Master of Professional Studies in Applied Entomology, Online (MPAE)
Graduate Programs in Applied Entomology is 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 directors:
- Dr. Tammatha O'Brien: tammatha@umd.edu
- Dr. Marcia Shofner: mshofner@umd.edu
Overview
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.
Courses
Below is a listing of all program courses. For a detailed course description that includes pre-requisites or co-requisites, see The Graduate School Catalog, Course Listing as follows: ENTM Course Descriptions.
| Type | Course Number | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ENTM710 | Insect Biodiversity, Physiology and Ecology |
| Elective | ENTM725 | IPM Practices |
| Elective | ENTM730 | Plant Diagnostics |
| Elective | ENTM735 | Sustainability |
| Elective | ENTM740 | Organic Practices |
| Elective | ENTM745 | Bee Biology and Beekeeping |
| Elective | ENTM746 | Commercial Beekeeping |
| Elective | ENTM747 | Pollinator Health |
| Elective | ENTM750 | Urban Pests |
| Elective | ENTM751 | The History and Culture of Bees and Beekeepers |
| Elective | ENTM755 | Designing an Urban Garden |
| Core | ENTM756 | Insect Diseases and Pathology |
| Elective | ENTM760 | Insects in the 21st Century |
| Core | ENTM769 | Capstone: Scholarly Paper |
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.
- The program uses specific section codes for registration, which are listed on the sample plan of study.
Sample Plan
| Term | Year | Type | Course Number | Section Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I (fall) | 1 | Core | ENTM710 | PLE* | 3 |
| I (fall) | 1 | Elective | ENTM745 | PLE* | 3 |
| II (winter) | 1 | Elective | ENTM730 | PLE* | 3 |
| II (winter) | 1 | Elective | ENTM747 | PLE* | 3 |
| III (spring) | 1 | Elective | ENTM725 | PLE* | 3 |
| III (spring) | 1 | Elective | ENTM740 | PLE* | 3 |
| IV (summer) | 1 | Elective | ENTM746 | PLE* | 3 |
| IV (summer) | 1 | Elective | ENTM750 | PLE* | 3 |
| IV (summer) | 1 | Elective | ENTM735 | PLE* | 3 |
| IV (summer) | 1 | Elective | ENTM751 | PLE* | 3 |
| IV (summer) | 2 | Elective | ENTM760 | PLE* | 3 |
| IV (summer) | 2 | Elective | ENTM755 | PLE* | 3 |
| I (fall) | 2 | Core | ENTM756 | PLE* | 3 |
| I (fall) | 2 | Core | ENTM769 | PLE* | 3 |
Online Learning
- 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.
- Using advanced audio and video technology, UMD’s online learning environment delivers dynamic and interactive content.
- Featuring convenience and flexibility, online instruction permits asynchronous or synchronous participation.
- Lectures are video archived. Students who are unable to attend in real time can review the session through asynchronous participation.
Upon successful completion, graduates will have mastered the following competencies:
- Learn how to define key pests in management systems.
- Learn how to sample and monitor pests and their injury, how to construct damage and action thresholds, how to develop and assess the efficacy of intervention tactics including cultural, biological, and chemical control, and how to evaluate programmatic impacts.
- Develop and implement IPM programs for any crop or resource management scenario.
- Learn the fundamentals of biology of each guild of insect pest, how to recognize them and their damage, and monitor their activity.
- Learn how to integrate specific control tactics including building design, mechanical control, exclusion, habitat alteration, thermal control, traps and baits, biological control, and insecticidal control to develop comprehensive management strategies.
- Develop successful management approaches for commercial, institutional, and residential buildings.