Entomology — MS, MAg, PhD
Degree Programs
The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology offers three entomology-themed graduate degrees: a Master of Science (MS), a Master of Agriculture (MAg), and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The graduate program emphasizes basic and applied aspects of the science of Entomology, and prepares students for careers in teaching, research and extension, in academic, government, private, and industry settings. The MS degree provides fundamental knowledge of Entomology and introduces students to independent research through a thesis project. The MAg provides that same level of instruction but without a research focus. The PhD builds on the MS or other similar experiences by expanding upon the student’s fundamental knowledge. It also fosters a student’s ability to conduct original research at the frontiers of entomology through dissertation research.
Admission to the program is based on a combination of a candidate’s GPA (usually 3.0 or higher), letter of intent, and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. TOEFL scores are required from international students. TOEFL exemptions are made on a case-by-case basis, depending on your official government language and medium of instruction. Applicants who have received a degree from an accredited U.S. institution may also be considered for this exemption. For a major in entomology at the MS level, the student should have an appropriate degree from a recognized institution with some pre-requisite training in plant sciences, biology, zoology, botany, and chemistry. Qualified students lacking an introductory entomology course may be admitted but will be required by the student’s advisory committee to make up this deficiency.
Master’s degrees are primarily sought by students holding baccalaureate degrees in agriculture or the biological sciences.
The Master of Science (MS) program in entomology is available to qualified individuals who wish to pursue a master’s level program that requires a thesis. Importance is placed on both classroom and research training. The MS requires a minimum of 30 graduate level credit hours (6000 and above).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MS | ||
| ENTM 6220 | Insect Ecology | 4 |
| ENTM 6300 | Insect Diversity | 4 |
| ENTM 7200 | Insect Physiology | 4 |
| ENTM 7950 | Seminar | 1 |
| ENTM 7990 | Research and Thesis | 6 |
| Graduate-level statistics | 3 | |
| Select 8 Credits in @ 6000-9999 (Elective) | 8 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
A minimum of 21 graduate level credit hours must be taken in entomology, and 9 credit hours in subjects determined by the committee. The MS student will conduct research and prepare a thesis. After completion of the thesis, the student must successfully defend their thesis work during a final oral examination.
The Master of Agriculture (MAg) program with a specialization in entomology is available to qualified applicants who wish to pursue a master’s level program that does not require a thesis. This degree carries the same entrance requirements as the MS, and requires a minimum of 32 graduate level credit hours (6000 and above), 21 of which must be in entomology, including:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAg | ||
| ENTM 6220 | Insect Ecology | 4 |
| ENTM 6300 | Insect Diversity | 4 |
| ENTM 6920 | Internship (strongly recommended) | 3 |
| ENTM 7200 | Insect Physiology | 4 |
| Select 17 Credits in @ 6000-9999 1 | 17 | |
| Course in Statistics (strongly recommended) | ||
| Total Hours | 32 | |
1The remaining graduate level courses can be taken from a variety of subject areas determined in consultation with the student’s advisory committee. A comprehensive examination is required after all courses are completed.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in entomology requires 60 graduate level credit hours of course work. Of the 60 semester hours, 30 must be graded graduate courses (6000 and above) while registered in the PhD program. Thirty hours may be transferred in from a previous graduate degree pending approval of the graduate advisory committee. PhD students must complete all courses in the core curriculum. In addition, PhD students should complete a minimum of two courses from List A and two courses from List B.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | ||
| ENTM 6220 | Insect Ecology | 4 |
| ENTM 6300 | Insect Diversity | 4 |
| ENTM 7200 | Insect Physiology | 4 |
| ENTM 8910 | Teaching Practicum | 1 |
| ENTM 8950 | Seminar | 1 |
| ENTM 8990 | Research and Dissertation | 10 |
| Graduate-level statistics | 3 | |
| Select 33 Credits in @ 6000-8990 1 | 33 | |
| Dissertation based on the student’s original research | ||
| Total Hours | 60 | |
1 Eight credits must be from ENTM classes.
Upon completion of the course work, PhD students must take a general written examination. Students must pass all parts of the written examination before scheduling the preliminary oral examinations (prelim). The PhD student will conduct independent research and prepare a dissertation. After completion of the dissertation, the student must successfully defend their dissertation work during a final oral examination.