Cornell University

Graduate SchoolGraduate School

Graduate SchoolFields of Study

Entomology Ph.D. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Entomology

Program Description

Excellent facilities for laboratory and field studies include the outstanding Entomology Library and a renowned insect collection on the Cornell campus. The Boyce Thompson Institute at Cornell and the Cornell AgriTech at Geneva are outstanding research facilities.

For doctoral degree candidates, a prescriptive academic review is required and is usually held during the first year. The qualifying examination should be taken by the fifth semester.

Contact Information

Website: https://cals.cornell.edu/entomology/education/entomology-graduate-studies
Email: st342@cornell.edu
Phone: 607 255-6198

2134 Comstock Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853

Concentrations by Subject

  • acarology
  • apiculture
  • applied entomology
  • aquatic entomology
  • biological control
  • general entomology (minor)
  • insect behavior
  • insect biochemistry
  • insect ecology
  • insect genetics
  • insect morphology
  • insect pathology
  • insect physiology
  • insect systematics
  • insect toxicology and insecticide chemistry
  • integrated pest management
  • medical and veterinary entomology

Tuition

Tuition is covered by the department of Entomology. Visit the Entomology funding page for more information.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Fall, Dec. 1; no spring admission 

Requirements Summary:

  • All Graduate School Requirements, including the English Language Proficiency Requirement for all applicants. (please review standing and special exemption policy on the graduate school webpage.)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume or C.V.
  • Note: GRE test scores are no longer required for application to this program and are not used in the decision making process.

Learning Outcomes

Expected Proficiencies for Entomology Students

Students in Entomology are expected to develop and demonstrate creativity in research, teaching, and/or extension. We consider indicators of success when students …

  • Demonstrate intellectual engagement and become an established member of the research/teaching/extension community through participation in departmental seminars, journal clubs, scientific meetings, lab group meetings.
  • Develop the ability to assimilate information and knowledge from multiple sources to form hypotheses and questions by becoming familiar with the relevant literature and be able to discuss their research with peers and faculty.
  • Develop critical thinking skills, including the ability to identify and evaluate assumptions in an argument, analyze arguments, and formulate coherent opinions and place their own research into context.
  • Demonstrate the ability to write scientifically including research proposals, peer-reviewed papers and/or extension or outreach articles.
  • Conduct research by mastering appropriate research methodologies, analyzing and interpreting their own research findings.

Students in Entomology are expected to communicate research findings orally and in writing. We expect students to…

  • Develop oral communication skills, including the ability to present research and/or extension and/or outreach material in a way that is compelling and audience appropriate. Beginning in the second year, students are expected to give an annual presentation in a Cornell venue such as the Entomology Department seminar series, the January symposium, journal club, or discussion group.
  • Develop written communication skills. We recommend students get involved in the writing of proposals, scientific publications in the primary literature and extension/outreach publication for the general public. Written communication may be both traditional and web-based. There is also a required written component to our A- Exam. 

Students in entomology are expected to be leaders in the academy and beyond. We expect students to:

  • Work independently and in groups including mentoring junior colleagues and/or in research, teaching and extension assistantships. Use resourcefulness and persistence to take advantage of opportunities and overcome challenges that occur in graduate school.
  • Build the Department and University community by promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.