Doctoral Degree in Life Sciences

The Ph.D. in Life Sciences with a concentration in Biochemistry requires a minimum of 40 credit hours of coursework and at least 20 research hours above the baccalaureate degree (60 hours total) for students entering with only a baccalaureate degree. Students entering the Biochemistry concentration with an M.S. degree have a required minimum of 40 hours past that degree utilizing a combination of coursework and research hours (with a minimum of 20 hours of research/dissertation).

Interdisciplinary Programs

Doctor of Philosophy in Life Sciences with concentration in Animal Physiology
Requires a minimum of three academic years beyond the B.S. degree; the number of hours will vary as determined by the student and major professor. The student is required to take at least 3 hours of PHY 8811 and PHY 8841.

Doctor of Philosophy in Life Sciences with concentration in Genetics
Requires written preliminary and oral comprehensive examinations, a dissertation, and coursework designated by the student’s graduate committee, including 20 research/dissertation hours.

Admission Criteria

Final acceptance into a graduate program is contingent upon the availability of a suitable major professor.

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a physical or life science with a strong background in the program discipline of interest (biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, or plant pathology).
A minimum 2.75 overall GPA on a 4.00 scale.
Scored results of the GRE general test recommended but not required.
International students are required to have a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 500 PBT (61 iBT) or an IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) score of 5.5 (non-English speaking international students)

Provisional Admission: An applicant who has not fully met the GPA requirement stipulated by the university may be admitted on a provisional basis.

The provisionally-admitted student is eligible for a change to regular status after receiving a 3.00 GPA on the first 9 hours of graduate courses at Mississippi State University (with no grade lower than a C). The first 9 hours of graduate courses must be within the student’s program of study. Courses with an S grade, transfer credits, or credits earned while in unclassified status cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. If a 3.00 is not attained, the provisional student shall be dismissed from the graduate program.

While in the provisional status, a student is not eligible to hold a graduate assistantship.

Information

Graduate Coordinators

Dr. Krish Krishnan
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

Dr. Carrie Vance
Animal Physiology/Genetics