University of Minnesota

The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota has a strong research and teaching emphasis in disease resistance, molecular genetics and genomics, control of diseases caused by biotic pathogens, wood deterioration, biological control of plant diseases, ecology and evolutionary biology of plant-associated microbes, and the physiology and molecular biology of plant-microbe interactions. 

The department also has a strong outreach emphasis through the extension service, Plant Disease Clinic, and other avenues. We have an internationally-recognized faculty, a dynamic research environment, and excellent facilities. We encourage you to contact individual faculty directly to learn more about specific research programs and the possibilities for securing a research assistantship.

Our department has a long and prestigious history. Since its inception in 1907, we have granted over 414 Ph.D. and 408 M.S. degrees. One of our alumni, Dr. Norman Borlaug, was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. Dr. Borlaug was awarded this honor for his tireless work in breeding high-yielding disease resistant wheats for under developed countries in Asia. This breakthrough

St. Paul Campus

saved millions of people from starvation.

We invite you to learn more about our Graduate Program and welcome you to join us.

The Graduate Program in Plant Pathology offers courses of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees with flexibility for students to design a program that fits their interests and career goals (e.g. the Emphasis in Molecular Plant Pathology). Graduate education is designed to help students learn the scientific discipline of Plant Pathology, develop independent and team research expertise, and hone communication skills needed by professional scientists. See Degree Requirements for detailed information on course requirements.

Several program components make the Graduate Program in Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota unique. The program supports and encourages students to carry out an international internship during their tenure in the department. Students also have the opportunity to focus their coursework at the molecular level by choosing the Emphasis in Molecular Plant Pathology. Finally, a full-day

Sculputure at the Plant Growth Facility

Graduate Student Symposium is organized every other year by students who determine the theme and invite a slate of speakers who are expert in their field.

Graduate faculty are housed in three interconnected buildings on the St. Paul Campus and at several research and outreach stations across the state.  Resources available to students include modern laboratories, offices, and state-of-the-art teaching facilities; the Plant Pathology Library with nearly 6,000 books and 100 serials; controlled environmental chambers; over 100,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space; personal computer facilities with Internet access; nucleic acid sequencing center; microscopy and imaging center; animal care facilities for antibody production; and high throughput equipment for genomic and proteomics research.  There are field research facilities on the St. Paul campus and at six additional stations located at unique sites throughout the state.  Forestry and biological field stations are located at Lake Itasca and Cloquet.  Research is also conducted at the Cedar Creek NSF research site close to the Twin Cities.