The Department of Entomology engages in an array of activities relating to insects and related arthropods. Research and educational programs in the department are directed toward management of pest insects in agricultural and urban environments, as well as more fundamental aspects of insect biology.

The Department offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. The Ph.D. is the highest degree offered by universities.  It is conferred only for work of distinction in which the student displays decided powers of original scholarship and only in recognition of marked ability and achievement. The basic requirements are: 1) a student must exhibit unmistakable evidence of mastery of a broad major field (evidenced by passing the general exam); and 2) a student must prove ability to complete a significant program of original research by preparing a dissertation embodying creative scholarship and by passing a rigorous final examination.  The dissertation must add to the sum of existing knowledge and give evidence of considerable literary skill.

The Graduate Advisory Committee has 4 members chosen by the student, plus a representative appointed by the Graduate School (i.e., the “Dean’s Representative”) prior to the General Exam. The committee consists of at least 3 members of the LSU Graduate Faculty, including the Major Advisor, who acts as the chair. At least 2 members must be from the Entomology Department, with at least 1 of these being a full member of the Graduate Faculty. The remaining members may be from Entomology or another department, with 1 being a full member of the Graduate Faculty. If the student declares a minor, 1 committee member must be from the minor department. The committee should be established by the end of the first year of the student’s graduate career.