Graduate Degrees


The Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences Department offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Entomology, Plant Science, and Soil and Land Resources. Graduate majors in Plant Pathology receive degrees under the title of "Plant Science." Both thesis and non-thesis M.S. options are offered in Entomology, Plant Science and Soil Science. Prior to admission, special permission is required for the non-thesis M.S. major in Plant Pathology. An average of 65 graduate students are enrolled each semester. Within the following majors, students may specialize in these areas:

Entomology: agricultural entomology, aquatic entomology, biological control of insects and weeds, insect biology, insect ecology, insect-plant interactions, insect anatomy and physiology, insect transmission of plant viruses, plant resistance to insects, systemic entomology, and integrated management. Graduate students have access to one of the Pacific Northwest's outstanding insect collections and comprehensive entomological libraries.

Plant Science: plant breeding and genetics, plant physiology, weed science, crop management and horticulture, including ornamentals and postharvest physiology, virology, epidemiology, bacteriology, molecular biology, nematology and biological control.

Soil and Land Resources: soil physics, biochemistry, chemistry, fertility as well as genesis, morphology and classification of soils. Soil Science faculty also advise graduate and undergraduate students in the Environmental Science Program.

Faculty members are concerned with the needs and interests of individual students. Questions regarding programs, arrangements, or facilities are welcome. Prospective majors in entomology, plant science, or soil and land resources should consult the department head in Room 242, Agricultural Science Building, or telephone 208/885-6930.