The Graduate School

Entomology

Supported Degree Objectives

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Master of Science (MS)
  • Non Degree

Required Supporting Documents

  • Transcripts
    • Two sets of official transcripts from all institutions of higher education. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Recommendation Letters
    • Three letters of recommendation. These can be from any individual, but are typically from those who have closely observed you in a professional capacity; for example, a professor whose lab you worked in as an undergrad or a supervisor from an internship or job.
  • Statement of Purpose
    • The statement of purpose should be 500-1,000 words (i.e., 1 to 1.5 single-spaced pages). Within this written statement, you should address the following:
    • Describe your previous professional experiences and how this has prepared you for graduate school. A brief description of your involvement in research is required. (e.g., volunteer or paid lab/field work, capstone/senior research project, other independent research projects)
    • Describe your motivation for pursuing a graduate degree in entomology and reasons for wanting to study at Purdue specifically.
    • Identify the Purdue Entomology faculty member who you have been in contact with and i) explain why you are interested in working with this particular faculty member, ii) briefly describe the project(s) you discussed that would form the topic of your graduate research.
    • Describe your long-term professional and career goals. Include how completing a graduate degree in entomology aligns with or facilitates your goals.
  • Diversity Essay
    • The diversity essay should be 500 words or less responding to the following statement:
      • Describe your leadership, work experience, service experience, or other significant involvement with racial, ethnic, socio-economic, or educational communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in higher education, and how these experiences would promote a diversity of views, experiences, and ideas in the pursuit of research, scholarship, and creative excellence.
  • Resume
    • Current version of your CV (resume). This document should outline and describe professional experiences that make you a good candidate for a Purdue Entomology graduate degree. These include, but are not limited to: previous research or teaching experience, jobs, internships, presentations, publications, science-focused outreach or volunteering activities, fellowships or scholarships, awards, and other honors.

English Proficiency Requirements

Master's Degree Program Requirements

  • Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average from most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree:
    • 3.0 or equivalent (A=4.0)

Doctoral Degree Program Requirements

  • Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average from most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree:
    • 3.0 or equivalent (A=4.0)
  • Master's Degree (Recommended)

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Spring Summer
    July 1* November 1 April 15 U.S. Citizen
    March 15* August 15 January 15 International

  • *To be competitive for fellowships and awards, complete applications must be submitted by December 1.

Program Contact Information

  • Name Graduate Studies Office
    Phone 765-494-9061
    Email entmwebmaster@purdue.edu
    Web Program Website
    Address Department of Entomology
    Purdue University
    901 West State Street
    West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089
    USA

Additional Information

  • We typically have more applicants for research assistantships than open positions. An advisor must be identified before you are admitted. Therefore, we require that you contact prospective faculty advisors before beginning the application process.
  • Aside from identifying your degree track, there is no difference in the application process separating MS and PhD applicants. While an MS degree is not required to apply for a PhD position, straight PhDs (i.e., without first completing an MS) tend to be discouraged, except in circumstances where the prospective student’s credentials are exceptional. You should discuss this issue with your potential faculty advisor.
  • Current master's students wishing to move to a doctoral degree program in this same graduate program will not be required to submit a new application.
Purdue West Lafayette campus