The Entomology and Insect Sciences Graduate Program offers interdisciplinary masters and doctoral training in the biology of insects. The Program is flexible in its requirements, allowing students to design, in collaboration with faculty, programs of study tailored to individual interests and needs.
The EIS program accepts new students only for the fall semester.
Applications for Fall 2025 are now closed.
Students may be self-funding, receive tuition support only, or be fully funded in their first year of the EIS program. Full funding may be via graduate college fellowship awards or by research assistantships (RA); these awards pay tuition and a stipend. Students in their second and subsequent years who are not self-funded are usually funded by research assistantships from their advisors (RAs), teaching assistantships (TAs), or individual fellowships. All students are strongly encouraged to apply for individual fellowships as they are excellent training in writing, and in summarizing and communicating research. If granted, fellowships and grants are prestigious and increase the probability of further funding and of securing positions after graduation. Students who are on an RA or TA do not accrue tuition and receive a stipend and health insurance.
Students from a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply to the EIS program. A baccalaureate degree must be completed in some area of science. Ordinarily, two semesters of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics are required for admission. Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
The Graduate Admissions Committee evaluates the entire admissions file. Deficiencies in one or two of the areas described above should not discourage interested applicants from applying.
Credit earned for a Master's degree may be transferred toward a PhD in Entomology & Insect Science by following the procedures established by the Graduate College and by approval of the EIS Executive Committee.
Each new student must have a major advisor and this is their home lab. Therefore, contact with your chosen faculty member must be established before submitting an application. It is wise to have several faculty members that you wish to work with in case your first choice cannot accept new students or has no funding for future years. This is very important since many faculty members do not have space in their labs and cannot take on another graduate student, or they may not have funding for a new student for the future years. Even if you gain entrance to the program with your own funding, a major professor must be chosen by each student.
Step 1. Applying to the University of Arizona Graduate College
Using the Graduate College application page, prospective students can apply online. The application fee is US $85 for domestic applicants, $95 for international applicants. The deadline for applications is December 1st.
Step 2. Within the University of Arizona Graduate College Application
Choose a program
It is when completing this portion of your Graduate College Application that you will choose the Entomology and Insect Science graduate program.
Please submit the following:
1. Personal Statement that includes:
- Why you selected this program
- A summary of your academic and professional background
- Your specific interests in entomology and/or insect science
- Your career goals and objectives
- Identification of possible mentors (see faculty list). Please mention if you have communicated with any faculty about your interest.
2. Three letters of recommendation
3. Copies of transcripts of previous academic records from all institutions attended. (Official copies are required only if you are recommended for admission).
International students: Official TOFEL scores should be sent to code 4832. (University of Arizona). A Department code is not required.
You are considered an International Student if:
- You are not a citizen of the United States of America, and
- You are not a U.S. Permanent Resident, Refugee, Asylee, or Jay Treaty status holder.
International applicants must meet additional admissions requirements in the following areas:
- Degree Requirements
- English Proficiency
- Financial Guarantee and Visa Requirements
- Health Insurance
- Eligibility to Participate in Coursework (Citizens of Iran)
More information for international students is available from International Student Services.
