M.S. Programs

photos of girl interacting with bee hive and hand touching plant

Masters Programs

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology offers advanced degrees in different areas of specialization.

Master of Science in Entomology:

Students studying for the Master of Science in Entomology degree will gain knowledge in molecular biology, pest management, community ecology, and evolution. They complete a thesis and can apply tools of genomics, microscopy, integrated pest management or pollinator biology. Our graduates are competitive in the job market and go on to work in many fields including pest control, applied ecology, human health, veterinary biology, agriculture, or forestry.

Master of Science in Plant Pathology:

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 can enter the program in Plant Pathology from many areas of study but a background in biological sciences is very helpful. This program allows an advanced training in plant pathology with emphasis in biological control of diseases and weeds, breeding for disease resistance in major crops, diseases of fruits, vegetables and agricultural crops, mycology, bacteriology, nematology, virology and physiology of pathogens.

Advanced Degrees

Master of Science (M.S.) in Entomology

Master of Science (M.S.) in Plant Pathology


Graduate Coordinator

ENTO: Ashley Dowling
PLPA: Ioannis Tzanetakis

Phone: 479-575- 2445

Email: enpl@uark.edu

 

Graduate School Requirements

 *Applicants with lower than the required GPA or GRE score may be admitted conditionally into the M.S. degree program. Conditionally accepted students must achieve a GPA of at least 3.0 for the first 12 hours of graduate coursework to achieve regular student status.

Admission Requirements

 

*Please Note: GRE scores for Fall 2022 are waived and GRE scores for Spring 2023 will be required*

 

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

Entomology and Plant Pathology M.S. Degree Requirements

  • B.S. from an accredited institution with GPA >3.00* in a related field from an accredited institution 
  • GRE scores for verbal, quantitative and writing tests
  • 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
  • A statement of purpose letter that describes who you are, your professional career goals, the reasons why you want to study for a Entomology or Plant Pathology graduate degree and the area(s) of Entomology or Plant Pathology you wish to study.
  • A resume or CV.
  • Three letters of reference.  

 


 How to Apply

Complete and submit an application for graduate studies (M.S. or Ph.D.). Submit your application and the documents required by the Graduate School (transcripts, TOEFL, GRE, etc.). 

The application portal will also require you to include:

  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume or CV
  • Graduate Assistantship Application Form (if applicable) 
  • The contact information for the reference letters

*The Graduate School will send instructions for three letters of recommendations to be submitted online.

 Applications received will be considered for admission based on departmental requirements and the availability of positions and funding.

The Review Process

The Graduate School will review applications to determine qualifications based on the Graduate School requirements. Applications are then forwarded to the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology for review by the Graduate Program Coordinator, Department Head,  and Faculty to determine acceptance based on departmental requirements.

Application Deadlines

Semester;

Application Deadline 

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.

M.S. in Entomology Degree Requirements 

Prerequisite Requirements: ENTO 3013. Introductory Entomology (Fa) or its equivalent. 3 hours.

  • 30 credit hours
    • 2 credit hours of seminar
    • 6 credit hours of graduate level electives
    • 3 credit hours of graduate level statistics 
    • 6 credit hours of thesis
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Entrance Seminar
  • Thesis
  • Exit seminar and thesis defense

 

M.S. in Plant Pathology Degree Requirements 

A minimum of 30 graduate-level hours is required, but the Advisory Committee may require a higher minimum. 

Prerequisite Requirements: PLPA 3004. Principles of Pathology (Fa) or its equivalent. 4 hours.

  • 30 credit hours
    • 2 credit hours of seminar
    • 16 plant pathology or other approved graduate level electives
    • 6 credit hours of thesis
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Thesis
  • Exit seminar and thesis defense