Graduate Programs in Applied Entomology

Understanding and managing insects—both harmful and beneficial—can have a profound impact on individuals, communities, and the environment. Graduate Programs in Applied Entomology provides an understanding about the importance of insects and their roles in various ecosystems. The programs assist students to define key pests in management systems, how to sample and monitor pests and their impact on the environment, and how to develop effective intervention tactics including cultural, biological, and chemical control. Develop best practices, skills, and knowledge to improve your management strategies and enrich your professional opportunities.

Graduate Programs in Applied Entomology include one Master of Professional Studies and four Graduate Certificates. The program welcomes full-time or part-time study. Students who successfully complete requirements for a Graduate Certificate may apply these credits towards the Master of Professional Studies if the student applies and is admitted.

• The Master of Professional Studies in Applied Entomology (MPS-Applied Entomology) is a 30-credit graduate program designed to be completed in as little as fifteen months of full-time study while minimally disrupting personal and professional life. Part-time study is welcomed. The programs focuses on the importance of insects and their role in various ecosystems and integrates aspects of biochemistry, molecular biology, and evolution theory with ecology using insects as a model. Students learn about the physiological and ecological interactions between insects and pathogens and the various approaches for insect control. Students develop skills and knowledge required for critical thinking for best practices to improve management strategies for agriculture and the control of insect vectors of human and plant disease, while promoting pollinator health.
• The Graduate Certificate in Beekeeping (GC-Beekeeping) is a 12-credit graduate program that can be completed in twelve months of continuous study. The GC-Beekeeping focuses on the anatomy, physiology, and ecology of the honeybee. Students are taught how to construct and maintain a hive and best practices for maintaining a healthy colony.
• The Graduate Certificate in Integrated Pest Management (GC-IPM) is a 12-credit graduate program that can be completed in twelve months of continuous study. The GC-IPM focuses on the techniques of integrated pest management for proper pest control management. The program is an effective and environmentally conscientious approach to pest management. Students learn about the life cycles of insects and their interaction with the environment to determine the most effective pest control methods while taking in consideration the effects of treatments to local ecosystems.
• The Graduate Certificate in Organic and Sustainable Agriculture (GC-OSA) is a 12-credit graduate program that can be completed in twelve months of continuous study. The GC-OSA focuses on sustainability through examining both the ecosystem services provided by beneficial insects, as well as the management of injurious insects. Ecological functions of insects in the natural and anthropogenic landscape is illustrated and discussed. The program includes the development of a list of sustainable practices for conserving and managing insects in the landscape. Students learn pest management options that do not require the use of synthetic chemical pesticides and focuses on organic alternative.
• The Graduate Certificate in Urban Agriculture (GC-UA) is a 12-credit graduate program that can be completed in twelve months of continuous study. The GC-OSA focuses on the growing of plants and the raising of animals within and around cities. Students acquire the necessary skills to maintain plants and beneficial insects in and around these settings. The program also focuses on the urban ecosystem and urban policies and plans.

Graduate Programs in Applied Entomology features online instruction which offers greater flexibility and increased opportunity to tailor learning that accommodates personal and professional responsibilities. UMD’s online learning environment delivers content through easy-to-use web-based technology that supports engaging and interactive learning. Instruction is provided by university faculty and experts in the field. The program uses the term academic calendar with classes held in 12-week terms: I (fall), II (winter), III (spring), IV (summer).

Program Contact Information

Graduate Programs in Applied Entomology are offered through the Department of Entomology in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The programs are designed to combine the best in basic and applied biology to meet the public need for research, outreach, and instruction regarding entomology and related subjects, particularly as these bear on pest management and on stewardship of the environment. Students with specific academic questions may contact:

Dr. Tammatha O’Brien
Department of Entomology
College of Chemical, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
3118 Plant Sciences Building
4291 Fieldhouse Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-4454
Email: tammatha@umd.edu

Dr. Marcia A. Shofner
Department of Entomology
College of Chemical, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
3148 Plant Sciences Building
4291 Fieldhouse Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-4454
Email: mshofner@umd.edu