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Academics

Plant Pathology

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences


 

QUICK JUMP
  Plant Pathology
  Graduate School Preparation
 
  Facilities
  Careers in Plant Pathology
  Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You
  Contact Information

Plant Pathology

Plant pathology—the scientific study of plant diseases—is the “medical profession” of the plant world whose goal is the maintenance of plant health and efficiency. The control of plant diseases is essential to the efficient production of food for the world’s population, as well as for production of fiber, lumber, pharmaceuticals, and ornamentals.

• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science in Integrated Plant Science (Agriculture and Biotechnology Major); Bachelor of science in Agriculture & Food Systems (Agriculture and Food Security Major); master of science; doctorate
• Available at: Pullman

Graduate School Preparation

Students who anticipate graduate study in plant pathology at WSU should include in their undergraduate preparation chemistry through organic and biochemistry; mathematics through calculus; botany, including systematics, physiology, ecology, and cytology; genetics; introductory zoology; introductory bacteriology; and physics.



Facilities

The teaching program is centered in Pullman and includes modern research and teaching laboratories, controlled environmental chambers, cold storage rooms, a photographic studio and darkrooms, equipment for biochemical and molecular investigations and radioisotopic counting, greenhouses, and field plots. Excellent facilities for research are likewise available at the research and extension centers in Prosser, Puyallup, Mount Vernon, and Wenatchee. WSU's Department of Plant Pathology has one of the finest mycological herbaria in the country. The George W. Fischer Agricultural Science Library, located nearby, contains a wide array of reference volumes, significant foreign and international journals in plant pathology, and a very large plant pathology reprint collection.

Careers in Plant Pathology

Plant pathologists enjoy a wide spectrum of job opportunities in the plant health field, ranging from traditional disease management to biotechnology. Opportunities for graduates in plant pathology include positions in research and development, teaching, extension, and industry. Plant pathologists are employed throughout the world by industries, government, educational institutions, and private foundations.

Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

• Adequate background in botany, mycology, microbiology, zoology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Superior undergraduate students with a background in agronomy, biology, biochemistry, botany, forestry, genetics, horticulture, or microbiology usually qualify for graduate study in plant pathology.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financial support is available to students through the Department of Plant Pathology; the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences; and the university.

Students at Washington State University can qualify for a wide range of scholarships, grants, student loans, and other aid.

Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You

• Integrated Plant Science
• Agricultural and Food Systems

Contact Information
Plant Pathology Program
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
Washington State University
Johnson Hall, Room 345
PO Box 646430
Pullman, WA 99164-6430
plpathstudents@mail.wsu.edu
509-335-9541
 

Strengths of the Program

  • The Department of Plant Pathology participates in regional and interregional projects and disease problems of importance throughout the Pacific Northwest, the nation, and the world.
  • The department hosts students from Asia, Europe, Central and South America, Africa, and the Middle East who network with one another and develop lifelong friendships.
  • Join professional societies such as the American Phytopathological Society, the Mycological Society of America, and the International Society of Plant-Microbe Interactions.
  • Scholarships and travel awards are available to support participation in regional and national scientific meetings important to professional development.
  • You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us