Master of Professional Studies in Applied Entomology

Graduate Programs in Applied Entomology are offered through the Department of Entomology in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The programs are designed to combine the best in basic and applied biology to meet the public need for research, outreach, and instruction regarding entomology and related subjects, particularly as these bear on pest management and on stewardship of the environment.

Mentoring and advising are an essential part of the program. Students meet with faculty and the academic program director to ensure that educational goals and career learning and development goals are met. Students should contact the program director, Leo Shapiro, via email: lshapiro@umd.edu.

The Master of Professional Studies in Applied Entomology, Online (MPAE) has a 30-credit, 10-course curriculum that focuses on the importance of insects and their role in various ecosystems.

• Integrates aspects of biochemistry, molecular biology and evolution theory with ecology using insects as a model.
• Students learn about the physiological and ecological interactions between insects and pathogens and the various approaches for insect control.
• Equips students with the skills and knowledge required for critical thinking for best practices to improve management strategies for agriculture and the control of insect vectors of human and plant disease, while promoting pollinator health. 
• Can be completed in fifteen months of continuous full-time enrollment. Part-time enrollment is welcome. See Designation of Full-time/Part-time Status.

Registration Overview

• See the sample plan of study, below. Students should use this as a guide to develop a plan with the academic program director.
• Actual course offerings are determined by the program and may vary semester to semester. Students should note if a course has a pre-requisite or co-requisite.
• Specific class meeting information (days and time) is posted on UMD’s interactive web service services, Testudo. Once on that site, select “Schedule of Classes,” then the term/year. Courses are listed by academic unit.
• For this program, use section PLE* for registration.

 Sample Plan

Courses

For a listing of program courses, see the Graduate School Catalog program requirements for MPAE. For course descriptions that includes pre-requisites or co-requisites, see ENTM.

Overall

• Features 100% online instruction with engaging and interactive learning.
• Uses the term academic calendar with classes held in 12-week terms: I (fall), II (winter), III (spring), IV (summer).
• Instruction provided by University of Maryland faculty and professionals in the field. 

Online Learning

• Using advanced audio and video technology, UMD’s online learning environment delivers dynamic and interactive content.
• Featuring convenience and flexibility, online instruction allows instructors the potential to incorporate both asynchronous and synchronous participation, although the structure of the class is primarily asynchronous.

Specific learning outcomes will depend on the particular classes taken, but knowledge graduates can expect to acquire include:

• Understanding of key aspects of the biology of different guild of insect pests and natural enemies, how to recognize them and their impacts, and how to monitor their activity.
• Familiarity with key principles of integrated pest management, including how to define key pests in management systems; how to sample and monitor pests and their injury; how to construct damage and action thresholds; and how to develop and access the efficacy of intervention tactics including cultural, biological, and chemical control.
• Understanding of insect health and pathology in the context of both managed and natural ecosystems.
• Broad understanding of principles of sustainability and how these relate to resource management and agriculture.
• Understanding of how researcher advance our knowledge of insects and sustainable agriculture and resource management.