Students and their major advisor are responsible for the selection of a supervisory committee, which must approve a program of study by the end of the second semester for M.S. students or third semester for Ph.D. students. The plan should consist of a curriculum vitae, a proposed course of study and a thesis or dissertation research proposal. Dissertation research proposals should be written in the format of a grant proposal and students are encouraged to submit for funding.

The program of study for all Ph.D. students should prepare them for proficiency in at least five of the following areas: morphology; systematics and evolution; anatomy and physiology; behavior; genetics; ecology; and principles of pest management [to include no more than two of: integrated pest management; biological control; toxicology; host resistance and at least one area of specialization outside the department (i.e., statistics, biochemistry, plant or animal physiology)].

Proficiency is demonstrated through satisfactory completion of written and oral preliminary exams. Teaching and/or extension training opportunities may be added to these minimum requirements by the student’s supervisory committee. Both M.S. and Ph.D. students are required to enroll for a seminar credit to present their research proposal. Ph.D. students are required to have at least one semester of teaching experience.