Why Penn State?

"Penn State is ranked among the top 15 research institutions in the nation."

Diverse Academic Programs

• Graduate degree programs are offered in fifteen major areas within the college.
• Eight cross-disciplinary degrees offered in partnership with other Penn State colleges in fields such as Ecology or Energy, Environmental and Food Economics.
• Dual-title degree programs enable students to broaden and fully integrate a second field of study alongside their major.
• Convenient, high-quality online learning for study outside the traditional classroom in fields such as Turfgrass Management and Homeland Security.

Cutting-edge research

Leading the charge with research in cross-cutting thematic areas because complex problems require complex solutions.

• Advancing agricultural and food systems
• Developing biologically based materials and products
• Building community resilience and capacity
• Promoting environmental resilience
• Supporting integrated health solutions

State-of-the-art facilities support development and research productivity.

• Centers and Institutes support interdisciplinary research within and between colleges.
• Research facilities range from greenhouse and plant growth facilities to core facilities that house cryo-electron microscopy and next-gen sequencing technologies.

Small class sizes

In our graduate programs, classes are small enough to allow you to be more than a face in the crowd. With class sizes averaging eleven students, the individual attention you desire is only a question away.

Financial support

Financial support is available through university, college, and governmental fellowships as well as departmental teaching and research assistantships.

• Overview of Graduate Funding for Prospective Students: Learn from the Graduate School about how students are financing their graduate education.
• More information about different types of support can be found on the Graduate Student Resources page.

Graduate student life

A wealth of resources is available to help students succeed both on and off campus.

Student Testimonials

"My adviser is key to my success in my Ph.D. program. I strongly believe that the match between student and professor is very important for the development of good research and student's achievement." --Ph.D., Agricultural and Extension Education

"We have renowned faculty members and great facilities. The department does a great job networking students with industries and preparing them for the private sector." --M.S., Food Sciences

"I feel I work in a great community with supportive faculty and an open environment for the free exchange of ideas." --Ph.D., Plant Pathology