TPS Graduate Program Options

We have traded in the traditional Ph.D. program for a customizable graduate experience that gives our TPS students a variety of exciting academic pathways. Free from the confines of a prescribed set of courses, students work closely with their advisors to develop a compact curriculum plan. Rigorous research experience, coupled with practial experience in internships and opportunities for international collaboration help prepare TPS students for careers beyond academia.

Because every TPS student's path is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all plan for this program. However, the general program plans outlined below highlight important milestones and activities throughout the TPS experience at Ohio State. 


Program Plan with Internship in the United States

Year 1

  • Orientation
  • Rotations and Choose Thesis Advisor
  • Doctoral Research
  • Possible Coursework Late in Year
  • Choose Co-Advisor

Year 2

  • Doctoral Research
  • Practical Workshop(s) on Specialized Topics
  • Possible Coursework
  • Outreach activities
  • Candidacy Examination by End of Year 2

Years 3 and 4

  • Doctoral Research
  • Outreach Activities
  • Internship – Industry, Science Policy, Intellectual Property, Science Communication, Other

Year 5

  • Doctoral Research
  • Outreach activities
  • Dissertation Writing and Defense

Program Plan with International Internship

Year 1

  • Orientation
  • Rotations and Choose Thesis Advisor
  • Doctoral Research
  • Possible Coursework Late in Year
  • Choose Co-Advisor

Year 2

  • Doctoral Research
  • Practical Workshop(s) on Specialized Topics
  • Short (2-3 week) International Trip
  • Outreach activities
  • Candidacy Examination by End of Year 2

Years 3 and 4

  • Doctoral Research
  • Outreach Activities
  • International Internship

Year 5

  • Doctoral Research
  • Outreach activities
  • Dissertation Writing and Defense

Internships

The purpose of the TPS internship is to give students practical experience in their field of interest. TPS students can explore both domestic and international internship opportunities in a variety of areas including industry, non-profits, national laboratories, science journalism, policy and more. 

Graduate Courses 
TPS students work together with their advisors to identify courses that will complement their research program. Students are only required to take one letter-graded course, however additional courses can be taken as deemed necessary by the student and their advisors. A list of potential courses relevant to the main research areas within the Tranlsational Plant Sciences graduate program are provided for reference. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it meant to be prescriptive - thus individual students may seek out courses not included on this list.