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Entomology

Master of Science (M.S.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

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Two hands gently holding a flower with a bee on it

Form a deep understanding of the world of insects with a M.S. or Ph.D. in entomology

Interested in advanced studies of insects? Want to better understand the ecology, evolution, biology and classification of some of the world’s most interesting creatures? Furthermore, do you want to complete unprecedented research and fieldwork?

The University of Wyoming is here to facilitate those goals. Entomology graduate students have access to state-of-the-art equipment, notable faculty and impressive research opportunities.

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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

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Department

Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

Program Requirements

M.S. Curriculum & Courses
Ph.D. Curriculum & Courses

Learn More About the Entomology Graduate Programs

The University of Wyoming’s entomology graduate programs are highly interdisciplinary, collaborative and field-based.

Throughout their degree programs, students are given opportunities to work with visiting scientists and other students to research different foci and collect data on insects across the world.

a student is holding an insect net above some flowers in a field and there is a lake and mountains in the background
Researcher with a collection of insects

Entomological students at the University of Wyoming focus on biodiversity, integrated pest management, statistical analysis and more.

Courses in each of these areas help students understand the widespread effects insects have on agriculture, human health and the functioning of ecosystems.

Learn about each graduate program below.

M.S. Program:

Thesis Track:
This track requires the university's minimum degree requirements and an oral examination.

Non-thesis Track (not Ph.D. eligible):
This track is a terminal degree program that requires 30 credit hours of graduate credit — including 9 credit hours of required courses, 11 credit hours of required electives, and 10 credit hours of other electives. Students completing this option will not qualify for a subsequent Ph.D. program at the University of Wyoming.

Regardless of track, the M.S. in entomology requires 30 credit hours (at least 12 from entomology) to be approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee and an approved research plan.

View complete M.S. in entomology curriculum details.

Ph.D. Program:

This program requires 72 credit hours (at least 12 from entomology) — including credits earned during a master’s degree — that are approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee and an approved research plan.

Candidates must complete the minimum requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. They must additionally complete a preliminary examination (written and oral) covering knowledge related to the discipline and an oral final examination.

View complete Ph.D. in entomology curriculum details.

University of Wyoming entomologist Scott Shaw and colleague Eduardo Shimbori gained a moment of fame by naming several newly discovered South American insect species for celebrities — including a wasp for singer and musician Shakira (Aleiodes shakirae).

Learn about the Shakira wasp’s naming process and its exhibition in Denmark.

students hiking in a field

What can you do with an entomology degree?

Entomological studies at the University of Wyoming focus on biodiversity, integrated pest management, statistical analysis and modeling, and more.  Understanding the biology, ecology and classification of insects is crucial to understanding the widespread effects insects have on agriculture, human health and the functioning of ecosystems.

Entomology Careers

Here are some of the job titles that UW entomology graduates have held:

  • Plant Health Safeguarding Specialist
  • Biological Control Specialist
  • Aquatic Ecologist
  • State Survey Coordinator
  • Research Assistant
  • Professor
  • Water Resource Planner
  • Greenhouse Supervisor
  • Plant Genetics Lab Technician
  • Horticulture Program Coordinator
  • Greenhouse Coordinator

 

Professor holding a grasshopper in a lab

Here are just a few of the places where University of Wyoming entomology graduates are making an impact:

  • United States Department of Agriculture
  • Colorado Department of Agriculture
  • Denver Water
  • Red Sun Farms
  • Chadwick Ecological Consultants
  • University of Wyoming
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Florida
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Entomology Graduate Program Highlights

Entomology students have the opportunity to perform research, use state-of-the-art equipment and learn alongside notable faculty.

Here are a few of the things you can expect as part of the entomology graduate program:

Access to the Insect Museum

The University of Wyoming Insect Museum is the only research collection of insects in the state of Wyoming. Holdings are estimated at more than one million specimens.

The museum, collection and educational galleries are used as research tools for UW graduate students, faculty and visiting researchers.

Notable Faculty

Dr. Scott Shaw leads UW's entomology program. He is renowned for studying parasitic wasps throughout the world, including in South America.

Research Opportunities

Entomology students have the opportunity to participate in independent studies and perform research using state-of-the-art microscopes.

The research opportunities can lead to exciting and unprecedented discoveries. In 2022, students worked with Dr. Scott Shaw to identify and name a new wasp species.

LLoyd-Kumar Graduate Fellowship

Graduate students are eligible for the esteemed Lloyd-Kumar Graduate Fellowship in Entomology — named for John E. Lloyd, Ph.D., an accomplished entomologist and professor at the University of Wyoming.

Related Programs

Interested in an entomology graduate program? These programs may also be of interest to you:

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Ecosystem Science and Management

Agriculture Building 2013

Department #3354

1000 E. University Ave.

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-2263

Email: esm@uwyo.edu