Entomology Graduate Program

Bridging traditional and modern approaches to study the role of insects in natural and managed ecosystems.

Training Future Problem-Solvers

The Entomology Graduate Program is globally ranked, offering a challenging curriculum, one-on-one research experiences and personal attention from committed faculty members. Students will gain knowledge and experience with issues related to the impact of insects on agricultural, urban, recreational, and human contexts.

Whether you choose to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D., you will gain a diverse set of skills that position you for job placement in the areas of academia, industry and government.

Program timelines and requirements

Master of Science (MS)

The Master of Science program requires students to conduct an original research project and write a thesis in addition to completing 30 credit hours of coursework

Program details

Master of Entomology

This is a non-thesis degree program that requires students to complete 36 credit hours of coursework. Some students may be required to complete a project.

Program details

Ph.D.

Students with master’s degrees may apply directly while others may be eligible to bypass a master’s degree. We also offer a Ph.D. with a behavioral biology concentration.

Program details

Graduate Minors

Plant Pathology Minor

Entomology graduate students benefit from cross-training in plant pathology with a graduate minor.

Masters: 9 credit hours of graduate level courses (500 and above)
Doctoral: 12 credit hours of graduate level courses (500 and above)

Program details

Genetic Engineering and Society Minor

This interdisciplinary minor examines the technological, societal and ecological issues surrounding the development and potential use of genetically engineered organisms.

12 credit hours of graduate level courses (500 and above)

Program details

Insect Ambassadors

Entomology doctoral students talked about the importance of bugs, and gave people a safe opportunity to conquer their fears of some creepy crawly organisms at North Carolina’s annual BugFest.

Meet the bug lovers

Graduate Student Association

The EGSA organizes seminars, meetings and field trips to keep graduate students connected and informed.

Entomology Research Areas

Our faculty have expertise across five sub-disciplines of entomology that students are encouraged to explore.