Field research is conducted on experimental farms at Manhattan and at branch experiment stations throughout the state. All applicants for graduate study are expected to have a background in biology, chemistry, mathematics and the physical sciences. Acceptance into the department is based upon approval by the graduate affairs committee, the department head, an advisor with whom the graduate program will be developed, and admission by the Graduate School. Performance standards and evaluation Students and their major advisor are responsible for the selection of a supervisory committee, which must approve a program of study by the end of the second semester for M.S. students or third semester for Ph.D. students. The plan should consist of a curriculum vitae, a proposed course of study and a thesis or dissertation research proposal.
Proficiency is demonstrated through satisfactory completion of written and oral preliminary exams.
All Ph.D. students are encouraged to enroll in Insect Morphology, Insect Taxonomy, Taxonomy of Immature Insects, Insect Ecology, and Anatomy and Physiology of Insects, unless these courses have been taken previously at other institutions. The final oral examination at the master's level will be both comprehensive and a defense of the candidate's thesis or report. In case of failure, a second examination may be scheduled in accordance with university regulations. Ph.D. students take both written and oral preliminary examinations no later than the semester following completion of the second year of the student's program. Both examinations must be complete no later than seven months before the final Ph.D. examination.