Students usually spend five years earning the Ph.D. degree.
During the first two years, a student takes courses and initiates the dissertation research. After course requirements have been met and the student has passed written and oral qualifying examinations, which include intensive coverage of the area of specialization, the student advances to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. The student then completes his or her research, submits a written dissertation, and defends a thesis. Masters Programs M.S. Botany M.S. Plant Science Students usually spend two years completing course requirements and either prepare a thesis or pass comprehensive written and oral exams.