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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Graduate Online and Distance Education

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Entomology

  • About
  • Tuition & Fees
  • Courses
  • Tech Requirements
  • Application Process
  • Contact Us
The Degree

The Master of Science degree in Entomology provides a general background in entomology by emphasizing course work in a variety of areas, including forensic entomology, medical entomology, natural history, insects in education, insect pest management, insect ecology, insect toxicology, insect physiology and biochemistry, urban pest management, biological control, and plant resistance.

In addition, the program’s flexibility allows you to complete course work in other areas that are specific to your needs and interests. As a program designed for science professionals, the courses stress your ability to apply this training to your job and interests.


The program provides a general background in entomology to help you:

  • Develop a theoretical and applied understanding of entomology.
  • Gain a knowledge base enabling you to examine entomological problems and develop strategies to address these problems.
  • Enhance analysis and synthesis of divergent viewpoints.
  • Develop new professional skills and knowledge.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

Students interested in careers in the following fields should consider this degree:

  • K-12 science teachers interested in improving their science background.
  • People who work in science-related jobs.
  • People working with insect-borne disease including public health and military medicine.
  • People working in agriculture, education, and similar areas.
  • People interested in science and the environment.
  • People interested in entomology as an avocation, as well as a profession.


For more information:
Visit the Master of Science in Entomology Web site

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Resident Tuition Cost:
  Resident Distance Ed. Tuition Distance Ed. Fee Registration Fee
Per Semester		 Tech Fee Library Fee Total Cost for 3 Credit Hours
 
Graduate per credit hour

 $273.00 $25.00 $20.00 $7.35 $3.00  
Graduate 3 credit hours $819.00 $75.00 $20.00 $22.05 $9.00 $945.05



Non-Resident Tuition Cost:
  Non-Resident Distance Ed. Tuition Distance Ed. Fee Registration Fee
Per Semester		 Tech Fee Library Fee Total Cost for 3 Credit Hours
 
Graduate per credit hour $502.75 $25.00 $20.00 $7.35 $3.00  
Graduate 3 credit hours $1508.25 $75.00 $20.00 $22.05 $9.00 $1634.30

Tuition rates are effective as of 7/1/09 and are subject to change in July of each year.

Program of Study

The distance education Entomology degree is a University of Nebraska Option lll master of science degree, which means the degree does not require a thesis but does require completion of 36 credit hours. Transfer of credits for graduate courses taken at other institutions (up to 18 credit hours) may be possible, contingent on approval of the Department Graduate Committee and Dean of Graduate Studies.

The specific requirements include:

  • 18 credit hours of 800 or 900-level courses without a 400-level or lower equivalent
  • At least 18 credit hours in entomology
  • 4 credit hours M.S. Degree Project
  • A departmental general entomology exam or the Board Certified Entomology exam
  • The final M.S. comprehensive exam, developed and administered by two members of the Entomology graduate committee
  • Total of 36 credit hours


Taking more than 6 credit hours in one semester is not recommended.


You may start the degree program any time. Your course work must be completed within ten consecutive calendar years and comply with academic credit policies.
Tech Requirements

High speed Internet connection is required. Check the Graduate Distance Catalog to learn the specific requirements for your program.

Some distance courses have supplemental materials on videos or CDs and others may require phone conferencing. You will interact with the professor and other students through e-mail, phone conferencing, and Blackboard.

Blackboard™ Requirements and Browser Configurations:
To effectively use Blackboard the Javascript and cookies on your computer must be enabled. Some content for features may require additional software. Pop-up blockers should be disabled for Blackboard (My.UNL). The browsers below are officially supported.

  • Internet Explorer: 7.0 or higher
  • Firefox: 2.0 or higher
  • Safari: 2.0 or higher

Older versions of the above or alternative browsers (such as Mozilla and Opera) may be compatible, but some features might not be available. To download the latest browsers, click the “help” button in Blackboard (My.UNL) and access the Downloads area.

Operating Systems:
Microsoft® Windows® 2000 and up, or Mac OS X, 10.2 and up are strongly recommended. Older operating systems (Microsoft® Windows® 98SE/ME, MacOS 8/9) or alternative platforms (Linux) are compatible, but may not have full functionality. Blackboard (My.UNL) is not currently compatible with handheld devices or Web-enabled phones.

Windows Macintosh
Minimum System Requirements Minimum System Requirements
Operating System: Windows XP SP 2
(Home or Professional)		 Operating System: OS X (10.2)
Processor: 1 GHz Processor: G3 800 MHz
RAM: 256 MB RAM: 256 MB
       
Recommended System Requirements Recommended System Requirements
Operating
System:		 Windows XP SP 2
(Home or Pro)
or Windows Vista		 Operating
System:		 OS X (10.4) or OS X (10.5)
Processor: 2 GHz or higher Processor: G4 1.25 GHz or higher
RAM: 768 MB or more RAM: 768 MB or more


Note: Using Blackboard with AOL:
While you can use AOL as your service provider, you cannot use the AOL Web browser to access Blackboard (My.UNL). If you try to use the AOL browser, you will find that it will automatically log you out every few minutes and you will experience problems with some of Blackboard’s services including assessments (tests and quizzes).

If you are an AOL user, once you’ve connected to the Internet, use a different Web browser to access the Internet.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.50 or better required for full graduate standing. A GPA of less than 2.50 will be considered on an individual basis for provisional admission, but students accepted on provisional admission must establish acceptable academic performance in their first semester to continue in the graduate program.
  • Undergraduate course work which includes math, chemistry, and biology. A limited number of deficiencies in course work can be made up during the graduate program, but these will not count towards the degree.
  • TOEFL score of 550 or better if your native language is not English.

Admission Procedure:

1. Required by Office of Graduate Studies


Send to: Office of Graduate Studies
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
1100 Seaton Hall
P.O. Box 880619
Lincoln, NE 68588-0619

2. Required by Entomology Department

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Letter of intent: why pursuing, how it will help, current experience related to degree, what you hope to gain personally and professionally, and personal and career goals
  • Resume
  • If English is not your native language, a minimum TOEFL score:  Paper-550  Internet-79 (If your score is between 500-550 you may be considered for provisional admission.)

Send to: Members of the Graduate Committee
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Department of Entomology
Attn: Dr. Tom Weissling
202 Entomology Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0816


Application Deadline
Applications are accepted throughout the year. It can take two to three months for the Entomology Department and Graduate Studies to review and accept your application.

Apply by:  To register for classes in:  
July 1     Fall semester  
November 1  Spring semester  
March 1  Summer session  


Review Process

  1. Graduate Studies performs a preliminary review after receiving your online application, $45 application fee and transcripts. Your file is then forwarded to the Department Graduate Committee for review.
  2. Department Graduate Committee conducts a departmental review only after all materials are received. The Department Graduate Committee notifies Graduate Studies of their admission recommendation.
  3. Graduate Studies conducts a final review. If you are admitted, Graduate Studies will notify you by e-mail and mail.
For information regarding courses offered and department admission contact:

Graduate Advising:
Jeri Cunningham
Department of Entomology
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
202 Entomology Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0816
Phone: (402) 472-8678
Fax: (402) 472-4687
E-mail: jcunningham1@unl.edu
Web: http://entomology.unl.edu/distedu

 Extended Education & Outreach
900 North 22nd Street
P.O. Box 888805
Lincoln, NE 68588-8805
Phone: (402) 472-21755
Fax: (402) 472-4345
E-mail: unlextended@unl.edu
Web: http://onlinegraduate.unl.edu