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The GIDP in Entomology and Insect Science faculty and students integrate knowledge across the biological hierarchy from molecules to landscapes, and address questions that span the most fundamental aspects of biology, e.g., when did the brain originate? or what maintains mutualisms?, to addressing the environmental and health challenges posed by climate change and a rapidly increasing human population. These challenges require innovative entomological research to address conservation of biodiversity, and to mitigate potential increases in negative impacts of invasive species and harm caused by insect pests and insect vectors to crops, structures, and human health. The program thus bridges the gap between basic research, using insects as models to address general biological questions, and applied research affecting humankind more directly. The program graduates students with a particularly wide range of career opportunities.
The Entomology and Insect Science (EIS) program offers interdisciplinary training in the biology of insects for a Master's or Doctoral degree. It includes 35 faculty members representing 9 academic units. We encourage students to develop cross-disciplinary connections and bring together aspects of insect biology in unconventional ways. Our faculty and our students are collegial, collaborative, and highly productive.
The EIS program is flexible in its requirements, allowing students to design, in collaboration with faculty, programs of study tailored to individual interests and needs. We particularly seek out creative, enthusiastic applicants who have multidisciplinary interests, such as insect ecology–plant chemistry or behavioral ecology–neurobiology, pest management–spatial ecology, epidemiology of vector-borne disease–climate science, to name a very few. We encourage students to develop cross-disciplinary connections and bring together aspects of insect biology in unconventional ways.
For more information, please visit our website at insects.arizona.edu
The Graduate College sponsors several Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDPs) in addition to the many interdisciplinary possibilities available through regular graduate degree programs. GIDPs transcend departmental boundaries by facilitating cutting edge teaching and research at the nexus of traditional disciplines. The high value placed on interdisciplinary research and education is indicative of The University of Arizona's enthusiasm and commitment to fostering innovation and creativity among its faculty and students.
Prospective students apply online using the Graduate College website (grad.arizona.edu). The application fee is US $75. International Students should include the Graduate College Financial Guarantee Form.
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Please submit the following:
Official copies should be sent to
Primary mailing address:
Graduate College
The University of Arizona
Administration 322
PO Box 210066
Tucson, AZ 85721-0066
Express mail (for FedEx, DHL, etc):
Graduate College
The University of Arizona
1401 E University Blvd, #322
4. Official test scores (upload a copy and send official scores): GRE scores (no more than 5 years old), TOEFL for eligible international students (see requirements at grad.arizona.edu/admissions/requirements/english-proficiency). Code for sending official scores: 4832
The EIS program ordinarily accepts new students only for the fall semester. The deadline for applications is December 1st. Interviews are typically scheduled in January for fall admission. If it is not possible to send GRE scores for arrival by December 1st, please contact Kristina Souders at ksouders@email.arizona.edu.
To check the status of your application please contact Kristina Souders at ksouders@email.arizona.edu or 520-621-0847.
Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Entomology & Insect Science. Kristina Souders, Program Coordinator, Marley 641F, The University of Arizona Tucson AZ 85721 Email: ksouders@email.arizona.edu Voice: (520) 621-0847
Required test(s):
GRE General Test
TOEFL test for international applicants only
Students are generally supported by Program funds in their first year while they take courses and do laboratory rotations.
Students in their second and subsequent years are usually funded by research assistantships from their advisors, teaching assistantships, training grant funds, or individual fellowships. All students are strongly encouraged to apply for individual fellowships as they are excellent training in summarizing research. If granted, fellowships and grants are prestigious and increase the probability of further funding and of securing positions after graduation. Fellowships also increase student independence. Students who are not legal residents of Arizona, but are on an RA or TA receive a waiver of the out-of-state tuition fees charged by the University of Arizona.
Students who are self-funding, have less than a 'full time' (0.5) RA or TA, or who are on certain types of fellowships, may be responsible for some portion or all of these fees. However, before you pay these, check with Kristina to see whether we have GRS/GTS funds to distribute that can reduce or eliminate your financial liability. These are generally distributed once a year, so you may have to anticipate more than a semester in advance. Enrollment in the University's student health plan for the student, only, is covered by these fees.
Domestic Applicants:
International Applicants:
4832
A minimum of 30 units total must be taken, including eight thesis units (EIS 910). At least 15 units must be completed toward the MS requirements in letter-graded courses [http://grad.arizona.edu/academics/program-requirements/masters-degrees/credit-requirements]. See below for additional core course requirements for all EIS students (Section 2), and for Entomology track students (Section 5).A
Three courses are required for all EIS students.
Insect Systems Biology, EIS 520. This course will be offered during alternate years. Depending on when students enter the program, they will take it in either their first or second year.
Current topics in Entomology & Insect Science (Seminar), EIS 596A. In the fall students will attend Thursday seminars and, in a separate hour, discuss presentations and/or research areas by or with local or outside speakers. The spring semester seminar course will be formatted according to the faculty coordinator. PhD students are required to take this course 4 times (fall & spring semester offerings) in their 1st and 2nd year in the program. MS students are required to take this course 2 times (fall and spring) in their 1st year in the program.
Insect Biology, EIS 515R. Required for incoming students who have not had an equivalent course. If you have taken an equivalent course please complete the Evaluation of Transfer Credit form online via GradPath, and discuss with your advisor.
Master's students are not required to complete a minor.