Program Overview

Ph.D. Program

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology offers a Ph.D. in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences with specified concentrations in entomology or plant pathology.

Doctoral Program

The Ph.D. program is designed to produce graduates with advanced knowledge and research skills in entomology or plant pathology. Students in the program conduct original research in their area of concentration, leading to the production of a dissertation.

Ph.D. with Entomology Concentration (AFLSPH-ENTO)

Students studying for the Ph.D. in Entomology degree are required to produce a dissertation based on original research in an area of entomology. Applied focus of research could include management of insect pests of crops, arthropod vectors of animal and human diseases, biocontrol, or pollinator biology. Graduates often pursue careers in applied ecology, food safety, human health, veterinary biology, agriculture, disease epidemiology, and forestry.

Ph.D. with Plant Pathology Concentration (AFLSPH-PLPA)

The Department offers the only Plant Pathology graduate program in the state and is accredited through the Graduate School of the University of Arkansas by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Students in this program conduct novel research in advanced areas of plant pathology. Topics of study can include molecular biology, microbiomes, biological control, and natural disease resistance in major crops. Outcomes target real-world problems such as diagnosis and management of diseases in food crops and ornamental plants.

Advanced Degrees

• Ph.D. in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences with Entomology Concentration (AFLSPH-ENTO)
• Ph.D. in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences with Plant Pathology Concentration (AFLSPH-PLPA)

Graduate Student Handbook

The Graduate Student Handbook provides detailed information on the program's policies, procedures, and requirements.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for graduate studies must meet entry requirements of the Graduate School and the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

• A Master of Science degree in a related field from an accredited institution is preferred, with a GPA >3.00.
• Suitable preparation in physical or biological sciences or related areas
• International Students TOEFL score: minimum >79 internet-based/580 paper and >4.5 on TWE
• Official transcripts of all previous college-level coursework
• A letter of intent (2 pages in length) indicating areas of interest, background, and career goals.
• Email contact information for three people who can submit letters of recommendation.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: April 1
• Spring: September 1
• Summer: March 1

Degree Completion Requirements

Students are expected to comply with departmental and Graduate School requirements for degree completion.

Ph.D. in Entomology Concentration Degree Requirements

• 72 credit hours (or 42 hours after M.S. degree)
  • 6 credit hours of electives
  • 18 credit hours of doctoral dissertation
• 3.25 GPA
• Entrance Seminar
• Comprehensive written and oral candidacy exams
• Dissertation
• Exit seminar and dissertation defense

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology Concentration Degree Requirements

• 72 credit hours (or 42 hours after M.S. degree)
  • 6 credit hours of electives
  • 18 credit hours of doctoral dissertation
• 3.25 GPA
• Entrance Seminar
• Comprehensive written and oral candidacy examination
• Dissertation
• Exit Seminar and dissertation defense

Research Areas

Research areas in the Ph.D. program include:

• Entomology: management of insect pests of crops, arthropod vectors of animal and human diseases, biocontrol, or pollinator biology
• Plant Pathology: molecular biology, microbiomes, biological control, and natural disease resistance in major crops

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Ph.D. program often pursue careers in:

• Applied ecology
• Food safety
• Human health
• Veterinary biology
• Agriculture
• Disease epidemiology
• Forestry