Sven Verlinden, Division Director of Plant and Soil Sciences
email: sven.verlinden@mail.wvu.edu
Daniel Panaccione, Assistant Director of Graduate Programs
email: danpan@mail.wvu.edu
Degrees Offered
- Master of Science
- Doctor of Philosophy
Nature of the Program
The objective of this program is an increased level of understanding of modern concepts and methodologies employed in genetic and developmental biological work and to prepare a student to pursue a career in teaching and/or research. Responsibility for a student’s program is vested in a graduate committee charged with arranging the student’s coursework, conducting examinations, and supervising the research.
Concentrations
The degree is offered in genetics and developmental biology, an interdisciplinary program involving the faculty and facilities of a number of departments in the various colleges and schools of the university. A student may concentrate in genetics or developmental biology. The areas in which emphases are offered are as follows:
Genetics
Biochemical and molecular genetics, developmental genetics, plant genetics, and population and quantitative genetics.
Developmental Biology
Molecular aspects of development.
Admissions for 2025-2026
A regular graduate student is a degree-seeking student who meets all the criteria for regular admission to a program of their choice and be under no requirements to make up deficiencies.
For regular admission, a student must:
- Possess a baccalaureate degree from a college or university and have at least a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Provide three letters of reference from persons acquainted with the applicant’s professional work, experience, or academic background.
- Submit a written statement of 500 words or more indicating the applicant’s goals and objectives relative to receiving a graduate degree, and identify a potential faculty advisor.
- Have an adequate academic aptitude at the graduate level as measured by the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the New Medical College Admissions Test (New MCAT).
* International students must meet WVU's minimum score requirement for English language proficiency.
MS Major Code: 1720
PhD Major Code: 1731