In the M.S. program, the student is given latitude in the selection of the advisory study committee, the choice of a study area, and the selection of a research program. The student must take several core courses and specific courses required by the study area. The Ph.D. program provides diverse opportunities for the selection of a dissertation question, composition of advisory committee, and selection of an area of specialization. In addition to course requirements with each area of specialization, course work is determined by the advisory study committee. Following completion of most course work, the Ph.D. student is given an oral qualifying examination for advancement to candidacy, and the degree is awarded after successful completion of the dissertation defense exam.
Students have individual work stations and access to sophisticated computer graphic facilities.
The Department also shares extensive technical expertise and scientific equipment with other departments on campus. Vast resources are available in the University's library system and nearby federal libraries. Besides the main campus, the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station has nine Research and Education Centers in the state where field and laboratory work is carried out on urban and agricultural insects. Land use and technical services at these Centers are free to faculty and students. Financial Assistance Graduate students are supported primarily in two ways.