Program Overview

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Entomology, PhD

The Department of Entomology at the University of WisconsinMadison is a diverse unit of researchers whose work spans the areas of suborganismal, organismal, and applied entomology. Research programs of the faculty are broadly interdisciplinary, employing cutting-edge technology in all areas.

Research Areas

• Suborganismal: Research in the department focuses on insect physiology and population genetics. Areas of specialization include the molecular action of insect hormones and the insect/microbiome interface. Studies of gene flow utilize various molecular methods. Genomic data are used to understand adaptation, gene flow on landscapes, the genetic basis of phenotypes, and the phylogenetic relationships of insect species.
• Organismal: Entomology faculty members are leaders in the areas of basic ecology of insects in a variety of natural and managed systems, such as forests, lakes, and agroecosystems. Studies in taxonomy, chemical ecology, spatial analysis, vector biology, behavioral ecology, and landscape ecology have strong representation in the department. Research examines how they affect crops and forests, influence ecosystem processes such as nutrient and carbon cycling, and the "services" they provide in natural and managed ecosystems such as pollination and pest suppression.
• Applied/Extension: Faculty in the department extend a long tradition of research on insects as they impact humans. Excellence in agricultural research continues in vegetable crops, field and forage crops, and the turf and ornamental "green industry" where work has continued to advance the application of integrated pest management in agricultural systems. Basic research conducted by faculty in cropping systems also has implications for pest management, conservation, bioenergy, and resource management. This research extends to global health issues focusing on arthropod-borne diseases and insects as a novel food source.

Admissions

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s).

Admission Requirements

• Fall Deadline: December 1
• Spring Deadline: October 1
• Summer Deadline: December 1
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Application Materials and Checklist

Each applicant must complete the following:

• Graduate School Application Form and Application Fee: All applicants must complete the Graduate School's online application, accompanied by the one-time application fee.
• Academic Transcript: Upload undergraduate transcript(s) and, if applicable, the previous graduate transcript. Unofficial copies are required for review, but official copies are required for admitted applicants.
• Statement of Purpose: Explain why you want to pursue further education in Entomology at UW-Madison.
• Resume: Upload your resume in your application.
• Three Letters of Recommendation: Required from people who can accurately judge the applicant's academic and/or work performance.
• English Proficiency Score: If applicable, refer to the table above.

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.

Program Resources

Additional information regarding funding for Entomology graduate students is available on the departmental website.

Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Face to Face: Yes
• Evening/Weekend: No
• Online: No
• Hybrid: No
• Accelerated: No

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 51 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 32 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required
• Assessments and Examinations: Doctoral students are required to take a comprehensive preliminary/oral examination
• Language Requirements: None
• Graduate School Breadth Requirement: All doctoral students are required to complete a doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate

Required Courses

• Core Course: ENTOM/ZOOLOGY 302 - Introduction to Entomology (4 credits)
• Core Categories: Students must take at least 3 credits from each of the 3 categories (suborganismal, organismal, applied) plus one additional course for a total of 4 courses.
  • Organismal: ENTOM 331, ENTOM 432, ENTOM 450, ENTOM 490, ENTOM/BOTANY/ZOOLOGY 473, ENTOM 701
  • Sub-organismal: ENTOM 321, ENTOM/BOTANY/PL PATH 505, ENTOM/GENETICS/ZOOLOGY 624
  • Applied: ENTOM/M M & I/PATH-BIO/ZOOLOGY 350, ENTOM 351, ENTOM/ZOOLOGY 371, ENTOM 450, ENTOM 490
• Seminars: Students should select seminars in consultation with their advisor.
• Additional Credits: Students must take additional credits, in consultation with their advisor, to reach a total of 51 credits.

Policies

Prior Coursework

• Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Credits Earned as a University Special student at UWMadison: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School's policy.

Advisor / Committee

Refer to the Graduate School's policies.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum. Refer to the Graduate School's policy.

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School's policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance
• Employee Disability Resource Office
• Graduate School
• Office of Compliance
• Office Student Assistance and Support
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff
• Title IX

Professional Development

Graduate School Resources

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.

Program Resources

Students in the Department of Entomology are strongly encouraged to participate in student organization activities.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop a broad knowledge base of entomology, inclusive of suborganismal, organismal, and applied entomology.
2. Develop state-of-the-art research skills and command of the scientific literature.
3. Integrate research discoveries with prior knowledge to demonstrate expertise in entomological science.
4. Advance our current knowledge of entomology and related fields.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in defining problems, assembling facts, and applying logic to scientific arguments.
6. Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.