Graduate Field Requirements: Plant Breeding

The Field of Plant Breeding at Cornell University is composed of numerous facilities and faculty members housed at several different locations. The Graduate School at Cornell is organized by Fields rather than Departments. The organizational structure is as follows, from largest to smallest: 

• Cornell Universiity
• Graduate School
• Field of Plant Breeding

The Field of Plant Breeding includes faculty in the Section of Plant Breeding and Genetics as well as other related Sections. Although this may seem to be an unusual organizational structure, it allows faculty with similar interests in different Sections to advise graduate students. 

For most issues, the Section is equivalent to a Department elsewhere at Cornell and at other institutions. The organizational structure is as follows, from largest to smallest: 

• Cornell University
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
• School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS)
• Section of Plant Breeding and Genetics

SIPS was first established in 2014 to foster cross disciplinary collaboration among its various Sections which include: Plant Biology; Horticulture; Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology; and Soil and Crop Sciences.

The Field offers qualified students the opportunity to obtain an advanced graduate degree in a Master of Science (M.S.), a Master of Science/Doctor of Philosophy (M.S./Ph.D), and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program.

The learning outcomes for the field of plant breeding are broad as they are intended to encompass the shared core competencies that all students must have to succeed in their graduate work and future careers.

When students complete the M.S. they should be able to:

• Demonstrate broad understanding of plant breeding methods and the genetics relevant to them.
• Be skilled in procedures to implement one or more facets of plant breeding from identifying breeding goals to field studies to laboratory genetics to data analysis.
• Communicate effectively with professional and lay audiences about their research.

When students complete the Ph.D., they should be able to:

• Possess a comprehensive knowledge of plant genetics relevant to breeding including an understanding of areas where knowledge is deficient.
• Have in depth expertise in a study system, be that a specific crop or a technical domain such as gene editing or bioinformatics.
• Understand how to develop an experimental program to test scientific hypotheses in plant breeding/genetics and their chosen minor fields.
• Be comfortable with the entire process of writing and publishing scientific research in plant breeding/genetics and their chosen minor fields.
• Have experienced persuasive grant writing for the purpose of bringing resources to fulfill plant breeding/genetic objectives.
• Communicate effectively with professional and lay audiences about their research and current issues in the discipline.
• Have developed the beginnings of a professional network beyond Cornell.

To help offset the costs associated with beginning graduate study at Cornell, eligible doctoral students will receive a one-time, lump-sum matriculation support payment of $750, in accordance with Article 26 of the union contract with Cornell. This payment will be issued within twenty (20) business days of first-time matriculation.

For our international students, the Office of Global Learning has an easy-to-follow guide for preparing for and moving to Cornell. 

Newly admitted graduate students should correspond with the Director of Graduate Studies in their Field to clarify their program details. Upon arrival to campus, students should report to their Major Advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), and the Graduate Field Coordinator (GFC). New graduate students should take the responsibility of meeting professors, other graduate students, office staff, technicians, and greenhouse/field staff. Students should also become familiar with campus buildings, laboratories, and staff offices.

The DGS, as well as other faculty members and staff, can provide assistance to become familiar with University, Graduate School, and Section policies. An orientation program for all incoming graduate students is held during the week of registration in August. The Cornell Graduate School’s orientation information is available here. The SIPS and Field-specific orientation information will be emailed to all incoming students.

This handbook will help you understand how the Field operates, what is expected of you, and what you may expect from the Field. The faculty, DGS, and the Section Chair have an open-door policy and make every effort to address student needs. This handbook provides supplemental information that applies specifically to the Field of Plant Breeding and should be used in conjunction with information published by the Graduate School found in the Graduate School's policy section and elsewhere.  Please feel free to ask questions as you adjust to your new surroundings.

Onboarding finances

During orientation the GFC will review important financial documents needed to complete your onboarding as a graduate student in Plant Breeding. For students receiving bi-weekly stipends, this will include email prompts to complete and upload information regarding your I-9, W-2, and 1098-T forms. These financial documents along with pay stubs can be viewed through Workday by logging in with your NetID. It is highly recommended to set up direct deposit to a bank account (follow these instructions), otherwise physical checks can be picked up from the Field offices. Refer to the Cornell Pay Calendar for when to expect bi-weekly stipends.

For graduate students receiving Fellowship funds, a lump sum amount is paid at the start of the semester to the student’s Bursar account. If direct deposit is set up (see above) the funds will be transferred to the noted bank account within a few days. Otherwise, paper checks will be mailed to the address on file. Note, unlike bi-weekly stipends, lump sum Fellowships do not have Federal and State income tax deducted. It is up to the student to budget appropriately for paying these taxes during tax filing.

Field graduate students do not need to pay tuition and health insurance fees which are covered by their Major Advisor, TA-ship, Fellowship, or other funds. Students are responsible for a “Student Activity Fee” of $55 each semester. This is paid through Cashnet. 

For any questions or concerns regarding Fellowship/stipend finances, please contact the Field GFC for assistance. More information can also be found through the Graduate School. 

Course enrollment

To maintain full time status as a graduate student, you must be enrolled in at least 12 credits every semester. Typically, students take courses during the first 3-5 semesters and the Seminar in Plant Breeding and Genetics course (PLSCI7000, PLBRG section) during every semester. If course credits are below the minimum, the Graduate School automatically adds graduate research credits (GRAD9011) to ensure full time status. Students are usually enrolled in this automatically during enrollment periods. Courses can be searched and enrolled in through Student Center.

More information regarding common courses taken by PBG graduate students can be found farther down this page. It is assumed students will discuss courses with their Major Advisor and Special Committee members.

The faculty person who directs your thesis work is usually considered the Major Advisor or Chairperson of your Special Committee. As PBG is primarily a direct admit program, the advisor(s) is most often identified in your admission letter unless it explicitly states you are doing rotations. In the latter case, the DGS will be your Chairperson until a Major Advisor can be finalized. The Chairperson/Major Advisor is a primary mentor who will guide you through your graduate study. They should be recorded with the Graduate School within the first 3 weeks of the admitted semester through the “Special Committee Selection and Change form” via Student Center or the Graduate School.

Other members of the Special Committee represent the minor fields chosen. Students pursuing an M.S. Degree should select at least one minor member and Ph.D students should select at least two minor members. The minor members should represent concentrations that are different than their Major Advisor and at least one must be from a different Field. 

Choosing a special committee

The Special Committee should be chosen by the end of the second semester at Cornell for M.S. students. Ph.D. students need to have their Special Committee selection done by the end of their third semester. At Cornell, the Special Committee has the ultimate power to decide the specific requirements for completing a degree. Selection of the minor members is best done in consultation with the Major Advisor with the aim of enhancing your research project as well as providing you with information useful towards your future career. Feel free to meet with and interview various members of the graduate faculty before making a decision. Common goals and research interests should be discussed.

At least one minor member is required for an M.S. and at least two for a Ph.D. degree. Should the Ph.D. student have a previous M.S. degree, only one minor member is required with at least one ad hoc addition to have at least three total Committee members. Faculty can be assigned to your Special Committee through the same form on Student Center as your Major Advisor. Any changes made to a Special Committee post A-exam need to be done through the Graduate School directly.

Summary of degree requirements

• Minor Subjects: 1 for M.S., 2 for Ph.D. (or 1 if previous M.S. held)
• Exams: M exam for M.S., A and B exams for Ph.D.
• Residence Units: 2 for M.S., 6 for Ph.D.
• Required Teaching: 0 for M.S., 1 semester for Ph.D.

General Requirements

• Coursework and credits required for the M.S. degree are determined by the student’s Special Committee. 
• Select a Special Committee composed of one professor representing the major field committee/chair and at least one professor representing a minor field; more than one minor member is acceptable.
• Committee members advise students in the selection and conduct of research problems for the thesis.
• Fulfill a minimum of two residence units for at least two semesters. (See Graduate School Policies.)
• Submit an acceptable complete thesis draft based on a research project to all members of your Special Committee at least six weeks before the final M.S. M exam (your Special Committee may modify this requirement). At least five days before the exam, you must provide all members of your Special Committee with a complete, formatted, and editorially acceptable copy of the thesis or dissertation for final approval (your committee may still require modifications). Final Examinations may not be scheduled until this requirement has been met. The Schedule M Examination form must be submitted to the Graduate School at least seven days prior to your oral exam.
• Schedule an exit seminar to take place during a meeting of the PLSCI7000 Seminar in Plant Breeding and Genetics or another time/location.
• Pass a final oral examination and report Results for Final Defense of Master’s Degree (M Exam) to the Graduate School.
• M.S. degree candidates are expected to complete degree requirements in two years but have up to four years to complete these requirements.

Courses

• Coursework and credits required for the M.S. degree are determined by the student’s Special Committee. A list of common courses can be found farther down on this page. 
• Specific courses may be required by members of the Special Committee and are usually suggested as a means to obtain essential training. Students should use their own judgment, along with the advice of the Committee, in deciding which courses will provide the best training for future needs.
• Register and attend the PLSCI7000 Seminar in Plant Breeding and Genetics. This one credit course meets weekly during the academic year. Satisfactory seminar attendance is granted after recording attendance for at least 75% of seminars per semester.
• Register for coursework (see above) and GRAD9011 to maintain a collective minimum of 12 credits per semester (6 credits during the summer semester). Summer registration is especially critical for students receiving financial aid (fellowships, summer loans, assistantships, travel grants, or tuition awards) during the summer. There is no charge for summer registration.
• All students in the Employee Degree Program (EDP) are eligible to enroll in up to eight credits per semester. While participating in the EDP, you are also eligible to enroll in more than eight credits during any two semesters. During these two semesters, you may reduce your work status to no less than part time. EDP students have no anticipated graduation date, and they may take longer to fulfill their course requirements. For more information, please visit the Employee Degree Program website.

Incoming doctoral students enroll into the Ph.D. program. Those interested in pursuing an M.S./Ph.D. should contact the DGS for more information prior to applying. M.S./Ph.D. students have an additional requirement of an M.S. written thesis and defense (see M exam above) which may or may not be scheduled during the same time as the Ph.D. A exam (see below).

General Requirements

• Coursework and credits required for the Ph.D. degree are determined by the student’s Special Committee.
• Select a Special Committee composed of one professor representing the major field committee/chair and at least two other professors as minor members, at least one of which represents a Field outside Plant Breeding. This approach permits the student to work with faculty members who can best direct the student’s graduate study, regardless of College, Section, or Field affiliation.
• Committee members advise the student in the selection and conduct of research problems for the dissertation.
• Fulfill a minimum of 6 registration units (semesters), 2 of these between the A and B exams. For students completing an M.S./Ph.D., registration units beyond the 2 units required for the M.S. may be put towards the 6 registration units required for the Ph.D. (See Graduate School Policies.) 
• Teaching experience is required and can be satisfied by assisting a faculty member in teaching a course, working in extension, or taking an education course.
• Schedule and pass the A exam; an oral exam reviewing the student’s mastery of subject matter related to their thesis topic and the coursework taken. The Schedule A Examination and Research Compliance Form must be submitted to the Graduate School at least seven days prior to your oral exam. Report Results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) to the Graduate School.
• Candidates must have two semesters of credit (residence units) between passing the A exam and before taking the final B exam.
• Submit an acceptable complete thesis draft based on a research project to all members of your Special Committee at least six weeks before the final B exam (your Special Committee may modify this requirement). At least five days before the exam, you must provide all members of your Special Committee with a complete, formatted, and editorially acceptable copy of the thesis or dissertation for final approval (your committee may still require modifications). Final Examinations may not be scheduled until this requirement has been met. The Schedule B Examination must be submitted to the Graduate School at least seven days prior to your oral exam.
• Schedule an exit seminar to take place during a meeting of the PLSCI7000 Seminar in Plant Breeding and Genetics or another time/location.
• Pass a final oral examination (B exam) and report Results for Final Defense of Ph.D. Degree (B Exam) to the Graduate School.
• Complete all requirements within 7 years. This is the maximum period allowed by the Graduate School. The normal expectation is that you should finish within 5 years. Note that funding may not be available beyond the period specified in your offer letter.

Courses

• Coursework and credits required for the Ph.D. degree are determined by the student’s Special Committee. A list of common courses can be found farther down on this page. 
• Specific courses may be required by members of the Special Committee and are usually suggested as a means to obtain essential training. Students should use their own judgment, along with the advice of the committee, in deciding which courses will provide the best training for future needs.
• Register and attend the PLSCI7000 Seminar in Plant Breeding and Genetics. This one credit course meets weekly during the academic year. Satisfactory seminar attendance is granted after recording attendance for at least 75% of seminars per semester.
• Register for coursework (see above) and GRAD9011 to maintain a collective minimum of 12 credits per semester (6 credits during the summer semester). Summer registration is especially critical for students receiving financial aid (fellowships, summer loans, assistantships, travel grants, or tuition awards) during the summer. There is no charge for summer registration.
• If the Teaching Assistant semester is not funded by the PBG or other Cornell University department (i.e. the student is funded through a Fellowship or other non-departmental Teaching Assistant funds for the semester), enrollment is required for that semester in PLSCI 7980 to complete the teaching requirement.
• All students in the Employee Degree Program (EDP) are eligible to enroll in up to eight credits per semester. While participating in the EDP, you are also eligible to enroll in more than eight credits during any two semesters. During these two semesters, you may reduce your work status to no less than part time. EDP students have no anticipated graduation date, and they may take longer to fulfill their course requirements. For more information, please visit the Employee Degree Program website.

Exams

• Schedule and pass the A exam; an oral exam reviewing the student’s mastery of subject matter related to their thesis topic and the coursework taken. The Schedule A Examination and Research Compliance Form must be submitted to the Graduate School at least seven days prior to your oral exam. Report Results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) to the Graduate School.

Potential A Exam Outcomes

• Passing: If you pass the exam, report so in the Results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) to the Graduate School immediately. All members of your Special Committee should sign the form within three business days. No further action is required.
• Conditional passing: You may conditionally pass the A exam in which case your Special Committee provides you and the Graduate School with the conditions for passing. Report the conditional passing to the Graduate School immediately via the Results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) form. Once these conditions are met, you pass the A exam.
• Failing: If you fail the A exam, report these results via the Results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) form. A reexamination is allowed only with the approval of the Special Committee. At least three months must pass from the time of the failed exam to the reexamination.

If a student fails the A Exam but performs at a level considered equivalent to a M.S. degree, the Special Committee may nominate the student for a terminal M.S. degree without completion of a thesis. Such non-thesis M.S. degrees are not automatically awarded but must be designated at the time of the A exam and the student must withdraw from the Ph.D. program.

If the minor members, but not the Chairperson, oppose allowing a reexamination or terminal M.S.; or the Chairperson, but not all of the minor members oppose a reexamination or terminal M.S., you must petition the Graduate School General Committee to continue study.

Graduate faculty members who attend the exam, but are not on the examination committee, may inform the Dean in writing if they disagree with the results of the exam.

• Schedule and pass the B exam; and schedule an exit seminar during one of the PLSCI7000 Seminar in Plant Breeding and Genetics sessions or one-hour prior to the final exam using the B exam scheduling form available on the Graduate School’s Forms page. The scheduling form must be approved by all committee members and the DGS at least 7 days prior to the exam. We recommend you start this process at least 2 weeks prior to the exam date. Report Results for Final Defense of Ph.D. Degree (B Exam) to the Graduate School.

Potential B Exam Outcomes:

• Passing: If you pass the B exam, report so in the Results for Final Defense of Ph.D. Degree (B Exam) to the Graduate School immediately. All members of your Special Committee should sign the form within three business days. No further action is required.
• Conditional passing: You may conditionally pass the B exam in which case your Special Committee provides you and the Graduate School with the conditions for passing. Report the conditional passing to the Graduate School immediately via the Results for Final Defense of Ph.D. Degree (B Exam) form. Once these conditions are met, you pass the B exam. (One common scenario is if you have significant edits to your thesis, the Special Committee may choose to conditionally pass you until those edits are accepted by the Committee.)
• Failing: If you fail the B exam, report these results via the Results for Final Defense of Ph.D. Degree (B Exam) form. A reexamination is allowed only with the approval of the Special Committee. At least three months must pass from the time of the failed exam to the reexamination.

If the student does not perform at a level considered equivalent to a passed Final Examination for the Doctoral Degree, you must petition the Graduate School General Committee to reexamine. If the minor members, but not the Chairperson, oppose allowing a reexamination; or the Chairperson, but not all of the minor members oppose a reexamination, you must petition the General Committee to continue study.

Graduate faculty members who attend the exam, but are not on the examination committee, may inform the Dean in writing if they disagree with the results of the exam.

Thesis and Dissertation

• Candidates must submit a doctoral dissertation, based on a research project, that is acceptable to their Special Committee. While each Committee is different, a common expectation is that the dissertation contains three papers that have been or can be published in a research journal.
• You must submit a complete thesis draft to all members of your Special Committee at least six weeks before the final B exam (your Special Committee may modify this requirement). At least five days before the exam, you must provide all members of your Special Committee with a complete, formatted, and editorially acceptable copy of the thesis or dissertation for final approval (your committee may still require modifications). Final Examinations may not be scheduled until this requirement has been met. The Schedule B Examination must be submitted to the Graduate School at least seven days prior to your oral exam. Refer to the Graduate School Policy for additional information.

Milestone Timeline

• Chair nominated: by end of the 3rd week of the 1st matriculated semester
• Special committee formed: by end of the 3rd semester
• A exam: passed by end of the 3rd year, before beginning the 7th semester
• B exam and thesis: passed by end of the 14th semester

The length of a M.S. degree program is much shorter than that for the Ph.D., so fewer courses are expected. Selection of courses will be influenced by the background of the student and the student’s thesis project. The courses recommended are:

• PLSCI 4030 and PLSCI 4060: REQUIRED unless the student recently took an equivalent course elsewhere.
• A modern genetics course and a statistics course are also required, if the student has not had one recently.
• One other course selected from PLSCI 6060, PLSCI 6180, PLSCI 7160, and PLSCI 7170.
• PLSCI 6220 (Plant Breeding Seminar) should be taken every semester, unless the student is taking a course in another department scheduled at the same time or is working off campus during a semester.
• PLSCI 6100 is highly recommended to broaden applied experience.
• PLSCI 4831 is highly recommended to provide an overview of plant molecular techniques being utilized in modern breeding programs.
• Other courses from the remaining list based on the suggestions of the major professor and the student’s committee.

Important background knowledge for all Ph.D. candidates in the Field of Plant Breeding Strong course in modern genetics

• BIOMG 2800 (Lectures in Genetics and Genomics). NOTE: This is the same as BIOMG 2810 (Genetics) but without the lab. Fall, Spring, Summer, 3 credits

Biochemistry (4 options)

• BIOMG 3300 (Biochemistry, individualized instruction). Fall or Spring, 4 credits
• BIOMG 3310 (Proteins & Metabolism), Fall, 3 credits PLUS BIOMG 3320 (Molecular Biology), Spring, 2 credits
• BIOMG 3330 (Proteins, Metabolism, & Molecular Biology). Summer 8-week session, 4 credits
• BIOPL 4620 (Plant Biochemistry). Spring, 3 credits

Soil science

• PLSCI 2600 (Soil Science). Fall, 4 credits, includes lab

Plant Pathology

• PLSCI 3010 (Biology & Management of Plant Diseases). Fall, 4 credits

Whole Plant Systems

• BIOPL 3420 (Plant Physiology). Spring, 3 credits

Recommended Cornell courses directly relevant to plant breeding Overall current breeding information

• PLSCI 7000 School of Integrative Plant Science Seminars, Fall & Spring, 1 credit. Graduate students must sign up and attend each semester unless they are taking a course in another department scheduled at the same time or are working off campus

Basic plant breeding

• PLSCI 4030 (Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants). Fall, 3 credits. REQUIRED, unless student recently took an equivalent course at another institution.

Plant breeding methods

• PLSCI 4080 (Methods of Plant Breeding Laboratory) Fall, 2 credits.
• REQUIRED, unless student recently took an equivalent course at another institution.
• PLSCI 6095 (Practicum in Plant Breeding) Fall, 1-3 credits. NOTE: This course is strongly recommended for students whose program does not have a field component

Advanced plant genetics

• PLSCI 6060 (Advanced Plant Genetics). Spring, 3 credits.

Quantitative genetics

• PLSCI 7170 - Quantitative Genetics for Analysis and Improvement of Complex Traits

Basic statistics

• BTRY 6010 (Statistical Methods I), unless well covered in previous studies. Fall, 4 credits.

Advanced plant breeding. Several courses from the following list: Ph.D. candidates to take more courses than M.S. candidates. Course selection will vary according to student’s areas of work, background, minors, etc.

• PLSCI 4070 (Nutritional Quality Improvement of Crop Plants). Fall, 1 credit.
• PLSCI 4091 (Molecular Basis of Phenotype in Plant Breeding and Genetics). Spring, 1 credit.
• PLSCI 4092 (Introduction to Scripting and Statistics for Genetics Data Management). Spring, 1 credit.
• PLSCI 4093 (QTL Analysis: Mapping Genotype to Phenotype in Practice). Spring, 1 credit.
• PLSCI 4826 (Genetically Engineered Crops: Products, Policies & People). Spring, alternate odd years, 1 credit.
• PLSCI 7160 (Perspectives in Plant Breeding Strategies). Spring, odd years, 3 credits.
• NOTE: PLSCI 7160 is strongly recommended for all students.

Additional important areas. Courses chosen will depend on student's background, interests, minor fields, etc. Other advanced courses about plants

• BIOPL 4220 (Plant Development). Fall, 2 credits.
• BIOPL 4620 (Plant Biochemistry). Spring, 3 credits

More statistics

• BTRY 4140 (Statistical Methods IV: Applied Design). Spring (alt. years?), 4 credits
• BTRY 6020 (Statistical Methods II). Spring, 4 credits.
• BTRY 6030 (Statistical Methods III). Spring, 4 credits.
• BTRY 6700 (Applied Bioinformatics & Systems Biology). Fall, 4 credits.
• BTRY 6820 (Statistical Genomics). Spring, 4 credits.
• BTRY 6830 (Quantitative Genomics & Genetics). Fall, 4 credits.
• BTRY 6840 (Computational Genomics). Fall alternate years, 4 credits.

More genetics, evolution, etc.

• PLSCI 4831 (Concepts/Techniques in Plant Molecular Biology). Fall, 3 credits
• BIOEE 1780 (Evolutionary Biology & Diversity). Fall, Spring, 4-5 credits.
• BIOEE 3690 (Chemical Ecology). Spring, 3 credits.
• BIOPL 4470 (Molecular Systematics). Fall, 3 credits.
• BIOMG 4810 (Population Genetics). Fall, 4 credits.

Areas in which plant breeding students should gain experience, either by course work, rotations, internships or other methods Field & greenhouse experience with plants

• PLSCI 6095 (Practicum in Plant Breeding). (see Table B)

Lab experience

• Rotations or internships for experience with lab-based evaluations of genotypes or phenotypes for students doing field-based theses

International experience: Particularly important for students interested in working internationally

• IARD 2020 (Perspectives on International Agriculture & Rural Development). Fall, 3 credits.
• IARD 4020 (Agriculture in Developing Nations I). Fall, 2 credits.
• IARD 6020 (Int. Agriculture in Developing Nations). Spring, 3 credits. Research-related travel.

Ethics

• Beneficial for both applied and basic graduate students.

Management, business, etc.

• Students considering work in the seed industry would benefit from some management or business exposure. Some choose to minor in Business.

Teaching experience Students interested in careers in academia are strongly urged to

1. pursue TA opportunities that will provide experience and build their teaching resumes
2. take ALS 6015 (The Practice of Teaching in Higher Education). Fall or Spring, 2 credits

All Ph.D. students and most M.S. students are guaranteed assistantship funding which is detailed in their original offer letter. We make every effort to ensure support through degree completion as long as academic progress is being made. Funding typically comes from many sources.

Assistantships

Most graduate students in the Field of Plant Breeding are assigned on a half-time basis as Graduate Research Assistants (GRA), Teaching Assistants (TA), Graduate Assistants (GA), Research Assistants (RA), or Extension Assistants (EA). Their assignment time may be distributed throughout the year in various ways, depending on the requirements of the project. Graduate student appointments typically average 15 hours per week, and students may only accept up to five additional hours per week of assistantships, hourly student appointments, and/or outside employment, not to exceed a total of 20 hours per week.

Graduate TA

Background

The faculty in the graduate Field of Plant Breeding believe that it is important for graduate students to participate in activities that support the Section while simultaneously gaining experiences that will be useful in a career. Graduate students are expected to contribute to the Section/Field in meaningful ways, particularly if funding support is coming from a Section assistantship. A major way that graduate students contribute is by serving as a Teaching Assistant (TA). Serving as a teaching assistant (TA) or, in exceptional circumstances, playing a major teaching role in extension/outreach programs, can satisfy this expectation.

The Field and Section will strive to allocate TA responsibilities and other Section assignments equitably and fairly among all graduate students. Students are also encouraged to obtain TA responsibilities with other Departments within the University.

Students anticipating being a teaching assistant must apply each academic year. This application is for the purpose of matching students with courses and is done SIPS-wide. TA solicitation for the coming academic year is released in mid-November. TA applications are due January 31st. More information and the TA application.

When a student’s limited proficiency in English prevents them from serving as a TA in the classroom, the student may be required to take a course aimed at developing their English proficiency and teaching skills in order to teach in the future. They may be asked to help out with Section activities such as website development, curriculum or outreach program development and delivery, to satisfy the obligations of accepting section assistantship support. Students in this situation may participate in ITAP (International Teaching Assistant Program), which provides training and support to improve English proficiency, teaching skills, and classroom effectiveness. Please review the related information found on the Graduate School website and the ITAP website. 

Policies

• All M.S. and Ph.D. students, regardless of funding source, are required to serve as a TA for at least one semester or provide some equivalent service in curricular activities during their time at Cornell.
• M.S. and Ph.D. students funded on an assistantship or endowment from the Section of Plant Breeding may be required to TA. Such expectations will be spelled out in their acceptance letter. Major Advisors will accommodate the need for their graduate students to TA and alter research and coursework expectations accordingly.
• Students with previous coursework and expertise in a particular area may be required to TA courses in that area and that expectation may be stipulated as a condition of their financial support by the Field of Plant Breeding when they are accepted into the graduate program. Faculty will advise students if they need to take or audit a course in order to gain more expertise in an area where they will be TAing.
• If multiple semesters of funding are needed, students are encouraged to apply for TAships in the Biology Department.
• Students supported by a Graduate School Fellowship shall not be required to serve as a TA during their fellowship tenure.
• If an extension/outreach teaching experience is substituted for classroom TAing, the student’s Major Advisor, DGS, and Special Committee will have to approve the substitution. This should include a plan that helps the student achieve the equivalent educational goals of classroom teaching.
• No extra Plant Breeding Field funding is allocated for students who TA.
• Students will keep the GFC informed of their TA or equivalent experiences so accurate records can be kept.
• All instructors should meet with and discuss what is expected of the TA prior to the beginning of class. Students should also discuss what they want to gain during the TA experience with the instructor. 
• Any dispute regarding the assignment of TA’s may be addressed to the student’s Major Advisor in consultation with the DGS.
• Teaching assistantships fulfill two roles. They meet the educational requirement of developing teaching competence, and they provide financial support for graduate study. 

Fellowships and other funding sources

While the Field commits to fully funding graduate students for the anticipated duration of their study, getting independent funding provides more flexibility for the student and is a valuable demonstration of ability to get external funding. Fellowship information is available from the Graduate School. Additional information is forwarded via e-mail to the graduate student list as it becomes available.

Travel grants

Graduate students are encouraged to attend and participate in scientific or industry-oriented conferences/meetings. During your research, your Major Advisor may agree to reimburse a portion of the expenses for attending a scientific meeting. It will be up to the advisor to decide if funds are available. Additional assistance may be obtained by applying in advance to the Graduate School for a special travel grant (once per calendar year). Awarded amounts depend on the physical location of the conference and require you to present a paper or poster. You may also apply for a travel grant from the Section of Plant Breeding and Genetics (Application form.) for up to $500 per year with approval from your Major Advisor. The application link can change so look for updated in formation here before applying.

Prior to your trip: provide your advisor with the destination, departure and arrival dates and times, and purpose of the travel. For Cornell-related international travel, you must register your trip in the Cornell International Travel Registry at before departure; registration is required by University Policy 8.5 and, beginning November 1, 2024, international travel will not be reimbursed unless it is preregistered. Domestic travel within the United States does not require preregistration but must still follow departmental approval and reimbursement procedures. To receive reimbursement, submit all original, itemized receipts and boarding passes and complete an expense report upon your return. 

Student progress review

The Student Progress Review (SPR) requirement was implemented in 2017 at the request of students and faculty to support the regular exchange of constructive, written feedback between advisees and advisors. It codifies a process for research degree students and their Special Committees to have at least one formal conversation per year about academic progress and future plans. Using the SPR form, students are asked to reflect on their recent accomplishments, identify challenges, and set goals. The Special Committee Chairperson (Major Advisor) then reviews your SPR form and enters constructive feedback. The Special Committee Chairperson indicates whether progress has been excellent, satisfactory, needs improvement, or is unsatisfactory. Good Standing is maintained by receiving a satisfactory or excellent mark. Feedback that is documented on the SPR will be made available to yourself, all members of your Special Committee, the DGS, and GFC. These are due annually by April 1.

All M.S. and Ph.D. students in their first year are encouraged but not required to complete the SPR. All M.S. and Ph.D. students who are in the second year and beyond must complete a SPR form each academic year. Students on leave of absence are excluded from this requirement.

GPA requirements

Cornell’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy stipulates that students in research degrees must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.25 to be in good academic standing or to be eligible for Title IV Aid. A GPA below this threshold triggers a formal academic warning, requiring a remediation plan. The timeline for remediation is determined by the field/program and must be communicated to the student at the time the academic warning is issued. Failure to raise the GPA within the program-defined timeline may result in loss of funding or dismissal, in accordance with Graduate School and CGSU-UE due process procedures.

Accountability and due process

All Field policies will be enforced consistently across students and timeframes. A doctoral student is expected to design, execute, and manage an independent research agenda and meet their academic milestones in a timely manner. If a student is not meeting expectations, their Major Advisor and the DGS will provide timely written notice (as soon as concerns become evident) outlining the issues, outcomes, or potential consequences, including:

• Written notice of a lack of academic progress or loss of academic standing (separate, and in addition to, the SPR).
• A clear explanation of the concerns and specific expectations for improvement.
• A reasonable timeline and opportunity to meet expectations before any adverse action (e.g., changes in funding status or withdrawal recommendations).
• Further, all students should be provided with an opportunity to meet with the DGS to discuss the concern and plan for improvement.

If a student fails to meet the conditions of that plan, the Special Committee in collaboration with the Field DGS will consult with the Graduate School to review the case and determine next steps. This can include academic withdrawal from their degree program and the Graduate School accompanied by documentation showing that the process above was followed, and in accordance with Graduate School policy and the terms of the CGSU-UE Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Graduate students will be given an opportunity to respond or appeal as outlined by the Graduate School and CGSU‑UE policies. Final decisions will be documented and archived by the DGS and GFC and the Graduate School.

You may register in absentia to conduct approved research or study 100 miles or more away from the Cornell campus while still under the guidance of your Special Committee. This status is available to research degree students whether registered in Ithaca or Geneva. Approval by the Graduate School is required. In absentia students are charged $200 tuition/semester.

When you are in approved in absentia status you  remain eligible for fellowships, non-TA assistantships, the student health plan, and educational loans as in on-campus registration status. Students outside the U.S. are generally not eligible to hold assistantship appointments. The same limitations on employment apply for in absentia students as for on-campus students; time away from campus is expected to focus on making academic progress. While in approved in absentia status you may not take classes or engage in research at another Cornell Graduate School campus location.

Common reasons students change their status to in absentia:

• Conducting research for an extended period of time at a location far from campus.
• Traveling to another institution for an extended period of time to use library, archival, laboratory, or other resources to advance your scholarship.
• Taking courses at another university that are not available at Cornell.

In absentia status will not be approved for reasons related to immigration or finances. There must be an academic justification for holding in absentia status.

A leave of absence can be granted for personal or medical reasons, but the process is different for each type of leave. A health leave of absence requires filing with Gannett Health Services. More information.

The maximum number of years allowed for leave of absence is four. A student who takes a leave of absence relinquishes access to campus facilities and personnel that normally accompanies student status. For more information see the Graduate School Policy.

All members of the graduate faculty are notified of examinations, and all are welcome to attend. Students are responsible for notifying the GFC at least two weeks in advance. Students must submit a Schedule of Exam form for M, A and B exams to the Graduate School at least one week in advance otherwise the exam results are not valid. As soon as a date has been set with your Special Committee, please email the DGS and GFC to inform them of the scheduled exam. Exams, if held in person, must be held on the Ithaca or satellite campus and all members of your Special Committee must be present. Extensive information on Exams, Doctoral Dissertation and Master’s Thesis production can and should be obtained from the Graduate School. After each examination, a Results of Examination form must be filled out and submitted to the Graduate School within three business days using the Results of Examination form.

M exam (M.S.): Thesis Defense Exam for M.S. 

For a student pursuing an independent M.S.:

This oral exam will discuss the student’s research and thesis manuscript. The exact format varies by Special Committee, so it is good to have the members agree on the format well in advance. In general, students start the exam with a brief (10-15 minutes) oral presentation of the main methods and results of the project to set the stage for the discussion and to demonstrate the ability to present their work. Questions may address the scientific background of the research and hypotheses, the general approaches and specific methods used, the results, and the interpretation of the results. At least 2 hours should be scheduled for the M.S. thesis defense. The Special Committee often requires changes in thesis after the exam and these may require from a few days to a few weeks to complete.

For a student pursuing an M.S./Ph.D.:

An M.S./Ph.D. student continuing with the same project and Special Committee, and with that Committee’s approval, combines the M exam and A exam. If combined the first hour will be dedicated to the M exam followed by the A exam (see details below).

This oral exam will discuss the student’s research and thesis manuscript. The exact format varies by committee, so it is good to have the members agree on the format well in advance. In general, students start the exam with a brief (10-15 minutes) oral presentation of the main methods and results of the project to set the stage for the discussion and to demonstrate the ability to present their work. Questions may address the scientific background of the research and hypotheses, the general approaches and specific methods used, the results, and the interpretation of the results. The Special Committee often requires changes in thesis after the exam and these may require from a few days to a few weeks to complete.

A exam (Ph.D.)

Exam for Admission to Doctoral Candidacy for Ph.D. students. Normally, the A exam is taken in the fall or spring of the third year of the Ph.D. program and must be taken before starting the 7th semester of registration. The A exam is a comprehensive exam given by the student’s Special Committee to test their general knowledge in the areas of plant sciences and related fields relevant to the student’s Ph.D. Field. It is designed to determine your ability to begin research. It does not necessarily focus on your specific research topic or research results. Although questions of specific factual nature are common, emphasis is also placed on your ability to utilize and synthesize your knowledge to address more complex problems. A minimum of 3 hours should be scheduled; although there is no time limit. It is typically an oral exam and some written questions are allowed if a faculty member so chooses or may be a proposal of your planned research for your thesis. It is appropriate and useful to discuss examination expectations with your Committee members well in advance of the exam; especially as these exams will vary by Committee. Other faculty members in the Field are invited to participate, are allowed to ask questions. Each exam is unique. Therefore others’ experiences only represent what can happen, not what will happen.

The student generally provides a list of courses they have taken as a graduate student. Questions relating to these classes as well as background information relating to the student’s current research are fair game. You are encouraged to chat with each of the committee members to get a sense of topics that the committee member may ask about.

As a result of the A Exam committee members may require additional coursework that they believe will be needed for sufficient preparation in a particular subject area. 

B exam (Ph.D.)

Final Defense for Ph.D. (B Exam). Ph.D. students must be registered for at least 2 semesters between passing the A exam and scheduling the B exam.

See Thesis and Dissertation for detailed instructions and procedures including resource list of typists, editors, and couriers.

This oral exam will discuss the student’s research and dissertation manuscript. The Special Committee will determine the exact format, which should be discussed well in advance. A common approach is for the student to begin with a brief oral presentation of the main methods and results of the project to set the stage for the discussion and to demonstrate the ability to present their work. Questions may address the scientific background of the research and hypotheses, the general approaches and specific methods used, the results, and the interpretation of the results. At least 3-hours should be scheduled for the Ph.D. defense. Normally, changes are required in the dissertation after the exam that may require from a few days to a few weeks to complete.

Many committees prefer that those thesis chapters intended for publication be written as manuscripts for the intended journals. Rewriting dissertation chapters for journal publications after a student has left to assume new duties elsewhere is very difficult. 

Cornell Graduate School policy requires students to submit a completed draft for committee review six weeks prior to scheduling the exam. Submission of the final thesis/dissertation must be within 60 days of the final exam. Students who miss the 60-day submission deadline are ineligible to register in future terms.

May conferral deadlines

• Submit Draft to Committee: First week in March
• Schedule Exam: First week in April
• Take Exam: Mid April
• Complete Revisions: End of April
• Submission Deadline: May 1

August conferral deadlines

• Submit Draft to Committee: First week in June
• Schedule Exam: First week in July
• Take Exam: Mid July
• Complete Revisions: End of July
• Submission Deadline: August 1

December conferral deadlines

• Submit Draft to Committee: First week in October
• Schedule Exam: First week in November
• Take Exam: Mid November
• Complete Revisions: End of November
• Submission Deadline: December 1

Students are encouraged to publish their research results in professional journals so their work can be widely disseminated. Some advisors have specific publication expectations, a common one being three papers published in field-appropriate journals for a Ph.D.

This is easily accomplished if the thesis is organized and written with this intent. Professional journal articles are a source of pride for the student, enhances career opportunities, and reflects well on the reputation of the Section. Few academics read theses from other institutions, so the only practical way of sharing scientific contributions is through professional journals. If you expect to publish part, or all, of your thesis, you will be required to sign a License to Use Copyrighted Material form which is typically completed upon article submission to the publishing Journal.

The School of Integrative Plant Science holds a Graduation Recognition and Hooding Ceremony on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. Cornell University also holds a Ph.D. recognition ceremony on the Saturday evening of Memorial Day weekend. These events celebrate students who graduate in August of the prior year, December of the prior year, and those who expect to graduate in May and August. 

Find more information on degree conferral dates, commencement and diploma distribution on the Graduate School website. 

Working Hours

Working hours for Section staff (offices and facilities) are: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm; and Friday, 8:00 am-3:30 pm. Some offices such as the greenhouses, farm, or orchards may vary. Laboratories and graduate student offices are usually accessible 24 hours a day.

Orientation of facilities use

We are required by law to make certain that all users of chemicals, equipment, and facilities are familiar with potential hazards and appropriate safety precautions. Graduate students are required to attend orientation and training sessions before using any of the laboratory, growth chamber, greenhouse, or field research facilities. All students who will be working in a lab are required to complete the EHS 2555- Laboratory Safety training in CULearn. Orientations for facility usage are held regularly, and graduate students should watch for announced times (usually by e-mail). Worker Protection Standard (WPS) training for field and greenhouse/growth chamber use is required annually. (More information about WPS training.) If you are unable to attend, please contact the person in charge of orientation to make other arrangements. Do not use a facility or hazardous equipment if you have not been through the appropriate training session!

Right to know/Safety Training

Federal and New York State law, as well as University policy, require all graduate students and employees to complete appropriate safety training under the “Right to Know” Act. Required safety trainings are administered centrally by the University and are available through Workday Learning. Students engaged in laboratory, field, or farm work are expected to complete the relevant Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) training modules,

To access Workday Learning, students can refer to the Student EEL Experience - Video on Demand, which shows how to navigate to the learning modules. The laboratory safety course (EHS 2555) typically takes a few hours to complete.

Additional safety guidance and trainings are provided through Cornell and CALS EHS resources, including:

• Liquid nitrogen handling procedures: CALS Laboratory Safety
• Farm and field safety procedures: Field & Farm Safety Resources
• Worker Protection Standard (WPS) training for pesticide handling: WPS Training

Not all students are required to complete all trainings; students should consult with their faculty advisor to determine which trainings are required for their specific research or work responsibilities.

Student office and lab space

Desk Assignments

The Section has several rooms in the Plant Science building set aside for graduate students to share, and a desk will be made available for each graduate student upon their arrival. A student will be assigned and occupy only one desk regardless of location. Assignments will be made by the Graduate Field Coordinator. Students on Leave of Absence or with space elsewhere (such as in Geneva or having lab/desk space in a different building) may be asked to forfeit their desk space to others if there is a need for space when new students arrive. Students should not switch desk without GFC approval; and they must empty and clean their assigned desk prior to departure.

Upon your arrival to Cornell, meet with your Major Advisor to identify a work computer. If you are rotating through different research groups, reach out to the DGS who will be serving as your temporary Major Advisor during that time.

Laboratories and Equipment

Most research projects and professors have one or more laboratories with research equipment. Students will normally use of their advisor’s laboratory and equipment. To use other equipment in the Section, permission should be obtained from the professor involved.

Laboratory space is assigned by the Major Advisor. Equipment, glassware, reagents, etc. are generally purchased to use in specific laboratories. They should not be transferred to other locations unless approved by the faculty member in charge. Before using laboratory equipment, students are expected to obtain permission and instruction from the faculty member in charge or their designate. Each student is responsible to keep their work areas clean. Laboratory supplies or other purchases should be approved by the student’s Major Advisor. Disposal of toxic materials must follow proper safety procedures

Growth chambers and greenhouses

Growth chambers, both reach-in and walk-in, and greenhouses are available for research use. Fees are paid by the research project and professor involved. At the beginning of each semester a meeting is held to establish growth chamber and greenhouse assignments. Be sure to clear the availability of funds with your major professor before reserving growth chamber space. There is high demand for spaces and the Section makes every effort to accommodate everyone’s needs. Greenhouse and growth chambers are requested online. You may reserve it with your advisor or likely use some of the space they regularly use. Pay attention to fees as they may be quite high. See For Researchers on the Cornell AES website for more information. 

Field research

Requests for experimental field plots are made early each spring and must carry the endorsement of the Major Advisor. Policies and procedures will be explained at an orientation and training session for field research. The policy is the same as for the greenhouse, except requests are managed by individual farm managers. Tractor driving is rare for graduate students and is mostly done by staff. Applications of pesticides, even over the counter products, can only be done with a pesticide applicators license.

Computing and multimedia facilities

Computer support for personal computers and Section-owned equipment should be requested by submitting an IT support ticket through the Cornell TDX system. New graduate students will need to have an anti-virus program installed and have their computer scanned, before they can get on our wired network. This process can take a half day or so; please be prepared to leave your computer in the IT office for this procedure. RedRover wireless can be accessed without any scanning. (More information.)  For computationally intensive tasks, the Cornell Institute of Biotechnology has a Bioinformatics Facility. Inquire with your Major Advisor and visit the Bioinformatics Facility website.

Security

While campus is generally a safe place, theft does occur and we urge you to be mindful of your and others’ property. Keep offices and valuables locked up, and secure windows upon leaving for the day. Shut down computers, especially after using email. Keep backup copies of all your important work. Keep graduate student office doors always closed.

Cornell fleet vehicles

See the Fleet Services, Fleet Policy Manual. Fleet cars are available for official use. Permission from your Major Advisor is required. Charges are made on a mileage or per day basis to Section accounts; an account number is required when reserving a fleet vehicle. Reserve a car or van as early as possible. Should the need arise, cancel immediately to avoid a charge (24-hours prior to departure). The actual driver must pick up the fleet car.  Students must have a valid driver’s license, be registered at the Fleet Garage, and be pre-approved by the Risk Management Office. In order to do so, fill out a form available on-line at the Fleet Transportation Services website. 

Authorized Drivers: “A member of the Cornell community who has been authorized by an operating unit to drive one of its vehicles for university-related business.” (Use of Cornell Vehicles, Policy 3.4). Fleet vehicles cannot be used for personal business, nor may the vehicle be used in commuting to and from an individual’s place of residence. Members of an employee’s family, or other unauthorized passengers not associated with the University, may not ride in a fleet vehicle. For clarification and/or policy exceptions re: passengers contact the Contract College Fleet Supervisor (607-255-3247). 

Note: If the vehicle is involved in an accident, please obtain complete information. Use the form enclosed in the book in the glove compartment for the preliminary report. Notify Fleet Services immediately in the event of any accident

Keys

Keys are available for various Section facilities based on need. Key requests should be directed to your Major Advisor.

Copy machine privileges

Graduate students who have received approval from their advisor may use the copy machine for materials that are connected with their assistantship assignments and/or thesis research. If the student is a TA for a Section course, copies may be made for that purpose. 

Copying of books is not permitted on the section copiers; these machines are not designed to do so and could cause the glass to break. Use one of the copiers in Mann Library. Do not violate copyright laws.

Room scheduling

Room scheduling for meetings or A/B exams should be done through the LibCal program.

Data management

Researchers have obligations to maintain thorough records of their work. Hardcopy or digital notebooks, photos, sequence, phenotype and other datasets should be maintained with input from your Major Advisor. Compliance policies span every funding source involved in the project, Cornell data retention policy for sponsored research and publications. Data must be available if a result is challenged and as good practices for the accumulation of scientific information generally. Data is often backed up on the cloud regularly and shared in repositories like Github or NCBI.

Synapsis is the academic and social organization of the faculty, graduate students and alumni of the section of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Cornell University. All Plant Breeding graduate students are automatically members. The objective of Synapsis is to stimulate professional and social interaction among members of the Cornell community interested in plant breeding and to improve the quality of plant breeding education at Cornell

Regular admission cycle

Applications for Fall admission are due November 15 of the preceding year. 

Applications are evaluated holistically using a rubric that assesses many predictors of success in our graduate program. The most competitive applicants are those who seek to do something important through plant breeding and genetics, who have the training and talent to achieve that goal, for whom our program is well positioned to help them reach that goal. 

Alternative admissions cycle

Spring matriculation

There is no open call for applications for spring admissions. In exceptional cases, admission can be open to students who have full funding and an advisor. In those cases, applications are reviewed relative to the most recent regular admission cycle.

In-house application to a Ph.D. program

Students who were admitted into the M.S. degree program, have fulfilled those requirements, and then wish to continue their studies in a Ph.D. program must complete a new on-line application for admission to the Plant Breeding Ph.D. program (all application fees will be waived). Because the criteria and expectations for M.S. students are much broader than for the Ph.D. program, it is not common nor expected that students admitted to an M.S. will apply for a Ph.D. in our program. Students contemplating a Ph.D. should apply for the M.S./Ph.D. program initially. In-house applications are reviewed with the same rigor as external applications and compete for funding with the external applications. Application fee waiver information can be found here: Graduate School Application Fees.

Readmission

Students who have let their registration lapse in their current program and wish to return to finish their degree should use the Application for Readmission (Form R3).

Forms for Committees and Advisors, Courses, Changes to a Degree Program, Funding and Financial Aid, and more can be found on the Cornell Graduate School site