Overview

Plant pathologists specialize in plant health, similar to the way a physician specializes in human health or a veterinarian in animal care. Plants are affected by a variety of disease-causing organisms (pathogens) such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes that can cause devastating crop losses and damage forests and ecosystems. Invasive diseases such as Dutch elm disease, chestnut blight and sudden oak death have devastated forests and landscapes. Even chocolate production is threatened by the spread of cacao disease in South America.

Possible careers

Professionals with expertise in plant pathology are needed to address challenges pertaining to food security, agricultural chemicals, food safety, genetically modified crops, organic agriculture, renewable resources, invasive species and bio-based technologies.

The Plant Pathology program from The Ohio State University provides excellent course work and training for students interested in pursuing advanced studies in plant pathology, plant biology and related disciplines. A master’s degree provides additional training and skills students need in order to work as research technicians, educators or in industry. For those interested in becoming a research manager or university faculty, a PhD is usually required. Graduates with strong academic credentials may be eligible for graduate research or teaching assistantships that provide living and educational expenses while pursuing a graduate degree.

Many plant pathology graduates work in research or diagnostic laboratories in the academic or private sector. Graduates also work for government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state departments of agriculture or regulatory agencies, while others may teach or work in Extension outreach.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Plant Pathology
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Soil Science
Entomology
Horticulture And Crop Science
Microbiology
Plant Biology.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbus, United States

Disciplines

Horticulture and Crop Science Botany View 177 other Bachelors in Horticulture and Crop Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Successful completion of university preparatory courses

High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA

Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores

Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community

Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement(e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)

Status as a first-generation university student

High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

45526 USD / year

≈ 45526 USD / year
Out-of-State

42423 USD / year

≈ 42423 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13641 USD / year

≈ 13641 USD / year

Living costs

Columbus

United States

940 - 1520 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Plant Pathology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Possible careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Columbus

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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