HCS Graduate Program Handbook

Please reach out to directly to your faculty advisor.

Please reach out directly to our graduate program manager, Regina Vann Hickok.

Welcome to the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS)! 

The mission of the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science is to obtain knowledge about plants and their uses through innovation and discovery and then disseminate that knowledge to benefit Ohio State University, the people of Ohio, and the world. Through the years our programs have provided outcomes that impact the plant sciences with specific emphasis on Horticulture and the Crop Sciences. We are positioned to contribute through innovation, discovery and application through our teaching, extension, and research efforts to economic growth through the application of biological sciences. Our efforts will provide nutritious foods, plants for quality urban habitat, and plant-based products in an energy efficient and environmentally sustainable way, helping to meet the global challenges of food security and human health, environmental quality and sustainability, and advanced bioenergy and biobased products. 

This HCS Graduate Studies Handbook describes the rules, processes, and procedures used in the graduate programs (M.S. and Ph.D.) in HCS. This document is written and updated by the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC), and new versions are approved by all voting faculty in HCS.

This Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS) Graduate Student Handbook supplements the Graduate School Handbook, and should be used in conjunction with the Graduate School Handbook. This handbook outlines specific rules, procedures, policies, and requirements that apply to graduate students, faculty, and programs involved with the HCS M.S. and Ph.D. graduate programs. 

The department of Horticulture and Crop Science offers the following graduate degrees: 

• Masters of Science (M.S.) in Horticulture and Crop Science, thesis option 
• Masters of Science (M.S.) in Horticulture and Crop Science, non-thesis option 
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Horticulture and Crop Science

The HCS Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) is selected and operates according to the Graduate School Handbook and the HCS Pattern of Administration document. 

The GSC is responsible for the conduct and administration of graduate programs in the Department. Actions taken by the committee are subject to approval, modification, or reversal by the Graduate Faculty members in the graduate program. Decisions made by GSCs must comply with Graduate School rules. The GSC assumes other responsibilities as assigned to it by the Graduate School, the Graduate Faculty members in the graduate program, the head of the academic unit, or the committee members. The committee reports on its actions taken during the year to Graduate Faculty members in the graduate program.

We expect HCS Graduate Students to uphold the OSU Student Code of Conduct, and academic and professional standards. 

Applicants can apply to our graduate program via the online application, by selecting the relevant graduate program (M.S. in Horticulture and Crop Science, or Ph.D. in Horticulture and Crop Science). 

All the following criteria must be met for an applicant to enroll as a student in the Department. 

1. The applicant must be deemed academically eligible. 
2. A faculty advisor must be identified and the applicant and advisor must agree to work together. 
3. Funding must be identified for the prospective student’s stipend, tuition, fees, and program support. 

Here are some details: 

1. Academic eligibility is determined by the HCS GSC based on all aspects of the application. This includes transcripts, English language proficiency scores (if applicable), letters of reference, personal statement, curriculum vitae, and other materials. The HCS GSC does not require the GRE, but scores may be submitted. The range of course work should indicate a sufficient background in basic science, and the personal statement is expected to demonstrate clear focus and interest in graduate study in this department. Extracurricular activities, including research, professional experiences, service, and international experiences, are also considered. 

   If a student is deemed academically eligible by both the Graduate School and the HCS GSC, the application is considered ‘provisionally accepted’ and the application is made available to faculty in the Department. Applicants can expect to receive email notification if their application has been provisionally accepted or denied. 

2. A faculty advisor must be identified. Prior to application or at any point during the application process, prospective students may contact faculty members whose research interests match their own. At the same time, once students are provisionally accepted, faculty members will see this list of applicants and contact those who they wish to discuss an advising relationship with further. 
3. Funding for the applicant’s stipend, tuition, fees, and research support must be identified. A student cannot begin graduate studies until funding is identified. There are several options: 
   • Students can be financially supported by their adviser (through grants or other means). This is the mechanism by which most graduate students in HCS are supported. (Graduate Research Associateships - GRAs)
   • Students can be financially supported by the Department through teaching assistantships (Graduate Teaching Associateships - GTAs). 
   • Students can be financially supported through the College or University (through Fellowships). These are Fellowships that the GSC applies for on behalf of the student and are not open for self-nomination. 
   • Students can be self-funded (funding from one’s home government, an external Fellowship, or personal funds). 
      

To be eligible to matriculate into the graduate programs in HCS, the following pre-requisites must be met: 

• An earned baccalaureate or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university by the expected date of entry. 
• Admission to the combined B.S./M.S. is subject the guidelines indicated by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and the Graduate School. 
• A minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average (CGPA) (on the 4.0 scale used at this university) in the last degree earned by the applicant relevant to the program of study. For international students, the CGPA is calculated on the home institution’s grading scheme and the grade key on the transcript is then utilized to approximate an equivalent US grade based on the educational system of that country. Information on converting GPA can be found at the Graduate and Professional Admissions website. 
• Training that will enable the student to pursue graduate study in HCS. Given the multidisciplinary nature of work in HCS, no specific courses are universally required. It is recommended that prospective students with undergraduate degrees in non-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) fields contact the GSC Chair prior to applying. 
• A minimum score of 79 on the internet-based (IBT), 213 for the computer based (CBT), and 550 for the paper based (PBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores of 82 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), or 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are also accepted. This requirement applies only to an applicant from a country where the first language is not English, unless a bachelor’s degree or higher was earned in an English-speaking country.

Many HCS graduate students will have a M.S. degree before entering the Ph.D. program. However, admittance directly into the Ph.D. program (without an M.S.) is allowed. This decision to allow admission to the PhD program without an MS is largely dependent on evidence that the applicant has significant research experience, equivalent to that which would be conducted in an M.S. program. 

Summary of required application materials: 

1. A completed online application 
   • An official transcript from each college or university attended, listing all courses taken, grades and degrees earned, and dates of graduation (Ohio State students need not submit transcripts from this university; these will be supplied by internal procedures). For the application process, a copy may be used. If the applicant is admitted, then an official transcript must be provided. 
2. Three (3) letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with the applicant’s academic program, scholastic ability, or professional performance.
   1. Selection of letter writers: faculty members or others knowledgeable about the student’s academic and/or research performance should be invited to serve as references. It is recommended that applicants choose reference writers carefully. Letters from high level administrators are not necessarily helpful. The best letters are from instructors or mentors who know the applicant well enough to speak to the student’s preparation and aptitude for graduate study. 
   2. Timeliness of letter writing: please request the submission of these letters in a timely fashion. 
3. A brief (1-2 page) personal statement describing the applicant’s educational and professional goals and objectives. The statement should explain the applicant’s specific research interests in the department and any potential advisor(s). The personal statement should explain clearly the student’s background and highlight previous relevant experiences. 
4. A curriculum vitae (CV). A detailed CV should provide contact information, previous educational, professional, and research experiences. Please list presentations, posters, and published papers. Include examples of leadership activities, community service, extracurricular activities, or international experiences as appropriate. Proficiency in field, greenhouse, laboratory, analytical and computational skills would be relevant. The CV is typically no more than two pages long. 
5. English proficiency requirement (international students from non-English speaking countries) 

HCS no longer requires GRE scores for application to its M.S. or Ph.D. programs. 

Application timeline deadlines: 

While HCS has rolling admission, to be fully eligible for support, we recommend that applications are received by November 30th. Most applicants are for entrance in the Autumn (AU) semester, with fewer applicants beginning in the SP semester or SU term. To be considered for internal University and College fellowships, completed applications must be received by November 30th (for international applicants) or December 13th for domestic applicants. 

We recommend that students have completed applications submitted by: 

Enrollment start 

• Summer (SU) term 

  • U.S. applicant: Dec 13 
  • International applicant: Nov 30 

• Autumn (AU) semester 

  • U.S. applicant: Dec 13 
  • International applicant: Nov 30 

• Spring (SP) semester 

  • U.S. applicant: Aug 31 
  • International applicant: Aug 31

The graduate advisor provides counsel and advice to the student on course selections, individual program development, selection of research topics, and execution of the student’s research and educational goals. The graduate advisor also conducts an annual review with each advisee. The advisor of a master’s or doctoral student must hold Graduate Faculty membership at the appropriate level (Category M or P for a Master’s student and only Category P for a doctoral student) in the Horticulture and Crop Science Graduate Program. 

If there are problems or conflicts related to the student’s graduate program and/or the student-advisor relationship, the student is advised to meet and discuss the issue with the advisor if appropriate. If the conflict remains unsolved, the student should schedule a meeting to discuss the issue with the Graduate Studies Chair. The Graduate Studies Chair (or as needed, the Chair Elect) should be viewed as the primary contact for mediation. Every effort will be made to keep the issue confidential. For issues related to academic progress, the student advisory committee (SAC) may be asked for additional input.

Grievances can be addressed through various mechanisms, including at the Graduate School, and through the Civil Rights Compliance office (when related to harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct). A compilation of complaint and grievance systems at OSU can be found through the Office of Academic Affairs. 

Change of Program or Advisor:

In Horticulture and Crop Science, funding is often tied to a major professor, and a project. This funding reality suggests that conflicts between Advisors and students need to be handled transparently and carefully. A student wishing to change to a different program or advisor should notify the advisor and the GSC Chair. A plan for transfer, funding, and formulation of a new SAC should be made within the semester or SU term. 

The purpose of the SAC is to provide guidance in the development of a Course Program, approves the Course Program, provides input on the research proposal colloquium presentation, reviews the written and oral research proposal, reviews the thesis, or dissertation, and resolves matters concerning the student's graduate program. The student must keep the SAC informed on progress in research and coursework. The SAC is intended to be a formal mentoring network, though it is not expected to be the sole source of mentorship or expertise for students in the graduate program. 

The student and advisor must together select graduate faculty to constitute the SAC. The selection of the SAC should be completed during the first semester or SU term of enrollment. Students should notify the GSC of the final composition of the SAC using Form 1, and the GSC should be advised in writing of any appointments, resignations, etc. from the SAC.

Specific guidelines for M.S. SAC selection and approval: 

1. The chair of the committee (i.e. the Advisor) must have at least Category M status in HCS. 
2. The SAC, including the advisor, consists of at least three (3) members, with at least two (2) members having Category M status or higher with the OSU Graduate Faculty 
3. If the third member is not a Graduate Faculty member at OSU, then their appointment to the SAC must be approved by the GSC. 
4. The SAC should be formed by the end of the student’s 1st semester. 

It is recommended that students meet at least annually with their SAC to discuss research plans and progress. In addition, students are required to meet their SAC: 

1. To prepare the Graduate Course Program (by the end of the 2nd semester) 
2. To discuss research as part of the research proposal presentation (i.e., colloquium) 
3. For the Exit Seminar and Thesis Defense 

The student should make every effort to schedule the colloquium presentation such that each SAC member can be present. The student is ultimately responsible for scheduling SAC meetings, getting approval for the research proposal, scheduling oral and written exams, and keeping the SAC up to date on research progress. 

Specific guidelines for Ph.D. SAC selection and approval: 

1. The Chair of this committee (i.e. the Advisor) must have Category P status in HCS. 8 
2. The SAC, including the advisor, consists of at least four (4) or more OSU faculty members having either Category M or Category P status. 
3. At least one of the OSU members of the SAC must be from outside HCS. 
4. SAC members from outside of OSU require permission of the Graduate School. Students who have an external member on their SAC will require a 5th member for their candidacy exam who is an OSU graduate faculty member (as the candidacy examination committee requires 4 individuals with OSU graduate faculty status) 
5. The SAC should be formed by the end of the student’s 1st semester or SU term. 

It is recommended that the student meet at least annually with their SAC to discuss research plans and progress. In addition, students are required to meet their SAC: 

1. To prepare the Graduate Course Program (by the end of the 1st semester or SU term) 
2. To discuss research as part of the research proposal presentation (Colloquium) 
3. For the Candidacy exam 
4. For the Exit Seminar and Dissertation Defense 

The student should make every effort to schedule the colloquium presentation such that each SAC member can be present. The student is ultimately responsible for scheduling SAC meetings, getting approval for the research proposal, scheduling all oral and written exams, and keeping the SAC up to date on research progress. 

The GSC should be notified via a new Form 1 if the Candidacy Exam Committee or the Final Examination Committee is different from the SAC. The Ph.D. Final Examination Committee will also contain a Graduate Faculty Representative assigned by the Graduate School. 

Agreements with the SAC about use of generative AI for preservation of Academic and Research Integrity:

Students should come to an agreement with their SAC about the ways in which generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, Bard, or similar) will and will not be used throughout their degree, with emphasis on written documents for graduate degree progression and conferral (e.g. Research Proposal, written portion of PhD Candidacy Exam, Thesis/Dissertation, Final Report on Plan B, Fact Sheets, etc.). Information about this process can be found in the “No Ways AI” guidance form, and students (with their SAC) should complete the “AI Form,” ensuring that OSU required trainings up to date (i.e. Institutional Data, Research Data). This “AI Form” serves as a contract which governs the ways in which generative AI will or will not be used. A new “AI Form” must be submitted for every written document considered for degree progression and conferral, with a copy sent to the Academic Program Manager and the student’s SAC. Violations of this agreement will be subject to OSU academic misconduct procedures. 

Our curriculum aims to give students a breadth of knowledge in Horticulture and Crop Science. At least 30 graduate hours are required with a distribution among core focus areas. All students are required to demonstrate an equivalency or take and pass courses in two of three core areas including plant physiology/plant biochemistry/metabolomics; plant breeding/genetics/biotechnology; and plant systems/ production/ecology. In addition, a fourth core area of experimental design/statistics is required for all students. Equivalency can be demonstrated through either prior coursework, or relevant research/internship experiences. Students must petition the GSC for approval of core area equivalency.

A petition should include demonstration of equivalent material through transcripts, syllabi, and presentations or publications.

Students are required to take course(s) in 2 of 3 core areas from Focus 1-3. Students are required to take one course from “Experimental Design”. Additional credits in current topics, professional development, and electives are required. The purpose of having these focal areas is to ensure that students meet competency requirements in plant science. 

Core/Focus areas (students must meet requirements in two of three Focus areas and “Experimental Design): 

Focus 1: Plant Biochemistry/Physiology/Metabolomics

• HCS 5621: Physiology of Cultivated Plants (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5622: Plant Biochemistry (3 credit hours)
• HCS 7600: Metabolomics, Principles and Practice (3 credit hours)
• HCS 7821: Environmental Physiology of Managed Plant Systems (3 credit hours)

Focus 2: Plant Genetics/Biotechnolgy/Breeding

• HCS 5325: Plant Genetics (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5625: Applied Plant Biotechnology (2 credit hours)
• HCS 5825: Plant Breeding (2 credit hours)
• HCS 8825: Advanced Plant Breeding (3 credit hours)

Focus 3: Plant Systems/Production/Ecology

• HCS 5100: Advanced Cropping Systems (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5200: Advanced Horticultural Principles and Practices (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5306: Sustain. Veg. Prod. Pract.: Planning, Growing and Marketing (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5320: Floriculture Crop Production (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5411: Grain, Oilseed, and Fiber Crops (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5412: Agroecology of Grasslands and Prairies (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5420: Environmental Impacts of Crop-Livestock Systems (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5422: Principles of Weed Ecology and Management (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5450: Principles of Vegetable Crop Production and Physiology (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5460: Fruit Crop Physiology and Production (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5602: Ecology of Agriculture (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5670: Golf Courses and the Environment (2 credit hours)

Experimental Design/Statistics

• HCS 5887: Introduction to Experimental Design (3 credit hours)

Graduate Student Professional Development: should be taken during the first semester of enrollment 

• HCS 7001: Graduate Student Professional Development (1 credit hour)

Current Topics: MS students must take at least one Current Topics course during their degree. 

• HCS 8830: Current Topics (1 credit hour)

Seminar and Colloquium: 

Students will enroll in HCS 7890 a minimum of two times. Students should present their colloquium (i.e., their research proposal) by their second semester of enrollment (excluding summer). A student can present their colloquium on either their first or second enrollment of 7890. Note that HCS 7890 is only offered AU and SP semesters. The SAC must approve the written proposal and is expected to attend the colloquium presentation. The second and subsequent enrollments can be any semester thereafter. Students enrolling in HCS 7890 for credit must attend all departmental seminars.

• HCS 7890: Seminar on HCS Topics (colloquium within first 2 semesters/terms) (1 credit hour)
• HCS 7890: Seminar on HCS Topics (register at least one more time) (1 credit hour)

Research credits (MS):

• HCS 7999: MS Research (1-18 credit hours)

Electives:

Students must take 6 credits of graduate courses at the 5000 level or higher. Courses that fulfill other requirements are not eligible to double-count as electives. 

• HCS/Other: Graduate Courses - Not counting courses fulfilling above requirements (6 credit hours)

Additional coursework assigned by SAC can also be from within or outside of HCS. 

Each student’s course plan should be approved by their SAC and submitted as the “MS ADVISING SHEET” by the end of the first semester or SU term of enrollment. 

Credit load: 

Fulltime M.S. students with a Graduate Associateship or a University/College fellowship should enroll for 18 credits per AU or SP semester, or 12 credits per SU term. Students that are funded via other mechanisms should consult with your advisor and the graduate program associate about the appropriate number of hours to schedule. 

Transfer of credits:

Graduate credit earned at another university may be transferred to this university. The Graduate School places no limit on the graduate credit hours that may be transferred. However, residence and minimum degree requirements determine the number of graduate credit hours that may be counted toward a graduate degree at OSU. In addition, the HCS GSC must approve the transfer of credits. Information about how to transfer credits can be found here.

M.S. Thesis Requirements:

For those students carrying out thesis research, they will form a SAC, complete a colloquium including a written and oral presentation of their thesis proposal, and write and defend their thesis. 

By the end of the first semester of the M.S., students should have formed (Form 1) and met with their SAC to determine their course plan (“MS ADVISING SHEET”). By the end of the second semester or SU term, M.S. students should have completed their colloquium including their thesis proposal. Students must send their M.S. thesis to their SAC no less than three weeks prior to the defense date. At least one week prior to the defense date, the SAC must unanimously agree that the thesis is sufficiently complete to be defended in the final exam. If extenuating circumstances arise, students should consult their SAC for timelines that deviate from the one presented above. Students are encouraged to have discussions with their SAC about what a defensible thesis is. It is the responsibility of the advisor to poll the SAC and inform the student that their thesis is defensible. Edits can be requested by SAC members after the thesis has been deemed defensible, prior to deposition with the graduate school. 

Exit Seminar and Final Examination:

All students will present an exit seminar prior to the final exam. The dissertation/final examination committee in HCS is the student’s SAC. The student will be responsible for scheduling and notifying the department, SAC members, and associated units, of the time and place of their exit seminar presentation. Exit seminars will be video-linked between campuses. The exit seminar will be 40-50 minutes in duration, allowing 10-15 minutes for open questions and discussion for non-SAC members. The exit seminar is in addition to the final 2-hour exam. Exit seminars should be scheduled for 1-hour at a time preceding the final exam, but by no more than one week. All dissertation examinations involving video conferencing must adhere to the Graduate School’s guidelines for video conferencing (see Appendix B). The oral portion of the doctoral examination must take place during announced university business hours. 

Thesis and dissertation format info: Information regarding formatting of theses and dissertations, as well as templates, can be found through the Graduate School. 

Non-Thesis Exam:

The master’s examination for a student pursuing the non-thesis option must include a written portion, either in the form of exam questions or a research report and may include an oral portion. The examination will evaluate the student’s proficiency and understanding of their field of study. 

Time Limit:

The maximum time for receiving departmental financial support, while completing the Master’s degree, is 2 years. Students are permitted more time to complete their degree but will not be funded from Departmental sources for more than 2 years. The maximum overall time to complete the 12 

Master’s degree is 5 years. For cases with extenuating circumstances, the GSC and/or Graduate School may be petitioned to extend either the time limit for departmental funding, or the time towards degree completion. 

Graduate Research Symposium requirement:

The graduate research symposium occurs annually and alternates between the Wooster and Columbus campuses. This is the feature event of the department’s graduate program and it is required that all students attend. Exceptions will be made only for extenuating personal or programmatic situations. 

Our curriculum aims to give students a breadth of knowledge in Horticulture and Crop Science. At least 80 credit hours are required to complete the doctoral degree program. All students are required to demonstrate an equivalency at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level or take and pass courses in two of three focus core areas (plant physiology/plant biochemistry/metabolomics; plant breeding/genetics/ biotechnology; or plant systems/production/ecology) and experimental design/statistics. Equivalency can be demonstrated through either prior coursework, or relevant research/internship experiences. Students must petition the GSC for approval of core area equivalency. A petition should include demonstration of equivalent material through transcripts, syllabi, and presentations or publications. 

Students are required to take one course in 2 of 3 core areas from Focus 1-3 and from “Experimental Design”. Additional credits in current topics, professional development, and electives are required. The purpose of having these focal areas is to ensure that students meet competency requirements in plant science.

Focus 1: Plant Biochemistry/Physiology/Metabolomics

• HCS 5621: Physiology of Cultivated Plants (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5622: Plant Biochemistry (3 credit hours)
• HCS 7600: Metabolomics, Principles and Practice (3 credit hours)
• HCS 7821: Environmental Physiology of Managed Plant Systems (3 credit hours)

Focus 2: Plant Genetics/Biotechnolgy/Breeding

• HCS 5325: Plant Genetics (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5625: Applied Plant Biotechnology (2 credit hours)
• HCS 5825: Plant Breeding (2 credit hours)
• HCS 8825: Advanced Plant Breeding (3 credit hours)

Focus 3: Plant Systems/Production/Ecology

• HCS 5100: Advanced Cropping Systems (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5200: Advanced Horticultural Principles and Practices (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5306: Sustain. Veg. Prod. Pract.: Planning, Growing and Marketing (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5320: Floriculture Crop Production (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5411: Grain, Oilseed, and Fiber Crops (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5412: Agroecology of Grasslands and Prairies (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5420: Environmental Impacts of Crop-Livestock Systems (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5422: Principles of Weed Ecology and Management (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5450: Principles of Vegetable Crop Production and Physiology (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5460: Fruit Crop Physiology and Production (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5602: Ecology of Agriculture (3 credit hours)
• HCS 5670: Golf Courses and the Environment (2 credit hours)

Experimental Design/Statistics: 

• HCS 8887: Techniques in Experimental Design (4 credit hours)

Graduate Student Professional Development: 

Should be taken during the first Semester of enrollment 

• HCS 7001: Graduate Student Professional Development (1 credit hour)

Current Topics: 

Ph.D. students must take a Current Topics course two times during their degree. One enrollment must be HCS 8830, the second enrollment may be offered by another department. 

• HCS 8830: Current Topics (1 credit hour)
• HCS 8830/Other: Current Topics (1 credit hour)

Seminar and Colloquium:

Students will enroll in HCS 7890 a minimum of two times. The colloquium should be presented by the first semester of their second year (i.e., their 4th semester of enrollment). For example, a student who starts their degree in the autumn, should present their colloquium by the autumn of their second year. A student who starts in summer, should complete their colloquium by the following spring (since 7890 is not offered in the summer). A student can present their colloquium on either their first or second enrollment of 7890. Note that HCS 7890 is only offered AU and SP semesters. The SAC must approve the written proposal and is expected to attend the colloquium presentation. The second and subsequent enrollments can be any semester thereafter. Students enrolling in HCS 7890 for credit must attend all departmental seminars. 

• HCS 7890: Seminar on HCS Topics (colloquium within first 4 semesters/term) (1 credit hour)
• HCS 7890: Seminar on HCS Topics (register at least one more time) (1 credit hour)

Electives: 

Students must take 9 credits of graduate courses at the 5000 level or higher. Courses that fulfill other requirements are not eligible to double-count as electives. 

• HCS/Other: Electives (9 credit hours)

Research credits:

• HCS 8998: Pre-candidacy Research (1-18 credit hours/semester or SU term) (varies)
• HCS 8999: Post-candidacy Research (1-3 credit hours/semester or SU term) (varies)

Other coursework will be agreed to in consultation with the SAC. Coursework assigned by SAC can also be from outside of HCS. 

Each student’s course plan should be approved by their SAC and submitted (HCS PhD Advising Sheet) by the end of the first semester or SU term of enrollment. 

Credit load: 

Full time pre-candidacy doctoral students should take 18 credits per AU or SP semester or 12 credits per SU term. Full time post-candidacy doctoral students should register for 3 credits per semester or SU term. Students not on a Graduate Associateship or a University/College fellowship should consult with their advisor and the graduate program associate about the appropriate number of hours to schedule. 

Transfer of credits:

Graduate credit earned at another university may be transferred to this university. The Graduate School places no limit on the graduate credit hours that may be transferred. However, residence and minimum degree requirements determine the number of graduate credit hours that may be counted toward a graduate degree at OSU. In addition, the HCS GSC must approve the transfer of credits. Information about how to transfer credits can be found here.

Students who already have an M.S. (from OSU or elsewhere): Students can use focal area courses they’ve previously completed at the graduate level (from either OSU or other universities) to demonstrate competency in that area. Students do not need to repeat courses they’ve already successfully completed (e.g., HCS 5887, 7001, 8887). Students will need to enroll in additional 8830 and elective courses during their Ph.D. Students who already have a M.S. from HCS at OSU only need to take HCS 7890 one additional time (to present their Ph.D. colloquium). 

By the end of the first semester or SU term, Doctoral students should have formed (Form 1) and met with their SAC to determine their course plan (HCS PhD Advising Sheet). By no later than the end of the fourth semester or SU term, Doctoral students should have completed their proposal and proposal presentation as part of Colloquium (HCS7890). Students are encouraged to complete the Candidacy exam by the end of their third year. Students who have not completed their Candidacy exam by the end of their third year will require a petition to the GSC to maintain enrollment. This requirement includes students changing from M.S. to Ph.D. program. Students must send their dissertation to their SAC no less than four weeks prior to the Dissertation defense. At least two weeks prior to the defense date, the SAC must unanimously agree that the dissertation is sufficiently complete to be defended in the Dissertation Defense. If extenuating circumstances arise, students should consult their SAC for timelines that deviate from the one presented above. Students are encouraged to have discussions with their SAC about what a defensible dissertation is. It is the responsibility of the advisor to poll the SAC and inform the student that their thesis is defensible. Edits can be requested by SAC members after the dissertation has been deemed defensible, prior to deposition with the graduate school. The Ph.D. dissertation should be formatted in accordance with the OSU Graduate School guidelines (Graduate School Guidelines).

Candidacy examination: 

The advisor serves as the chair of the candidacy examination committee, and a member of the committee. The advisor, as chair of the candidacy examination committee, is responsible for coordinating the preparation and conduct of both the written and oral portions of the candidacy examination. 

The responsibility for creating and evaluating the written and oral portion of the candidacy examination rest with the SAC. Under special circumstances and with the approval of the GSC, other Graduate Faculty members may participate in generating, administering, or scoring parts of the written portion of the candidacy examination. Non-Graduate Faculty members may be appointed to the candidacy examination committee by approval of the GSC and by petition to the Graduate School. Non-Graduate Faculty are in addition to the required four, current Ohio State Graduate Faculty members. 

Student, advisor, and SAC should together come to a written agreement in the form of a memorandum of understanding regarding the format and timeline of the candidacy exam. Additionally, the time and date of the written and oral portions of the exam should be determined jointly. In lieu of standard questions from each SAC member, students, and in consultation with their Advisor and SAC, can elect to take the written portion using the “Proposal” option detailed below. 

Guidelines for the “Questions” options for Ph.D. Candidacy: 

Each portion of the written exam can be either open or closed book, as determined by each SAC member. After the final written exam is completed, the advisor will collate the responses and distribute them to the SAC. The SAC will then have one week to determine if the exam response is sufficient to move to the oral exam. It is up to each SAC member whether they would like to make the determination of adequacy of the written exam before proceeding to the oral exam, based on their individual exam, or on the whole exam. This is equivalent to passing the written part of the general exam. If a student does not pass the written part of the candidacy exam, the SAC will determine what additional study or other requirements must be met to reschedule the written portion (See Waiver information below). The student must file a notice that they will be taking their candidacy exam with the Graduate School (via GRADFORMS) no later than 14 days before the intended oral exam. 

The oral examination must occur within one month of the student distributing the finished written exam to the SAC. The oral exam consists of a two-hour oral examination on topics from the written examination as well as any general knowledge pertaining to the student’s program. Upon a unanimous decision that the student has sufficiently completed their candidacy exam, each SAC member (including the advisor) will indicate “Satisfactory” via GRADFORMS. 16 

Guidelines for the “Proposal” option for Ph.D. Candidacy: Student, advisor, and SAC choose a proposal topic. Students are encouraged to prepare one or more abstract(s) to send to the SAC. The Abstract(s) should include an overview of the proposed topic, the hypothesis they intend to investigate, proposed specific aims, and the justification or appropriateness of the topic as a grant proposal. The topic for the proposal will typically be unrelated to the students’ dissertation research. However, in consideration of the student’s particular situation and with recommendation of the SAC, the proposal can be written on a topic related to the student’s dissertation research. Within one week of sending the SAC the proposal Abstract(s) each member must approve/disapprove of the proposal topic(s) in writing. 

Once all SAC members approve a proposal topic, the one-month written portion of the candidacy exam begins. Preparation of the written proposal must follow the most current proposal format requirements of NSF, USDA-NIFA or as determined by the SAC. 

At the end of the one-month written exam period, the proposal is given to each member of the SAC. 

Within one week of receiving the proposal, each SAC member must give the student written approval/disapproval. This is equivalent to passing the written part of the general exam. 

Upon SAC approval of the written proposal the student must register for the oral exam with the Graduate School. The Graduate School requires notice of at least two weeks. Prior to one week before the oral exam, each SAC member must provide substantive feedback about the proposal to the student (in person or via email). The oral examination must occur within one month of the student distributing the finished proposal to the SAC. The oral exam consists of a two-hour oral defense of the prepared proposal as well as any general knowledge pertaining to the proposal. Upon a unanimous decision that the student has sufficiently completed their candidacy exam, each SAC member (including the advisor) will indicate “Satisfactory” via GRADFORMS. 

Waiver: If, based on evaluating the written portion, the advisor or another member of the SAC see no possibility for a satisfactory overall performance on the candidacy examination, the student may be advised to waive the right to take the oral portion. The SAC may not, however, deny a student the opportunity to take the oral portion. 

Should a student have an unsuccessful first candidacy exam, the exam may be attempted one additional time. Information about a second candidacy exam can be found in the Graduate School Handbook. 

Earning Master’s Degree On the Basis of Candidacy Examination: A student in HCS may earn a master’s degree by satisfactorily completing the doctoral candidacy examination under the following conditions: 

1. It is recommended by the student’s advisor and their SAC; 
2. The student does not already hold an equivalent master’s degree in the same field; 
3. The student submits the Application to Graduate form by the published deadline; graduation deadlines established by the Graduate School are met; 
4. Doctoral candidacy has not expired. 

Exit Seminar and Final Examination: All students will present an Exit Seminar prior to the final exam. The dissertation/final examination committee in HCS is the student’s SAC. The student will be responsible for scheduling and notifying the department, SAC members, and associated units, of the time and place of their exit seminar presentation. Exit seminars will be video-linked between campuses. The exit seminar will be 40-50 minutes in duration, allowing 10-15 minutes for open questions and discussion for non-SAC members. The exit seminar is in addition to the final 2-hour exam. Exit seminars should be scheduled for 1-hour at a time preceding the final exam, but by no more than one week. All dissertation examinations involving video conferencing must adhere to the Graduate School’s guidelines for video conferencing (see Appendix B). The oral portion of the doctoral examination must take place during announced university business hours. 

Time Limit: The maximum time for receiving departmental financial support, while completing a Ph.D. is 4 years. Students are permitted more time to complete their degree but will not be funded from Departmental sources for more than 4 years. The time limit to complete a Ph.D. degree is 5 years after candidacy. For cases with extenuating circumstances, the GSC and/or Graduate School may be petitioned to extend either the time limit for departmental funding, or the time towards degree completion. 

Publication requirement: Students should make their results available to the scientific community via peer-reviewed scientific publications and to stakeholders via trade publications and technical journals when appropriate. The Department requires Ph.D. students to have at least one manuscript published, in press or submitted to a peer-reviewed journal before graduation. Evidence of this requirement should be provided to the GSC and can include a PDF or printed copy of the article or correspondence from the journal indicating a manuscript has been submitted or accepted. 

Thesis and dissertation format info: Information regarding formatting of theses and dissertations, as well as templates, can be found through the Graduate School. 

Transfer from M.S to Ph.D. Degree Program in HCS: Eligible students in HCS can transfer from M.S. to Ph.D. programs without completion of the M.S. degree by submitting a petition to the GSC. The request for transfer will be made jointly by the student and advisor with endorsement of the SAC. This transfer will be subject to approval of the GSC. The student should: 

1. Be up to date on required components for M.S. at the time of request (e.g., identified advisor and SAC, completed M.S. proposal, approved course of study). 
2. Have high scholastic performance (e.g. graduate GPA typically >3.5). 
3. Have high aptitude for research (e.g., initiative, independence, originality) and demonstrated research experience at the equivalent of an M.S. level. 
4. Share an expanded scope of proposed research to the GSC. 
5. Plan to enroll and present a colloquium in 7890 if they have not yet presented a M.S. proposal, or enroll again (if they have already presented a M.S. proposal) to present a Ph.D colloquium with an expanded scope. 

In addition, the advisor should submit a new funding form for the student to the GSC. 

Transferring from Ph.D. to M.S. Program in HCS: A written request must be submitted by the advisor and signed by the SAC with an explanation of the rationale for the change. The letter must specify whether the change is to an M.S. plan A (thesis) or plan B (non-thesis) degree. 

Graduate Research Symposium requirement: The graduate research symposium occurs annually and alternates between the Wooster and Columbus campuses. This is the feature event of the department’s graduate education program, and it is required that all students attend. Exceptions will be made only for extenuating personal or programmatic situations.

HCS GA are either Graduate Research Associates (GRAs) or Graduate Teaching Associate (GTAs). GRAs will carry out responsibilities in addition to a student’s own thesis or dissertation research. GRAs are expected to contribute to non-thesis/dissertation research and other related laboratory activities, as well as providing departmental service, such as serving on committees. 

GTAs funded through HCS will be assigned responsibilities that include but are not limited to: weekly laboratory/recitation classes, delivering course lectures, preparation of exam and mid-term questions, and grading of exams and midterms. A GTA position will be a 50% appointment (duties should be limited to approximately 20 hours per week), thus a GTA can also register for classes and continue research during time outside of their teaching duties. 

GTAs should be encouraged to provide feedback to faculty concerning the course. The University Center for Academic Teaching (UCAT) offers training seminars for incoming GTAs. An outstanding GTA award is available (GTAs can nominate themselves), as are informational sessions about constructing a professional teaching portfolio. 

Departmental support will not be provided for non-thesis MS students. 

Offers and reappointments:

Any student accepting a GA appointment must be provided with a Graduate Associate Appointment document stating the terms of the appointment. This form is signed by the student and the Chair of HCS or their designee(s). All offers of GAs will be in writing and originated from the office of the Department Chair. In HCS, appointments will normally be made for one year, but through mutual agreement between the student and the Chair of the Department, short-term appointments may be made (though not less than one semester or SU term). The standard GRA appointment will include summer terms. GTA appointments are made for the semester for which the TA’ed course is being offered. 

Reappointment shall take place annually and is contingent on satisfactory progress (as indicated in the Annual Progress Report) and availability of funds. Appointments may be terminated for due cause as described in the Graduate Student Handbook. To be reappointed, a student must be: (i) in good standing with the Graduate School (GPA > 3.0, and other criteria); (ii) maintaining satisfactory progress in research and (iii) performing service duties adequately. A student who does not maintain reasonable progress toward a degree or who does not fulfill other graduate program requirements, including those regarding professional standards and misconduct, may be denied further registration in that program by the Graduate School on the recommendation of the GSC Chair. 

Ordinarily, termination of an appointment for unsatisfactory performance will not occur without a probationary period, during which the student will be given the opportunity to demonstrate improved performance. The GSC reserves the right, however, to terminate an appointment without such a probationary period if such an action is needed to protect the integrity of the Department. The Graduate School will disallow reappointment of GAs who are no longer in good academic standing. If a student is not to be reappointed, they will be notified in writing by the Chair of the Department as soon as possible. Reasons for non-reappointment must be stated in writing. For two weeks after the date of the non-reappointment notice, a GA has the right to initiate an appeal to the head of the Department.

Mid-appointment termination:

GA appointments may be terminated prior to the end of the appointment period only with the written approval of the Graduate School. A GA appointment is terminated prior to the end of the appointment period for any of the following reasons: 

1. the GA is no longer enrolled in the Graduate School 
2. the GA is registered for fewer than the number of credit hours required for a GA appointment or fewer than three credit hours for a doctoral student who has passed the candidacy examination performance as a GA is determined to be unsatisfactory by the employing unit 
3. the GA graduates 

Outside Employment:

Students with outside employment will not be eligible to receive Departmental Support, either as a GTA or GRA. Exceptions will be made only with express permission of the GSC. 

Provisions for vacation time: Provision for time off for personal leave of less than two weeks duration, including breaks between academic terms, should be determined in consultation with the advisor (for GRAs) or direct supervisor (for GTAs). It is understood that there are many reasons for longer absences. In cases of dispute between a student and the faculty advisor or direct supervisor, the GSC Chair shall to be informed of, and play a role in the approval/disapproval of long periods of absence (defined as more than two weeks). Guidelines for short-term absences (less than two weeks) and leaves of absence are given in the Graduate School Handbook. 

Departmental support for associateships will not be provided for students choosing the non-thesis option. The intended graduation date must be indicated. 

Evaluation of graduate students:

All students will be evaluated annually by both the advisor and themselves, at an annual review meeting, using the Graduate Student Progress Reports. This meeting is an opportunity for both the advisor and the advisee to check in regarding expectations, research progress and overall well-being. In addition, annual reports allow the GSC to follow each student’s progress in cases where there may be potential problems. It is the joint responsibility of the student and advisor to be sure the Graduate Student Progress Report is submitted on time. In some instances, participation in the evaluation by the Department Chair or GSC Chair may be warranted. 

Evaluation of GTAs: Faculty supervisors should complete a peer evaluation of GTA teaching (using the current departmental “Peer Review of Teaching” form). GTA’s can also receive SEI from students. 

University/College Fellowships: 

A Graduate School fellowship is a financial award made by the university directly to a graduate student to provide support during a portion of the graduate degree program. Fellows are selected based on academic merit through a university-wide competition without respect to financial need. Graduate fellows cannot be required to perform a service in return for receiving a stipend. Two distinct kinds of Graduate School fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis: 1) first-year fellowships (University and Graduate Enrichment) for students applying to begin a graduate program at Ohio State and 2) Presidential Fellowships, which provide support to students completing their dissertation. 

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria for a Graduate School fellowship vary by kind of fellowship and are set by the Graduate School. More information on fellowships.

Nomination

Candidates for the first-year and Presidential Fellowships are nominated by the GSC. Students interested in being considered for the Presidential Fellowship should state their interest to their advisor or GSC chair. 

Travel Support Grants for HCS Students

Travel support grants to aid graduate students in presenting their research at professional meetings are available on an annual basis by request to the GSC Chair. The amount of the award is subject to the availability of funding and has generally been in the range of $500. Each student is eligible to receive one travel grant per degree. The grant is intended to support the presentation of an oral or poster presentation, usually during the student’s final year of their program, or to attend a required interview for a prestigious fellowship award. Written requests should state the rationale for the travel and provide an estimate of total expenses. When appropriate, an abstract should be attached to the letter upon submission. The request should be submitted to the GSC Chair and copied to the Graduate Program Associate at least two weeks prior to the intended date of departure. 

HCS Graduate Student Important Milestones 

M.S. (thesis option):

• Form SAC by the end of the first semester or SU term
• Prepare Graduate Course Program by the end of the first semester or SU term
• Complete colloquium (i.e., research proposal presentation) by the end of the second semester or SU term
• Complete thesis, exit seminar, and thesis defense 

Ph.D.:

• Form SAC by the end of the first semester or SU term
• Prepare Graduate Course Program by the end of the first semester or SU term.
• Complete colloquium (i.e., research proposal presentation) by the end of the fourth semester or SU term.
• Complete candidacy exam by the end of the third year. Option to complete “questions” (open or closed book) or “proposal” options, as determined jointly by the student, advisor and SAC. 
• Complete dissertation, exit seminar, and dissertation defense 

Course Number: Course Title (credits) 

• 5097.03: Chile Study Abroad Pre-Departure (1) 
• 5100: Advanced Cropping Systems (3)
• 5194: Group Studies (var.) 
• 5200: Advanced Horticultural Principles and Practices (3) 
• 5306: Sustainable Vegetable Production Practicum: Planning, Growing and Marketing (3) 
• 5320: Floriculture Crop Production (3)
• 5325: Plant Genetics (3)
• 5411: Domestication and Utilization of Agronomic Crops (3) 
• 5412: Agroecology of Grasslands and Prairies (3)
• 5420: Environmental Impacts of Crop-Livestock Systems (3) 
• 5422: Biology and Management of Weeds and Invasive Plants (3) 
• 5450: Principles of Vegetable Crop Production and Physiology (3) 
• 5460: Fruit Crop Physiology and Production (3) 
• 5521: Advanced Greenhouse Production (3)
• 5602: The Ecology of Agriculture (3) 
• 5621: Physiology of Cultivated Plants (3) 
• 5622: Biochemical Processes in Cultivated Plants (3) 
• 5625: Applied Plant Biotechnology (2) 
• 5670: Golf Courses and the Environment (2) 
• 5797.03: Agriculture and Agro-Ecosystems in Chile (3) 
• 5798: Agroecology Field Studies (3)
• 5825: Plant Breeding (2) 
• 5887: Introduction to Experimental Design (3) 
• 5890: Turfgrass Seminar (1) 
• 7001: Graduate Student Professional Development (1) 
• 7003.02: Agricultural Genomics: Principles and Applications (2) 
• 7004: Genome Analytics (4)
• 7100: Data Visualization in R (2)
• 7193: Individual Studies (var.)
• 7194: Group Studies (var.)
• 7600: Metabolomics, Principles and Practice (3) 
• 7625: Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (3)
• 7761: Crop Secondary Products for Survival, Health and Wellbeing (3)
• 7806: Methods in Horticulture and Crop Science (1-2)
• 7821: Environmental Physiology of Managed Plant Systems (3) 
• 7830: Phytochemicals in Human Health: Crops to the Clinic (3)
• 7890: Seminar on HCS Topics (1) 
• 7999: Graduate Research MS (1-18)
• 8825: Advanced Plant Breeding (3) 
• 8830: Current Topics in Horticulture and Crop Science (1)
• 8887: Techniques of Experimental Design (4) 
• 8998: Graduate Research Pre-Candidacy PhD (1-18)
• 8999: Graduate Research Post-Candidacy PhD (1-18) 

• Goal A: 

  • Analyze, interpret and apply foundational knowledge of plant and related sciences to discovery and problem solving. 

    1. Describe, explain, and interpret the processes of plant growth and reproduction in response to environmental and evolutionary factors at various scales (i.e. molecular, cellular, tissue, whole plant, field, community, or landscape). 
    2. Use, predict, and optimize plant growth development, and production for research and/or commercial purposes. 
    3. Use appropriate instrumentation or methods to measure, analyze, and interpret the components of plant function and performance. 
    4. Apply knowledge to real world situations, solve problems, inform decisions and provide recommendations relative to plant growth, development, and production. 

• Goal B: 

  • Use the scientific method to design, conduct, and evaluate research that makes creative, theoretical and practical contributions to plant science. 

    1. Critique and evaluate scientific literature and stakeholder practices to identify gaps in current knowledge. 
    2. Design original and creative scientific experiments to address novel research questions in plant science. 
    3. Conduct experiments in plant science. 
    4. Analyze data. 
    5. Contribute novel knowledge or innovation to plant science. 

• Goal C: 

  • Professional Development – Demonstrate professionalism, leadership, creativity and responsible conduct of research. 

    1. Design and conduct research responsibly. 
    2. Plan and manage projects and personnel (organizational and logistical activities.) 
    3. Respond appropriately to unanticipated challenges. 
    4. Establish professional collaborations and network 
    5. Demonstrate continuous learning in response to changes and developments in the discipline. 

• Goal D: 

  • Communication – Utilize oral, written, and digital forms of communication to clearly convey disciplinary knowledge, its relevant application, and value to peers, stakeholders, students and the public. 

    1. Orally communicate knowledge of plants, research methodology, results, and implications to both technical and non-technical audiences. 
    2. Demonstrate writing skills for the development of proposals and scientific peer-reviewed, technical, and lay publications. 
    3. Effectively teach and mentor others in the area of plant science 

To access the following forms, email your faculty advisor or Regina Vann Hickok. Current students can also access them through the department's HCS Graduate Student Teams Channel.

• MS Course Program
• PhD Course Program
• Graduate Student Advisory Committee (Form 1)
• Recommend MS for PhD (Form 5)
• Grad Progress Report (Advisor)
• Grad Progress Report (Student)
• TA applications
• AI use policy

• List of Graduate forms and current links 
• A one-page graduation checklist 
• Timeline 
• Desk assignments (Wooster and Columbus) 
• Safety training 
• Health and wellness information 
• Grievance procedures 
• Departmental (travel), college (Krauss, OARDC posters, CFAES Internal Grants Program (IGP) seed grants) and University awards (Hayes, Presidential Fellowships) 
• Continuous enrollment (reiteration of Graduate School Rules)