Graduate Program

M.S. Applied and Agricultural Biology

The M.S. Program of Study is generated by the student in consultation with the major professor and with input from the student's assigned graduate committee.

General Coursework Requirements

A minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate work is required of which:

  • At least 15 credits must be in courses numbered 500 or above.
  • At least 15 credits must be in EPPWS courses.
  • At least half of the credits (exclusive of thesis) must be taken with other than a single professor.

Ph.D. Applied and Agricultural Biology

The Ph.D. Program of Study is generated by the student in consultation with the major professor and with input from the student's assigned graduate committee.

Students with a M.S. degree require 48 credits for completion
Students with a B.S. degree require 60 credits for completion

  • Complete a minimum of 6 semesters with at least two occurring after the comprehensive exam.
  • Complete a minimum of 30 credits of graduate work plus 18 credits of dissertation (EPWS 7000 Doctoral Dissertation)
  • At least 15 credits must be in courses numbered 500 or above.
  • At least 15 credits must be from the EPWS program.
  • No more than 6 credits of EPWS 6991 Doctoral Research may apply toward graduation
  • At least 3 credits of EPWS 690 Doctoral Seminar.
  • Complete a minimum of 9 hours of course work numbered above 600, exclusive of research and dissertation credit.

Must pass a Qualifying Exam, Comprehensive Exam, and Final Dissertation Defense


Application Guide for Students Seeking thesis M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science:

Step 1: Identify Potential Major Advisors

Step 2: Contact Potential Major Advisors

  • Send an email to introduce yourself to one or more potential advisors. Include a CV and brief statement of research interest.

Step 3: Secure the Support of a Major Advisor

  • Obtain an agreement from a faculty member who agrees to: 1) serve as your major advisor, and 2) fiscally support your research. This agreement will likely follow conversations and meetings between you and your potential advisor. Students that have not secured the support of an advisor are generally not admitted into the graduate program.

Step 4: Complete the Application for Admission to Graduate School

Graduate Student Information