Entomology
Doctor of Philosophy
Become an insect expert
Hiking the Madrean Sky Islands of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico in search of new tarantula species — and learning the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Gilliam Fellowship while they’re at it — is all in a day’s work for a U of I doctoral student of entomology and their advisor.
In Idaho’s only Ph.D. program in entomology, your research takes you from the lab to the field, from Idaho’s diverse ecological conditions and cropping systems to Mexico and beyond as you gain a deeper understanding of insects and their impact on agriculture, human health and the environment. You’ll have the opportunity to carry out research using modern molecular techniques in U of I’s new biotech wing. Acquire the skills to breed pest-resistant plants, tackle emerging pollination issues and battle insect-borne diseases here and abroad.
As a doctoral student of entomology, you’ll have access to:
- The William F. Barr Entomology Museum’s vast collection of western insects
- The Hubert C. Manis Laboratory greenhouses for working with insects
- U of I’s research and extension centers
Overview
Related Topics
Small subjects, big impact
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in entomology, biology, fisheries, ecology or a related area
- Enjoy studying insects
- Want to conduct research in the lab and in the field
- Want to advance agriculture and help the environment
- Can think analytically and critically about complex problems
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,358 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary Agricultural Sciences Teachers
$48,689 - Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
$28,975 - Natural Sciences Managers • Clinical Research Coordinators
$103,303 - Soil and Plant Scientists
$51,335
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead—estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning opportunities include:
- Hubert C. Manis Laboratory
- William F. Barr Entomology Museum
- Computer-controlled greenhouses
- Research and Extension centers
- Agricultural producers, commodity commissions and other groups
Clubs
- Aldrich Entomology Club
Application information
Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's degree
- Undergraduate GPA: 3.0 (applicants with a lower GPA may be considered under specific circumstances)
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants): 79/6.5
- Number of references: 3
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.