Entomology and Plant Pathology - Plant Pathology option, MS
Master's in Entomology and Plant Pathology - Plant Pathology Option
Curriculum
The degree plan for a Master of Science in entomology and plant pathology - plant pathology option requires 30 total credit hours of coursework. A program of study can be adapted to an individual's needs within the OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology and Graduate College guidelines. Instruction may include coursework in the following areas and additional courses within and outside the department.
- Mycology
- Phytobacteriology
- Plant Nematology
- Principles of Plant Pathology
Research and Faculty
The OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
is housed in the Noble Research Center and the Henry Bellmon Research Center. The facilities in both research centers represent the finest available and give the department excellent resources to accomplish its mission of teaching, research and Extension. Core facilities are available for molecular, biochemical, genomic, and proteomic studies. Confocal, scanning, and transmission electron microscopes, and scanning probe microscope are available for student use at the Microscopy Laboratory at the Oklahoma Technology and Research Park. A large laboratory and greenhouse research facility, housing the USDA plant sciences program, is also available for cooperative research. Graduate students have access to student offices, Wi-Fi, laboratories for teaching and research, and controlled environment chambers.
The department's faculty includes scientists who have received national and international recognition for their research in many diverse areas.
Admissions
Admission requirements for the entomology and plant pathology - entomology option master's degree program in the OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology include:
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals familiar with your academic and professional background.
- A personal letter of intent from the student outlining research interests and professional goals.
- A résumé or CV for both MS and PhD applicants is required.
- An official copy of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score to assist the department in making a determination as to acceptance to the program and funding of an assistantship. The GRE Institution Code for OSU is 6546 (the ENTO/PLP Department Code is 0209). The department reviews GRE scores and evaluates percentage performance among applicants.
Prerequisite Coursework
The following courses should be taken prior to acceptance into the MS entomology and plant pathology - plant pathology option degree program. A student may be admitted with deficiencies in these areas, but should take the courses and depending on the course may not receive credit toward their degree requirements. The courses required will be based on recommendation of their Advisory Committee.
- Introductory Plant Pathology (such as PLP 3343)*
- Chemistry with lab (three semesters, including at least one semester of Organic Chemistry)
- Introductory Biological Science with Lab (e.g., Principles of Biology, Plant Biology, Microbiology, Zoology)
- Physiology with lab
- An Anatomy OR Taxonomy course
- Genetics
- Statistics
* The prerogative of the student's Advisory Committee to waive specific curriculum requirements for good cause does not apply to Introductory Plant Pathology. If this course has not been taken prior to admission, it must be taken during the student's graduate program (as PLP 5343) at OSU.
Cost and Assistance
For students pursing their master's degree in the OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, there are opportunities to perform research duties as a Graduate Teaching or Research Assistant under the direction of a major advisor for at least twenty (20) hours per week. The required graduate assistantships are opportunities for students to hold a semi-professional position within the department. The purposes of assistantships are to support programs of instruction, research, and extension in the department and to provide employment opportunities that contribute to the professional development of graduate students.