Plant Biology
Program coordinator: Dr. Joan Huber, jlhuber1@illinois.edu, (217) 333-5498
Printable Summary [PDF] | Introductory Video (transcript [PDF]) | Department of Plant Biology PSM Webpage
Scientific Discovery and Biotech
Graduate students in the Plant Biology PSM build a broad, interdisciplinary expertise around a strong biotechnology core.
Embedded within the graduate programs in the School of Integrative Biology, Plant Biology PSM students enjoy the charged atmosphere of scientific discoveries for which the University of Illinois is globally recognized.
Moreover, PSM students themselves are encouraged to pursue research, forging unique skills and credentials from direct participation in graduate scientific inquiry.
Science + Business
Along with a sound footing in the biotechnology-related disciplines, students are introduced to the modes by which scientific discoveries are translated to the commercial realm. The program fosters students’ efforts to cultivate meaningful relationships with industry partners, from whom they learn about directions and needs of biotechnology enterprises.
To prepare students to enter these industries and to function successfully at the interface of science and business, the PSM provides essential business knowledge and real-world experience to build professional skills in key areas of communication, management and leadership.
Careers
By merging biotechnology-focused training with business knowledge and professional skills, the Plant Biology PSM equips students for diverse entry points into agricultural, medical and environmental enterprises that demand strong science credentials and business acumen. The sources of career opportunities span industry, not-for-profit, and government organizations. Career possibilities include
- product development and marketing,
- government and public relations,
- design and implementation of regulatory strategies,
- market analysis and feasibility studies,
- application of new customer support models, and
- technology transfer and intellectual property ventures.
Program Structure and Requirements
The 16-month, non-thesis, biotechnology-focused M.S. degree progam requires 42 semester credit hours of full-time study on the Urbana-Champaign campus.
Based on their interests and goals, the small cohort of PSM students admitted each fall customize their science curriculum in close consultation with the program coordinator and with counsel provided by industry partners. With the import of graduate-level opportunities both in and outside the classroom, students establish a knowledge base in the biotechnology-related disciplines, build critical thinking skills, and enhance leadership and innovation aptitudes that are broadly applicable to their careers.
The program is composed of four curricular components:
- Science - Study is available in plant biochemistry, growth and development, ecology and global change, molecular genetics and biotechnology, bioinformatics and systems biology. The Plant Biology seminar course, offered each semester, is strongly recommended.
- Business - The business curriculum offers basic knowledge and skills essential for managerial and leadership roles in industry, government and nonprofit organizations.
- Internship and Experiential Learning - An embedded internship experience in either industry or government is required. Research experience at Illinois is strongly encouraged.
- Industry Seminar
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in the sciences, including biology, chemistry or related fields from an accredited US institution or a comparable degree from a recognized institution abroad.
- Grade point average of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work and for any graduate work.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 590 or higher (paper-based test) or 243 or higher (computer-based test) for applicants whose native language is not English.
- Letters of Recommendation
- For additional information, visit www.illinois.edu/plantbio/psm
