Graduate Programs
We offer M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and are pleased with our standing as one of the best entomology programs in the nation. As of 2010, our department was ranked #4 in the U.S. by the National Research Council (NRC). This national recognition is a direct reflection of the scholarship and productivity of our students and faculty. We reside in the Department of Entomology within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). Our graduates have an excellent record of rapid placement in the public and private sectors (see recent career placement results).
The disciplinary diversity of entomology is represented by student research projects that generally reflect the research specialty of their academic advisor. We have 26 members of the graduate faculty (20 senior members), and maintain an approximate 2:1 graduate student:faculty ratio. Faculty research specialties include molecular biology and genetics, medical and veterinary entomology, taxonomy and systematics, urban entomology, insect ecology, apiculture, biological control and integrated pest management in a wide variety of plant and animal systems, including: corn, alfalfa, potato, sugar beets, small grains, ornamental plants and shade trees, cows and pigs, among others.
Many of our students receive prestigious awards and fellowships for their research, and students who graduate from our program have great success finding jobs in academia, industry, and government. Faculty and students in our department are cohesive, friendly and have excellent working relationships. Our graduate students have an active student organization called Frenatae, which often gives important input into departmental policies that affect student professional development and general welfare.
Again, welcome to the Department of Entomology and our graduate program. We hope you enjoy visiting us through this web site. Please see the links to the right for more information. If you are interested in applying as a new Masters or Ph.D. student in our department, we invite you to examine the links for Prospective Students. We are committed to increasing diversity in our discipline and we welcome student applications from all over the world.
Applications can be submitted at any time. We will start evaluating applications in January for admission the following Fall.
Please use the links in the menu on the right hand side of this page for more information about our program. If you have any questions or would like additional information or application materials, please do not hesitate to contact me or Tammi Pekkala-Matthews (Entomology Graduate Program Coordinator).
Thank you for considering our program.
Sincerely,
Karen Mesce Ph.D.
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies