The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Soil Science at Penn State is designed to train students for careers in academic teaching and scholarly research. The program emphasizes original, valid, and significant research, requiring candidates to demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research. Successful completion of the Ph.D. involves meeting Graduate School residence requirements, completing approved coursework, conducting research, preparing a thesis, and passing all prescribed examinations.
Tuition and fees apply regardless of instructional mode. Specific rates for Fall/Spring 2025-26, 2026-27, and Summer 2026 are available on the Penn State Tuition and Fees Schedules, differentiating between Pennsylvania residents and non-Pennsylvania residents (including international students) by campus.
The application opens on June 15 and the final deadline for submitting all application materials, including test scores and recommendation letters, is December 15 for Ph.D. applicants.
Tuition and fees rates vary by campus and are subject to change; international students are considered non-Pennsylvania residents. Please refer to the official Penn State Tuition and Fees Schedules for the most current rates.
The Ph.D. program is designed to train graduates for careers in academic teaching and scholarly research.
The program requires completion of approved coursework, a significant research component culminating in a thesis, and passing all prescribed examinations.
Applications are available starting June 15. You need to prepare application materials such as transcripts and recommendation letters, submit the online graduate application by the December 15 deadline, and pass the Qualifying Examination.