Admissions

All applicants for graduate study in the Entomology   program are expected to have a background in biology, chemistry, mathematics and the physical sciences. An overall 3.0 GPA (B average) is expected and results of the Graduate Record Examination are encouraged but not required. International students must present evidence of proficiency in English (TOEFL or other acceptable examination). In addition to completing the application for admission to the graduate school, applicants must submit the following information directly to the entomology department:

• Transcripts of all previous academic training.
• A letter describing career objectives fill with the statement of purpose form.

• A resume or curriculum vita.

• An abstract of the Master’s thesis if applicable.

• Three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the department by the author, and not the applicant.

Acceptance into the department is based upon approval by the graduate affairs committee, the department head, availability of an advisor and funding, and admission by the Graduate School.

Performance standards and evaluation

Students and their major advisor are responsible for the selection of a supervisory committee, which must approve a program of study by the end of the second semester for M.S. students or third semester for Ph.D. students. The plan should consist of a curriculum vitae, a proposed course of study and a thesis or dissertation research proposal. Dissertation research proposals should be written in the format of a grant proposal and students are encouraged to submit for funding. The program of study for all Ph.D. students should prepare them for proficiency in at least five of the following areas: morphology; systematics and evolution; anatomy and physiology; behavior; genetics; ecology; and principles of pest management [to include no more than two of: integrated pest management; biological control; toxicology; host resistance and at least one area of specialization outside the department (i.e., statistics, biochemistry, plant or animal physiology)]. Proficiency is demonstrated through satisfactory completion of written and oral preliminary exams. Teaching and/or extension training opportunities may be added to these minimum requirements by the student’s supervisory committee. Both M.S. and Ph.D. students must enroll in core areas of insect taxonomy, insect ecology, insect physiology, and pest management. If these courses have been taken previously at other institutions students will be tested to demonstrate proficiency. Both M.S. and Ph.D. students are required to enroll for a seminar credit to present their research proposal. In addition, Ph.D. students are required to enroll for a seminar credit during which they make an oral presentation on a topic unrelated to their research. Ph.D. students are required to have at least one semester of teaching experience.

The final oral examination at the master’s level will be both comprehensive and a defense of the candidate’s thesis or report. In case of failure, a second examination may be scheduled in accordance with university regulations. Ph.D. students take both written and oral preliminary examinations no later than the semester following completion of the second year of the student’s program. Both examinations must be completed no later than seven months before the final Ph.D. examination. Oral examinations come after written examinations and may be taken only if written examinations are passed. No more than one additional attempt may be permitted without approval of the Graduate Council. The circumstances under which a second attempt involves the entire written portion or merely a repetition of failed sections is governed by the policy within the program. The final oral examination for the Ph.D. degree will be a defense of the candidate’s dissertation.