Entomology

Masters of Science in Entomology

Program Requirements: The program leading to a Masters of Science in Entomology is designed for students interested in the study of insect biology and its applications in environmental sciences and management of insects.

Admission: An applicant should have a Bachelor’s degree with a major in a biological science which includes in addition to basic and advanced biology courses, a minimum of:

  • 1 year of introductory chemistry plus biochemistry and/or organic chemistry
  • 1 semester of calculus
  • 1 semester of physics

Minimum requirements for regular admission:

  • GPA of 3.0 or above
  • GRE scores in 60th percentile
  • Supportive letters of recommendation

Conditional admission: A student may be admitted with lesser credentials if other considerations suggest the likelihood of success. Students entering on conditional status must attain a 3.0 GPA in their first nine hours of graduate credit, or they will be dismissed from the program.

Provisional admission: A student with strong academic credentials who lacks significant academic background normally required for regular admission can be accepted with the provision that the deficiency will be made up within the first year of graduate study. Assistantships will not be available to provisional students during the first year.

Requirements: Students are required to engage in research in some aspect of insect science for their thesis, complete the specified course work including a minimum of 6 thesis credits, pass the general knowledge exam in entomology, and successfully defend their thesis. Any student without an undergraduate course in entomology is strongly advised to audit either BIO 326 or BIO 327. Graduate credit is not granted for these courses. Students are required to complete a total of thirty hours of graduate credit (400-level or higher courses) with a minimum of 12 credits hours (exclusive of thesis research credits) of 500- and 600-level courses. The following courses are required to provide a basis in applied entomology:

  • BIO 461 Insect Biology, Taxonomy and Systematics (4 cr)
  • Two of the following:
        BIO 430 Ecology and Systematics of Aquatic Insects (4 cr)
        BIO 444 Pesticides and the Environment (3 cr)
        BIO 511 Insect Ecology (3 cr)
        BIO 548 Insect Pest Ecology and Management (4 cr)
  • Graduate Statistics course (3 cr)
  • Seminar course with presentation (2 cr minimum)
  • BIO 699 Thesis credits (6 cr minimum)
      TOTAL: 18-19+ cr

All students will take an additional 11-12 credits of additional course work or research credits, as recommended by their advisory committee.

Maintenance of Grades: A student is to maintain a 3.0 GPA in courses taken for graduate credit. The advisory committee will decide whether graduate credit will be awarded for course grades of C+ or below. No more than 6 credit hours of C grade may be applied for graduate credit. More than 6 credits below C+ will result in the student being put on conditional status for one semester. The advisory committee will determine the conditions under which the student will be put back on regular status. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for the subsequent semester. If conditions are not met, the student may be dismissed from the program.

Advisor and Advisory Committee: No student is admitted without the appointment of an Advisor. An Advisory Committee should be formed and meet within the first 6 months of a student’s program. The Advisory Committee will consist of a minimum of 3 faculty, at least two within the entomology program.

Examinations: Students will be required to pass a written or oral general knowledge exam in entomology in order to complete their degree program. Students will be provided with a listing of areas covered at the beginning of their program. Proficiency can be acquired through course work and/or suggested readings provided by faculty.

Residence Requirement: A minimum of 1 academic year (two consecutive semesters) to include at least 12 hours of graduate level course work (400-level or higher) is required. This is exclusive of thesis research credits.

Teaching and Research Assistantships: Teaching and research assistantships are available on competitive basis.