Applying to the Purdue Entomology Graduate Program

Application Deadlines

If applying for fall semester admission, please apply by December 1 to ensure consideration for entrance fellowships. However, applications can be submitted and are evaluated at any time of the year on a rolling admissions basis.

Identifying Faculty Advisors

We typically have more applicants for research assistantships than open positions. An advisor must be identified before you are admitted. Therefore, we require that you contact prospective faculty advisors before beginning the application process.

MS vs. PhD Degrees

Aside from identifying your degree track, there is no difference in the application process separating MS and PhD applicants. While an MS degree is not required to apply for a PhD position, straight PhDs (i.e., without first completing an MS) tend to be discouraged, except in circumstances where the prospective student’s credentials are exceptional. You should discuss this issue with your potential faculty advisor.

Required Application Materials

** Note that as of Fall 2019, we no longer require the GRE exam. Please do not report your GRE scores if you have taken them already.

  1. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Find details here.
  2. A current version of your CV (resume). This document should outline and describe professional experiences that make you a good candidate for a Purdue Entomology graduate degree. These include, but are not limited to: previous research or teaching experience, jobs, internships, presentations, publications, science-focused outreach or volunteering activities, fellowships or scholarships, awards, and other honors.
  3. Statement of purpose. The statement of purpose should be 500-1,000 words (i.e., 1 to 1.5 single-spaced pages). Within this written statement, you should address the following:
    • Describe your previous professional experiences and how this has prepared you for graduate school. A brief description of your involvement in research is required. (e.g., volunteer or paid lab/field work, capstone/senior research project, other independent research projects)
    • Describe your motivation for pursuing a graduate degree in entomology and reasons for wanting to study at Purdue specifically.
    • Identify the Purdue Entomology faculty member who you have been in contact with and i) explain why you are interested in working with this particular faculty member, ii) briefly describe the project(s) you discussed that would form the topic of your graduate research.
    • Describe your long-term professional and career goals. Include how completing a graduate degree in entomology aligns with or facilitates your goals.
  4. Three letters of recommendation. These can be from any individual, but are typically from those who have closely observed you in a professional capacity; for example, a professor whose lab you worked in as an undergrad or a supervisor from an internship or job.
  5. Application form (Graduate School website)
  6. TOEFL score (for International applicants only). See which tests are accepted and the minimum scores required on the Graduate School English Proficiency Requirements website.