Program Summary
Program Summary
Insects are everywhere...
so are entomologists.
Our students are trained in various areas of entomology including acarology, applied entomology, araneology, behavior, biochemistry, biological control, ecology, genetics, host plant resistance, insect biology, medical, public health and veterinary entomology, molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, toxicology, systematics, and taxonomy.
From doctors to customs inspectors, environmentalists to private industry, entomologists are needed across many industries. Our graduates are prepared to pursue a variety of career opportunities in areas such as:
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Our online students receive the same expert instruction as our face-to-face students -
they just enjoy it from the comfort of their own homes.
The best thing about mentoring is meeting and getting to know smart and interesting students who are excited to learn... watching students learn about the fun and frustration of research science.
Assistant Professor & Winner of the 2020 ESA Early Career Innovation Award
Application Requirements
- CV or Resume
- Personal Statement
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Applicants should have completed at least one 300-level entomology course
The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
Our Curriculum
All online master's students will successfully complete at least one course from three core areas. A total of 36 hours is required for degree completion.
Core Area 1: Insect Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics
ENT 564 Insect Taxonomy:
A study of insect taxonomy including the collection, preparation, and identification of adult insect specimens.
ENT 568 Insect Behavior:
The principles of animal behavior will be stressed using insects as examples. Physiology, mechanisms, behavioral ecology and evolution of insect behavior will be covered.
ENT 607 Advanced Evolution:
This course covers advanced topics in evolution, concentrating on questions central to the understanding of general evolutionary processes. Phenomena occurring both within populations (e.g., selection, inheritance, population subdivision) and between populations (e.g., gene flow, competition) will be addressed. Special attention will be given to modern research approaches and techniques including quantitative genetics, measurement of selection, phylogenetic analyses of comparative data and molecular systematics
ENT 625 Insect-Plant Relationships:
This course examines the natural history, ecology, and evolution of insect/plant relationships. Topics include mechanisms and theory of plant defense, behavioral and physiological adaptations of herbivorous insects, pollination biology, multitrophic-level interactions, causes of insect outbreaks, and applications to managed ecosystems. Critical reading and discussion of current literature is emphasized.
ENT 660 Immature Insects:
Bionomics, structure and classification of immature stages of insects; practice in their identification. Lecture, one hour; laboratory, six hours
ENT 665 Insect Ecology:
The biotic and physical factors influencing the distribution and abundance of insects and insect populations.
ENT 667 Invasive Species Biology:
This course will examine circumstances that allow introduced species to become invasive, how invasive species threaten our resources, and approaches to minimizing the incidence and impact of invasions.
Core Area 2: Insect Molecular Biology, Physiology and Genetics
ENT 635 Insect Physiology:
Study of insect physiological processes including development, digestion, reproduction, respiration, excretion, hormones and immunity. Opportunity to learn techniques used in insect physiology and molecular biology
ENT 636 Insect Molecular Biology:
Principles of insect molecular biology. Analysis of insect development, reproduction, behavior, immunity, transgenic insects and insecticide resistance at the molecular level. Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques.
Core Area 3: Pest Management and Applied Ecology
ENT 530 Integrated Pest Management:
Principles of insect damage, populations and distributions. Various types of natural and applied control, including problems of insecticide toxicity, resistance and residues.
ENT 561 Insects Affecting Human and Animal Health:
Discussion of arthropod parasites and disease vectors. Topics include an overview of disease transmission and public health, epidemiology, vector biology, important arthropod groups and their control.
ENT 574 Advanced Applied Entomology:
The objective of this course is to present the student with advanced concepts of applied entomology in a system-specific context. Each week, the insect problems associated with a different commodity/production system will be presented so as to illustrate a different broadly-based theme.
ENT 680 Biological Control:
Principles related to the use of arthropods to suppress populations of arthropod pests and weeds. Includes historical perspective, ecological relationships, and contemporary issues related to the conservation and manipulation of arthropod predators, parasitoids, and herbivores.
Contact
College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
Entomology
S-225 Ag Science Center
859-257-7450
State Authorization & Licensure
If you plan to complete a University of Kentucky online program while living outside of Kentucky, you should check the Out-of-State Students page to determine if the University of Kentucky is authorized to provide this program in your state of residence. If you plan to use the degree to seek licensure, you should also determine if the degree meets the educational requirements for licensure in your state.