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UF/IFAS Plant Breeding

UF/IFAS Plant Breeding

Admissions

Prior to submitting an application, applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with our plant breeding faculty and their area of research. Applicants must directly contact those faculty members with whom they are interested in working. Admission to the PhD degree in Plant Breeding is conditional on the applicant’s securing a faculty advisor to supervise their research.

All applicants must meet the admission requirements of both the academic unit (Plant Breeding Graduate Program-PBGP) and the Graduate School as specified in the Graduate Catalog. Admission is a multi-step process that involves multiple UF offices including the UF Office of Admissions, and as applicable, the UF International Center. 

  • GRE scores are not required to apply for the Ph.D. degree in Plant Breeding.
  • Only complete application packets received by the deadlines will be considered.
  • Check our FAQ page to help answer common questions.

Easy Steps

If you have any questions about the application, contact Eliana Kampf at elianak@ufl.edu.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester: January 15th
    • Applications for the Plant Breeding Graduate Initiative (PBGI) and CALS Dean’s Award assistantships will be considered only in the fall semester.
  • Spring Semester: August 1st 
    • Applications will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
    • Depending on the applicant’s credentials, they will either join the existing academic year cohort (in spring) or the following academic year cohort (next fall).

How to Apply

Step One

Meet our minimum requirements for admission

  • Strong research background in genetics, statistics, plant breeding, biochemistry, or other life science.
    • Successful applicants typically have a M.S. degree in plant breeding or closely-related biological areas such as agricultural, horticultural, forestry, biological or chemical sciences. Undergraduate students with advanced coursework and strong research experience are encouraged to apply.
  • A faculty member willing to accept and financially support the applicant in their plant breeding program.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  • Non-US applicants need one of the following English language competency exams:
    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 80 internet based/213 electronic/550 paper
    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6
    • MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): 77

Step Two

Gather your documents

All applicants must submit a UF Online Graduate Application. Below is a list of documents that need to be uploaded to your online application. Make sure you have all documentation before starting your application:

  • Statement of Purpose: This is your opportunity to let us know what makes you are a strong Ph.D. candidate, why you are a good fit for the program and how your interests align with those of your  faculty of interest. Describe your previous research, educational, or professional experiences, long term career goals and current research interests. The statement of purpose is limited to 500 words.
  • Three Letters of Recommendation: These letters should be from scientists or other professionals who can attest to your potential as a graduate student. This is automated and will require contact information for your references. If they are not able to submit the forms electronically through the online application, please have your recommenders send their letters directly to Eliana Kampf using this Recommendation Letter Form.
    • Note: just sending the online request to your recommenders does not mean the letters have been actually submitted/received.
  • Transcripts: Arrange to have official transcripts from each post-secondary institution previously attended sent to the UF Office of Admissions (PO Box 114000, 201 Criser Hall, Gainesville FL 32611-4000), 352-392-1365 (phone), 352-392-2115 (fax).
    • International applicants need to provide official diploma, degree certificate, transcripts and other academic credentials in the original language as well as their official English translations. For more information see Transcript Submission and Review.
  • CV/Résumé: The online application provides the option to upload additional files as needed. Please upload a current résumé or curriculum vitae in this section which should reflect your relevant academic and professional accomplishments.
  • International applicants only: Have English language competency exam results sent directly to UF from the testing agency. Please use code 5812 (UF Institutional Code). For countries exempt from the English proficiency requirement visit UF Admissions – International Applicants.

Step Three

Submit the online application

  • Complete the Online Graduate Application by answering the required sections and uploading documents.
    • Select the correct Program of Study: click on 'College of Agricultural and Life Sciences' and then select 'Plant Breeding' OR type Plant Breeding in the 'Search for a Program' box.
  • Pay Fee: $30 non-refundable Application Fee payment plus $7 processing fee.

Important:

Only complete application packets received by the deadline will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • All documentation listed above (transcripts, diplomas, test scores, letters of recommendation, etc.) should be received well ahead of the program deadlines.

Still have questions?

  • Check our FAQ page.
  • Contact us with your questions via email (below). 

Contact Us

PBGP Coordinator: Eliana Kampf, elianak@ufl.edu

PBGP Director: Dr. Patricio Munoz, p.munoz@ufl.edu

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