The PHD degree in Plant Pathology integrates research and coursework at the interface of the plant, microbial, and environmental sciences. This program emphasizes the development of scientists who can fill leadership positions in research, teaching, outreach, and administrat<br>Plant pathology is biology with a purpose: a highly dynamic science at the interface of microbiology, plant biology, molecular genetics, and production agriculture. The University of Georgia offers one of the best plant pathology graduate programs in the United States with a variety of opportunities for the motivated student interested in areas that range from applied, field-based research to lab-based approaches aimed at understanding pathogens and their interactions with host plants at the molecular level.<br><br>The M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are research-based academic degree programs that demand creative scholarship, technologic skill, and philosophic soundness. These programs emphasize the development of scientists with the ability to fill leadership positions in research, teaching, outreach, and administration. To achieve such goals of excellence, the student must be highly motivated and must make a commitment to the understanding of plant pathology so that biological principles can be developed and applied. Most of our students integrate both fundamental and applied aspects into their research projects and academic programs of study, giving them a truly broad-based experience as well as a competitive edge when entering the job market. Programs of study in our M.S. and Ph.D. programs are very flexible, and our faculty work closely with each student to design an individualized program that meets the student's career goals.