The Division of Plant Pathology & Microbiology within the Department of Plant Sciences is a graduate program that integrates state-of-the-art research in plant microbiology, genetics, and molecular biology with modern and traditional plant pathology. Currently there are 14 tenure-track and 6 professional faculty in the division.

The graduate program, leading to either the MS or PhD degree, emphasizes studies on microorganisms, plants and their interactions. The tools of genetics, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology are applied to the study of microorganisms, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic, and viruses and nematodes that are either pathogenic or beneficial to plant health. Studies range from molecular/phenotypic phylogenic analysis to genomic analysis as well as bioinformatic analyses of the evolution of pathogenicity. Other innovative projects extend microbial research into areas of human pathology and diversity in natural ecosystems. A strong academic program underpins rigorous research training in both basic and applied aspects of plant pathology and plant-microbe interactions.

Incoming graduate students have the opportunity to be exposed to several areas of research before committing to a thesis or dissertation topic. Graduate student support includes research grants, divisional assistantships as well as the opportunity to teach in several courses in the undergraduate microbiology curriculum.