
Plant Pathology

Interdisciplinary Programs

Master of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in Animal Nutrition
Master of Science in Agricultural Life Sciences with a concentration in Animal Physiology
Master of Science in Agricultural Life Sciences with a concentration in Genetics
Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in Animal Nutrition
Doctor of Philosophy in Life Sciences with concentration in Animal Physiology
Doctor of Philosophy in Life Sciences with concentration in Genetics

Admission Criteria

Final acceptance into a graduate program is contingent upon the availability of a suitable major professor.

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a physical or life science with a strong background in the program discipline of interest (biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, or plant pathology).
A minimum 2.75 overall GPA on a 4.00 scale.
Scored results of the GRE general test recommended but not required.
International students are required to have a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 500 PBT (61 iBT) or an IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) score of 5.5 (non-English speaking international students)

Provisional Admission: An applicant who has not fully met the GPA requirement stipulated by the university may be admitted on a provisional basis.

The provisionally-admitted student is eligible for a change to regular status after receiving a 3.00 GPA on the first 9 hours of graduate courses at Mississippi State University (with no grade lower than a C). The first 9 hours of graduate courses must be within the student’s program of study. Courses with an S grade, transfer credits, or credits earned while in unclassified status cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. If a 3.00 is not attained, the provisional student shall be dismissed from the graduate program.

While in the provisional status, a student is not eligible to hold a graduate assistantship.

Master of Agriculture

Entomology concentration: This non-thesis option requires 30 hours of coursework as approved by the graduate committee. Students will also have to complete a scholarly activity, participate in research projects, and develop a scholarly document focused on subject area.

Plant Pathology concentration: This non-thesis option requires 30 hours of coursework as approved by the graduate committee. Students will also have to complete a scholarly activity, participate in research projects, and develop a scholarly document focused on subject area.

Master of Science in Agriculture

Animal Nutrition concentration: An interdisciplinary curriculum that includes 30 hours of coursework and a thesis.

M.S. in Agricultural Life Sciences

Biochemistry concentration: Available as a thesis or non-thesis program. The thesis option requires 30 hours of coursework. The non-thesis option requires 33 hours of coursework. A research paper equivalent to a research literature review is required in this option.

Entomology concentration: Requires 30 hours of coursework and a thesis.

Plant Pathology concentration: Requires 30 hours of coursework and a thesis.

Animal Physiology concentration: An interdisciplinary program that requires 30 hours of coursework and a thesis.

Genetics concentration: An interdisciplinary program that requires 30 hours of coursework. Available as a thesis or non-thesis program. A comprehensive exam is required in the non-thesis option.

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology

The Molecular Biology Ph.D. degree is primarily a research degree. A minimum of 30-40 hours of coursework and 30 hours of research beyond the B.S. degree are required. A student entering the program with a master’s degree will be required to take 30-40 hours past that degree.

Ph.D. in Life Sciences

Biochemistry concentration: Requires a minimum of 40 credit hours of coursework and at least 20 research hours above the baccalaureate degree (60 hours total) for students entering with only a baccalaureate degree. Students entering the Biochemistry concentration with an M.S. degree have a required minimum of 40 hours past that degree utilizing a combination of coursework and research hours (with a minimum of 20 hours of research/dissertation).

Entomology concentration: Requires 60 credit hours of coursework above the baccalaureate degree.

Plant Pathology concentration: Requires 60 credit hours of coursework above the baccalaureate degree.

Animal Physiology concentration: Requires a minimum of three academic years beyond the B.S. degree; the number of hours will vary as determined by the student and major professor. The student is required to take at least 3 hours of PHY 8811 and PHY 8841.

Genetics concentration: Requires written preliminary and oral comprehensive examinations, a dissertation, and coursework designated by the student’s graduate committee, including 20 research/dissertation hours.

Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences

Animal Nutrition concentration: This concentration has no course requirements; however, BCH 6603, BCH 6613, ST 8114, and ST 8214 are required if they were not completed during the student’s master‘s degree. Additionally, a language or research skill requirement, a preliminary/ comprehensive examination, and a final dissertation defense are required.

Graduate Coordinators

Dr. Krish Krishnan
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Entomology/Plant Pathology

Dr. Carrie Vance
Animal Physiology/Genetics/Nutrition

Quick Links

Want to know more?
Contact:

Dr. Krish Krishnan | 662.325.2978
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Plant Pathology

Dr. Carrie Vance | 662.325.3139
Animal Physiology
Genetics
Nutrition