Entomology, PhD
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology
The Department of Entomology offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The program is designed to accommodate incoming students with a wide range of entomological expertise. The goal of the program is to provide students with a strong background in basic biology as it relates to insects and to equip them with the specialized intellectual and technical skills to pursue a career in research, teaching, and service in entomology and related biological disciplines.
Major areas of specialization within the department include systematics, evolutionary biology, molecular genetics, genomics, chemical ecology, disease ecology, invasion biology, toxicology, pollinator health, social insect biology, insect-microbe interactions, conservation biology, and integrated pest management.
Admission
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores are not required by our Department but can be submitted if they will support your application. A minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test), or 79 (internet-based test), or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5, is required. Previous training in entomology is unnecessary. It is recommended that students who intend to study for advanced degrees in entomology gain a thorough grounding in the physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and the liberal arts. Spring admission is possible for special circumstances.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program and serving as a teaching assistant for at least two semesters is required.
Financial Aid
Graduate student awards are available, including teaching and research assistantships. In addition, fellowships, and traineeships are offered by the Graduate College and the School of Integrative Biology. A single application to the department is sufficient for consideration for all awards currently available.
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology
A candidate for the Ph.D. degree should be conversant with entomological aspects of ecology, genetics, systematics, physiology, and integrated pest management. The candidate must demonstrate professional competence in a specialized area by presenting an acceptable thesis based on original research designed in consultation with a faculty adviser and approved by a graduate faculty thesis committee.
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.
Entering with approved M.S./M.A. degree
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENT 599 | Thesis Research (maximum of 55 hours applied toward degree) | 55 |
| Core curriculum minimum 9 hours | 9 | |
One of the following Statistical or Analytical Skills courses: | ||
| Theoretical Biology + Models | ||
| Programming for Genomics | ||
| Analysis of Biological Data in R | ||
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Applied Statistical Methods I | ||
| Quantitative Methods in NRES | ||
| GIS in Natural Resource Mgmt | ||
| Advanced Quantitative Techniques for Ecology and Conservation CINE 489 , CWL 489 , FR 489 , HUM 389 , HUM 489 , MACS 489 | ||
Seminar: must register for every term enrolled (6 hours minimum) | ||
| Seminar in Entomology | ||
| Remaining hours to total 64 hours from the following list of courses: | ||
| Additional courses from the list below may be required in consultation with your advisor. The first five courses are most recommended. | ||
| Insect Physiology | ||
| Insect Ecology | ||
| Insect Classification and Evol | ||
| Insect Pest Management | ||
| Genomic Analysis of Insects | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Env and Evol Physl of Animals | ||
| Genes and Behavior | ||
| Biogeography | ||
| Ecosystem Ecology | ||
| Community Ecology | ||
| Vector-borne Diseases | ||
| Programming for Genomics | ||
| Analysis of Biological Data in R | ||
| Seminar in Entomology | ||
| Basic Toxicology | ||
| Principles of Agroecology | ||
| Evolution of Infectious Disease | ||
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Total Hours | 64 | |
Entering with approved B.S./B.A. degree
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENT 599 | Thesis Research (maximum of 69 hours applied toward degree) | 69 |
| Core curriculum minimum 20 hours | 20 | |
Select at least 11 hours from the following courses: | ||
| Insect Physiology | ||
| Insect Ecology | ||
| Insect Classification and Evol | ||
| Insect Pest Management | ||
| Genomic Analysis of Insects | ||
One of the following Statistical or Analytical Skills courses: | ||
| Theoretical Biology + Models | ||
| Programming for Genomics | ||
| Analysis of Biological Data in R | ||
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Applied Statistical Methods I | ||
| Quantitative Methods in NRES | ||
| GIS in Natural Resource Mgmt | ||
| Advanced Quantitative Techniques for Ecology and Conservation CINE 489 , CWL 489 , FR 489 , HUM 389 , HUM 489 , MACS 489 | ||
Seminar: must register for every term enrolled (6 hours minimum) | ||
| Seminar in Entomology | ||
| Remaining hours to total 96 hours from the following list of courses: | ||
The first five courses are most recommended. | ||
| Insect Physiology | ||
| Insect Ecology | ||
| Insect Classification and Evol | ||
| Insect Pest Management | ||
| Genomic Analysis of Insects | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Env and Evol Physl of Animals | ||
| Genes and Behavior | ||
| Biogeography | ||
| Ecosystem Ecology | ||
| Community Ecology | ||
| Vector-borne Diseases | ||
| Programming for Genomics | ||
| Analysis of Biological Data in R | ||
| Seminar in Entomology | ||
| Basic Toxicology | ||
| Principles of Agroecology | ||
| Evolution of Infectious Disease | ||
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Total Hours | 96 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes |
| Teaching required? | Yes (2 semester min) |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology
- Synthesize and apply core knowledge related to the field of Entomology, particularly from the areas covered in the core courses and the advanced topic seminars.
- Design and implement independent research, with the overarching goal to obtain mastery of relevant approaches for their area of research
- Apply rigorous statistical/analytical methods that typify their area of study
- Demonstrate effective communication skills
- Presentations
- Publications
- Obtain teaching experience
- Learn grant and fellowship application writing
- Acquire other professional skills
- Data management
- Citation management
- Public Outreach/Science Communication
- Research and Professional Ethics
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology
Graduate Degree Programs in Entomology
- Entomology, MS
- concentration: Computational Science & Engineering
- Entomology, PhD
- concentration: Computational Science & Engineering
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology
Department of Entomology
Chair of Department: May R. Berenbaum
Co-Directors of Graduate Studies: Alexandra Harmon-Threatt and Adam Dolezal
Entomology Department website
Entomology Department faculty
320 Morrill Hall, 505 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2910
Entomology email
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website
Admissions
Entomology Department Admissions & Requirements
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements