Program Overview

Entomology (Graduate)

Conduct independent research projects on a wide variety of issues in the entomological field, including behavioral ecology, biodiversity studies, biological control of insects and weeds, integrated pest management, pollination ecology, stored-product entomology, insect protein, cultural entomology, and more.

Entomology Master of Science (M.S.)

Candidates in the graduate Entomology program at Montana State are able to broaden their knowledge within the field through formal coursework and independent research projects that span the breadth of research foci in the field. Taking advantage of Montana States location within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and within the western United States, entomological research at MSU includes some of the most important pests in the region, while beneficial insects studied in the department include various biological control agents and pollinators. Depending on a candidates interest, their individual program can be designed to suit their individual interests and career goals.

Research Areas

Entomology students have the opportunity to conduct research on a wide variety of projects, such as:

• Postdoctoral researcher work on the impacts of agricultural insecticides and pesticides on wild bees
• Biological control of insects and weeds
• Integrated pest management
• Pollination ecology
• Stored-product entomology
• Insect protein
• Cultural entomology

Location and Resources

Montana State students make Montana, including nearby Yellowstone National Park, their classroom, laboratory, and playground. The university is ranked among the Top 5 public, 4-year universities for Very High Research Activity with a STEM-dominant research doctoral program.

Fund Your Education

The Graduate School at Montana State is dedicated to helping students secure funding during their time at MSU. Some resources the Entomology program and Graduate School offer include:

• Internal Fellowship and Funding Opportunities
• External Fellowship and Funding Opportunities

Research Resources

Entomology graduate students have access to the following resource laboratories and groups:

• Extension Entomology
• Insect Diagnostics
• Montana Entomology Collection
• Montana IPM Center
• Pesticide Education & Safety
• Pollinator Health Center
• The MSU Entomology Group

Admissions Requirements

Each program within the Graduate School at Montana State has its own particular requirements for admission, and the Entomology program is no different. To ensure that you start your application on the right foot, please review the admissions requirements for the Entomology program. Note that no GRE is required.

Careers after Graduation

Masters alumni in Entomology embark on a wide range of careers within 10 years of their graduation. Nearly 33% are working in academia, 33% in government, and about 11% for nonprofit. Top industry employers include Montana State University and Battelle NEON. Across all career paths, the estimated salary of alumni within 10 years of graduation ranges from $50,000 to $70,000, with an average of $60,000.