The Department of Entomology offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in entomology. Within this program, subject matter areas include arthropod ecology, biological control, integrated pest management, molecular biology, physiology, genetics and toxicology, plant resistance, systematics, and urban, medical/veterinary, and forensic entomology. Students come into the field of entomology with diverse interests, science backgrounds and career goals. Students are able to tailor their education and research interests for this degree program with the help of their major advisor and advisory committees. Graduates from these programs have become prominent leaders in entomological research, application, education, and regulatory affairs of private sector and government arenas, as well as international agencies and foreign countries.

Specific course requirements in entomology are dependent upon previous training and professional experience. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery in the core knowledge areas of 1) Insect Biodiversity, Systematics, and Insect Evolution; 2) Insect Ecology; 3) Insect Physiology, Toxicology and Insect Genetics; and 4) Applied Entomology on their graduate degree plans to be designed in consultation with their major advisor and advisory committee.