Entomology
320 Morrill Hall
505 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2910
E-mail: entowork@life.uiuc.edu
Major: Entomology
Degrees Offered: M.S., Ph.D.
Medical Scholars Program: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Entomology and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) through the Medical Scholars Program
Graduate Degree Programs
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, phytochemical ecology, population biology, toxicology, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, developmental biology, behavior, sociobiology, endocrinology, and integrated pest management.
Admission
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general and biology subject tests are not required, but strongly recommended. A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 or better is preferred. 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.
Degree Requirements
*For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.
Master of Science
| Required Courses: | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| Choose 4 of IB 427, IB 444, IB 468, IB 482, IB 504 | 16 |
| Thesis Hours Required – ENT 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 0 min |
| Total Hours (minimum) | 32 |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 |
| Other Requirements:* | |
| The grade point average required for degree certification is 3.0 (A = 4.0). | |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
A candidate for the M.S. degree is expected to become knowledgeable in entomology through coursework and independent research and to complete a research thesis in an area of interest chosen in consultation with an adviser.
Doctor of Philosophy
| Required Courses: | Required Hours-Entering with approved M.S./M.A. degree | Required Hours - Entering with approved B.S./B.A. degree* |
|---|---|---|
| IB 427, IB 444, IB 468, IB 482, IB 504 | 0-20 | 20 |
| IB 526 (Special Topics) | 3 | 3 |
| Statistics course | 4 | 4 |
| Thesis Hours Required – ENT 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 0 min | 0 min |
| Total Hours | 64 | 96 |
| Other Requirements:* | ||
| The grade point average required for degree certification is 3.0 (A = 4.0). | ||
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Prescription Exam Required (administered upon entrance into program) | Yes | Yes |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes | Yes |
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.
Medical Scholars Program
The Medical Scholars Program permits highly qualified students to integrate the study of medicine with study for a graduate degree in a second discipline, including Entomology. Students may apply to the Medical Scholars Program prior to beginning graduate school or while in the graduate program. Applicants to the Medical Scholars Program must meet the admissions standards for and be accepted into both the doctoral graduate program and the College of Medicine. Students in the dual degree program must meet the specific requirements for both the medical and graduate degrees. On average, students take eight years to complete both degrees. Further information on this program is available by contacting the Medical Scholars Program, 125 Medical Sciences Building, (217) 333-8146 or at www.med.illinois.edu/msp.
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 is strongly recommended.
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, and the Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology. A single application to the department is sufficient for consideration for all awards currently available.