ENTOMOLOGY

Head of the Department: May R. Berenbaum

Correspondence and Admission Information: Admissions Committee, Department of Entomology, 320 Morrill Hall, 505 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-2910; E-mail: entowork@life.uiuc.edu

URL: www.life.uiuc.edu/entomology/home.html

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 specia lized 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, 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 required. 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.

Graduate Teaching Experience

Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requiremen t, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.

MASTER OF SCIENCE

A candidate for the M.S. degree is expected to become knowledgeable in entomology through courses and fieldwork and to complete a research thesis in an area of interest chosen in consultation with an adviser. The grade point average required for degree certification is 3.0 (A = 4.0).

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

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. Proficiency in statistics is also required. The grade point average necessary for degree certification is 3.0.

FINANCIAL AID

Graduate student a wards 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 and Evolutionary Biology. A single application to the department is sufficient for consideration for all awards currently available.