Entomology & Plant Pathology at Auburn University

The objective of the graduate program in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University is to train professionals through exposure to diverse aspects of the disciplines while maintaining a balance between applied and basic elements of each discipline. The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, therefore, offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Agriculture, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The Master of Agriculture option is a "non-thesis" option and is recommended for specific cases where a student has well-defined reasons for pursuing the degree.

Graduate degrees are professional degrees that are conferred in recognition of the mastery of a specialized field. Enrollment in graduate school represents a major commitment by students which should be viewed as a period of continued education and the first step in becoming a professional entomologist or plant pathologist. Such a commitment requires an investment of time, over a period of years, as well as on a daily basis. For some, this commitment may necessitate a change in lifestyle. Graduate studies also involve innovative work, and in a scientific field such as entomology and/or plant pathology, carry the responsibility for original research. Thus, the effort invested by each student in his or her research will directly influence a student's overall success.

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology considers the Master's degree to be training in a scientific discipline as well as in research. In pursuing a Master's degree, a student is expected to gain a broad perspective in their discipline of study through course work, master the "art" of research by conducting a specific research project under the supervision of a faculty advisor, and communicate his/her results with others through scientific reports, manuscripts and formal presentations.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is primarily a research degree that is intended to prepare the student for a life of productive teaching, extension activities, and/or original research at the frontiers of knowledge. The Ph.D. student applies knowledge from a M.S. or previous experience on how to do research by conducting original research which demonstrates independence in thought and action. Candidates for this degree are expected to bring to their studies a high degree of self-motivation.

Currently, the preference of faculty in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is that all Ph.D. candidates have a M.S. degree. This is intended to ensure that Ph.D. candidates have the required experience in scientific writing which comes with completing a dissertation. Exceptions to this are allowed in particular circumstances upon approval of the major professor, the student's graduate advisory committee, and the department chair. It is not expected that all M.S. students will continue work toward the Ph.D. degree. Candidates must possess or develop the personality and emotional resources to benefit from the highly individual tutorial relationship that ideally develops between the student and the major professor. They must also have the strength to pursue their own specialized interests in an original and creative way with a minimum of direct supervision, and they must learn to maintain their academic and human perspectives while engaging in highly specialized studies.

Doctoral candidates are required to independently conduct an original research project, from conceptualization through publication of results; participate in teaching in the Department; make formal presentations at scientific meetings; and critically review experimental publications.

Students must clearly recognize that employment after Graduate School is competitive and not automatic. The Department aims to help productive, successful students find employment. In return, students must develop a distinguished scholastic record during their work at Auburn University.

Departmental Disciplines. The Department recognizes two disciplines relating to graduate studies: ENTOMOLOGY (ENTM) and PLANT PATHOLOGY (PLPA). Although most of the guidelines in this Handbook apply to students in both disciplines, please note that in some cases separate guidelines are provided for each discipline (e.g., core curricula and seminar/forum requirements). Students should choose the discipline in which they wish to major, and must satisfy the degree requirements specified for that discipline.

Financial assistance is available from the Department on a competitive basis in the form of Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA'S) and Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA'S). GRA's are also available from extramural grant sources through individual faculty. GRA's allow students to devote more time and effort to research projects while GTA's provide experience in the classroom. Assistantship stipends are not paid solely for conducting thesis or dissertation research. The number of assistantships available depends in great part on the success of departmental faculty in obtaining competitive grants. Students holding assistantships are currently charged in-state resident tuition. Additional financial assistance in the form of special fellowships and/or awards may be available but these are generally restricted by award guidelines to various categories of students. Information about such scholarships, awards, or both can be obtained from faculty, the Dept. Chair, and other sources.

Assistantships funded through the department are normally awarded for two years for M.S. students and three years for Ph.D. students. These may be extended by the Chair of the Department for one year, upon request by the Major Advisor, depending upon the availability of funds and the demonstration of satisfactory progress toward the degree. It should be understood that all GRA awards are temporary, and their continuance depends upon student performance and availability of funds.

Students on assistantships are assigned duties by their Major Professor, or the Department Chair, and generally have obligations to the program, or grant, for which the assistantship is assigned. Work loads are defined on the basis of a normal teaching load or the equivalent time in other duties. Students on assistantships receive the same benefits as other University students. Students should understand that there are various categories of assistantships with differing requirements, duties, and obligations. Hence comparisons among graduate students in regard to duties and time commitment for an assistantship are not advised.

The Department encourages graduate students to attend professional meetings at the regional and national level. When possible, transportation and financial assistance may be provided for such attendance, but such funds are not guaranteed. Financial support from the Graduate School to attend professional meetings is also available on a competitive basis.

Registration & Scheduling

Registration

Prior to registration each semester, students must submit to the Graduate Program Officer of their discipline an updated department graduate student Tracking Form signed by their major professor (copy of form in Appendix).

Students expecting credit toward a graduate degree must be registered with the Graduate School, and no student is considered a candidate for a degree unless properly registered. The student must also be registered for the academic term of graduation and for any other academic term in which staff or facilities of Auburn University are used for work on a thesis or dissertation, or for taking oral exams.

Credit Load

International students must fill out an Authorization to Drop Below Full Time Enrollment Form from the office of International Affairs that will permit them to be designated as full-time with this 1 hour of Research and Thesis/ Dissertation ENTM/PLPA 7990/8990 credit.

All students in residence in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology must register for at least 1 credit of Research and Thesis/Dissertation ENTM/PLPA 7990/8990, and for 1 hour of Seminar, ENTM/PLPA 7950/8950 each semester.

Students on assistantships in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology must maintain full-time status.

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology offers three degree options: Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.). The Master of Agriculture Degree is a non-thesis degree offered by many departments in the College of Agriculture. The M.Ag. degree offers specialized education beyond the B.S. degree, as preparation for a career in entomology and/or plant pathology that does not require a research degree. The M.Ag. is not intended to prepare the student for continuing into a Ph.D. program. See the current edition of the Auburn University Bulletin for credit hour and course requirements. Students in an M.S. program (thesis option) may, under special circumstances, change to the non-thesis, M.Ag. program. In such cases, written approval must be received from the major professor, all graduate committee members, and the Department Chair. Additionally, the student must develop a new plan of study for the M.A. degree. Students enrolled in the M.Ag. program do not normally receive departmental assistantships.

Master of Science Degree (M.S.). The Master of Science Degree prepares the student for teaching, research, and extension careers or for further studies toward a Ph.D. See the current edition of the Auburn University Bulletin for credit hour and course requirements.

In those semesters where the student is taking only ENTM/PLPA 7990, he or she should sign up for 1 hour only unless this is the final academic term and they have not met the minimum. Except under specified circumstances, this rule is effective even though the student may no longer reside in Auburn.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.). The Doctor of Philosophy Degree prepares the student for a professional career in teaching, research, and extension. See the current edition of the Auburn University Bulletin for credit hour and course requirements.

Course requirements for each Ph.D. student who holds a M.S. are determined by the student in consultation with his/her major professor and Advisory Committee. Ph.D. students must complete all "core" requirements in their discipline (see below).

Core Curricula

Additional Requirements

General

The Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory

Clinical experience and familiarity with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) should be recognized as skills that can enhance any student's background. Students that are serious about a career in Plant Pathology or Entomology, whether in research, extension, teaching, or industry, should also consider course work in weed science, agronomy, and other "practical" courses.

Teaching

Teaching assignments are made by departmental faculty after consultation with students and their advisors. Scheduling for teaching assignments is made on the basis of expertise, program of study and need. Requests to work in specific courses, or with specific faculty members, are honored where possible. The duties of a teaching assistant are determined by the professor(s) in charge of the course(s) and are supportive of departmental programs. Teaching responsibilities may include the preparation of specimens or reagents, oral presentations of demonstrations or lectures, and/or test preparation and grading. Student performance will be evaluated by the faculty member responsible for the course. Students not holding a Graduate Teaching Assistantship can register for PLPA 7930, section 008 - Supervised Classroom Experience.

Seminars and Presentations

Grades

The Graduate School has a policy that graduate students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 on all graduate courses. No more than 15 hours beyond the student's Plan of Study is allowed in obtaining the grade-point average. No grade below C is acceptable for credit toward a graduate degree, and each course on which a grade below C is received must be repeated.

The Department's policy states that satisfactory progress is indicated by a grade of A or B. Grades of C or lower constitute unsatisfactory progress in graduate level courses. Obtaining two C's, or lower grades, while enrolled in graduate school may result in termination from graduate studies. A student who obtains two C's or lower shall meet with their Plan of Study Committee for review of the circumstances, and a decision will then be made regarding graduate student status in the Department. Until a Plan of Study Committee is assigned, the departmental Graduate Selection Committee shall function as the review committee.

Additional Information on grades and grading policy can be found in the Bulletin or on the Graduate School's web site. Pertinent sections are titled: "Withdrawing from Courses," "Grades," "Academic Standing," and "Incompletes."

<< back to top

Program Requirements

Major Professor

Students are advised to discuss and clarify what the expectations for graduate students are of his/her major professor. Specific philosophies and expectations for graduate students vary among major professors, therefore clarification might be needed, for example, about hours of work, computer access, availability of supplies, etc. Faculty who serve as Major Advisors to Masters' students must have "Graduate Faculty Status" conferred by the Graduate School; doctoral students must be advised or formally co-advised by faculty with "Graduate Faculty Status: Level 2."

Graduate Advisory Committee

The Graduate Advisory Committee functions to guide the student through his/her graduate program, especially in assessing progress of the thesis or dissertation research. This committee also has the responsibility for helping the student develop a Plan of Study and providing guidance toward completion of all degree requirements. This committee reviews the research proposal and must approve the final version of the thesis or dissertation prior to submittal to the Graduate School. It is the student's responsibility, however, to see that all required forms are filled out, approved when necessary by the Graduate Advisory Committee or Department Chair, and submitted to the Graduate School by the designated deadlines.

The Graduate Advisory Committee for students pursuing the M.Ag. or M.S. degrees should consist of the major professor as committee chair and at least two other faculty; the chair and a minimum of one committee member must be in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. The Graduate Advisory Committee for the Ph.D. degree shall consist of the major professor as committee chair and at least three other members. The committee chair and a minimum of two members must be faculty in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. Members of a Graduate Advisory Committee are recommended by the major professor in consultation with the student and must be approved by the Department Chair.

Students should meet with their Graduate Advisory Committee at least twice per calendar year to assess progress toward their degree. It is the responsibility of the graduate student to organize and schedule these evaluation meetings. The student should discuss the format and agenda for the committee meeting in advance with their major professor.

Plan of Study

The Plan of Study is an approved list of courses for the individual student which must be taken in order to satisfy the curriculum requirements for graduation and awarding of the degree. The Plan of Study must be approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee prior to submission to the Graduate School as an official part of the student's file. The appropriate forms to use are noted below. The choice of courses must include all core courses in the student's discipline and the minimum number of course credit hours required by the Department. In selecting courses, the committee should take into account the student's background and previous course work, career goals, and specific courses that will help prepare the student for the thesis or dissertation research to be conducted. When the student and Graduate Advisory Committee have finalized the Plan of Study, the completed form should be given to the members of the Graduate Advisory Committee for their signatures. It is the student's responsibility to then submit the form to the Department Chair who will sign and submit it to the Graduate School.

Full-time M.Ag. and M.S. students must submit their Plan of Study to the Graduate School no later than six months from initial enrollment in a graduate program. Ph.D. students should submit their Plan of Study to the Graduate School within twelve months of enrollment in the doctoral program.

The forms used for submitting or revising the Plan of Study are available in the Department's office, at the Graduate School, or off the Graduate School web site. Minor revisions of the Plan of Study can be made with the approval of the Graduate Advisory Committee and the Graduate School, using the form provided by the Graduate School. Major changes, however, require submission of a new Plan of Study. Notification and approval of all changes must be provided to the Graduate School before the beginning of the final semester.

Research Outline

The graduate student should present to his/her Graduate Advisory Committee a detailed research outline of the proposed thesis or dissertation research early in the student's graduate program.

Residence Requirements

See the current edition of the Auburn University Bulletin for residency requirements.

Thesis and Dissertation

The thesis for the M.S. and the dissertation for the Ph.D. must be the work of the student. A Thesis and Dissertation Guide is available at the Graduate School's web site. The Graduate School accepts only theses and dissertations prepared according to this Guide. The Graduate School Calendar lists the deadline for acceptance of theses and dissertations by the Graduate School each semester. Each semester the Graduate School conducts a thesis/dissertation workshop. Students should attend this workshop before writing their thesis--usually during the school term preceding their expected date of graduation. Also, the Graduate School will check students' theses/dissertations for format prior to the deadline for each semester. Students are strongly advised to use this service.

The Graduate School offers registration in GRAD 7900 ("Thesis Completion" for M.S. candidates) and GRAD 8900 ("Dissertation Completion" for Ph.D. candidates). Information on registration for GRAD 7900 and GRAD 8900 can be found in the Bulletin. Students enrolled in GRAD 7900/8900 must be concurrently enrolled in PLPA or ENTM 7990/8990. Enrollment in GRAD 7900/8900 is for students in the final stages of completing their programs and enables a student to be certified as full-time by the Registrar.

Thesis and dissertation binding fees must be paid in advance (check Bulletin for current amount). Generally, 3 to 5 copies are required. Students must realize that learning to write as professionals in a scientific discipline is an important part of Graduate training. This process cannot be rushed. Students must plan ahead and allow sufficient time for writing their thesis or dissertation (see note below on Ph.D. dissertation, which also applies to the M.S. thesis).

1. Master of Science in Entomology and Plant Pathology

The topic selected for the thesis must be approved by the student's major professor and advisory committee. The student conducts the research and prepares the thesis under the direction of the major professor. This work is usually considered as being done for the course PLPA or ENTM 7990.

2. Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy is primarily a research degree, and the candidate must demonstrate a capacity for independent research by conducting original research and producing a dissertation that constitutes a contribution to knowledge. The dissertation is required of every student and is the primary evidence offered by the student that he or she qualifies for this high academic distinction. The student conducts the research and prepares the dissertation under the direction of the major professor.

The "Guide to Preparation and Submission of Theses and Dissertations," available from the Graduate School, contains policy on copyright, microfilming for "Dissertation Abstracts," and publication of the dissertation. In general, the dissertation may not be published in its entirety before all degree requirements have been completed, but the student can publish, prior to the conferral of the degree, certain findings that later will be incorporated into the dissertation. In this case, appropriate acknowledgment of the earlier publication should be included in the dissertation.

A candidate for a Ph.D. degree should allow a minimum of 12 weeks to prepare his/her dissertation after completion of the research. This is based on estimates of time required for writing and review. Committee members should be given a final draft after comments of the major professor have been addressed. Then, after the student corrects the dissertation, Committee members should be given the corrected dissertation 2 weeks before the examination is scheduled. Approximately 1 more week will be required to incorporate revisions suggested by the Committee and to do the final typing.

These time intervals are approximations subject to considerable variation; for example, some advisors may require research to be written in publishable form before the examination. Students, therefore, must plan very carefully, in consultation with their advisors, so as to allow sufficient time for writing the dissertation between the termination of their research and the date that they must respond to other commitments.

Time Limits - M. Ag. and M.S.

Students in the Master's programs must complete all requirements within five calendar years of first registering in the Graduate School. Reasonable extensions of this time limit may be allowed by the Graduate School upon petition by the student if the Department so recommends. Petitions for extension of time must detail the reasons for delay, the current status of requirements fulfilled, and an estimate of the time required to complete all requirements. It is, however, reasonable to expect a full-time M.S. student to complete degree requirements in less than 3 years.

Master's students who intend to continue for a Ph.D. degree in the Department must submit a written request to enter into a Ph.D. program. This request should be sent to the Chair of the Department three months before completing the M.S. degree.

Time Limits - Ph.D.

Doctoral students have seven calendar years, four years from completion of the oral examination, to complete their degrees. It is reasonable to expect that full-time doctoral students can complete degree requirements in less than 5 years.

Tracking

Progress toward fulfilling all steps of the degree requirements is monitored regularly by the Graduate Program Officer (GPO) in each discipline. Prior to registration, each student provides the GPO with an updated tracking form that is to be signed by their major professor. Students are expected to meet with and consult their advisory committees, and a minimum of two progress meetings per year with their advisory committee is recommended.

<< back to top

Examinations

All students are responsible for scheduling examinations at the appropriate times as indicated below.

PRESCRIPTIVE EVALUATION, optional at the discretion of the Advisory Committee, for both Masters' and Ph.D. students.

The purpose of this evaluation is for the Advisory Committee to discuss the student's background, interests, and goals, and identify possible areas of deficiency. This evaluation process may include an examination (written and/or oral) at the discretion of the student's Advisory Committee. This evaluation should be completed by the end of the first six months of enrollment for Masters' students and by the end of nine months of enrollment for Ph.D. students. The main intent of the prescription evaluation is to formulate the Plan of Study.

ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY (Ph.D. Prelim) EXAM, required for Ph.D. students. ["General Doctoral Examination" in Grad School Bulletin]

A student becomes a candidate for the Ph.D. degree upon successful completion of their prelim. This exam is required of all applicants for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. It consists of written and oral testing by the student's advisory committee in the student's major and minor areas, plus any related areas of study. The primary purpose of the prelim is to assess the student's understanding of the broad body of knowledge in the student's discipline. The examination also affords the advisory committee an opportunity to review the student's proposed research and understanding of research methods and literature in the chosen field. If the general examination reveals deficiencies in any area, the advisory committee may recommend remedial work, re-examination, or discontinuation of doctoral study.

The written portion of the examination does not require approval in advance by the Graduate School. In the Department, each member of the Advisory Committee administers his/her own written exam to a Ph.D. student, and committee members have the option not to give a written exam. The intent of the written exam is to test knowledge and the student's ability to communicate in clear written English.

The oral portion of this exam is given by the entire committee and requires approval, in advance, by the Graduate School. Arrangements must be made by application to the Graduate School Office at least one week in advance.

It is required that the prelim be taken by the end of the second year of enrollment or by completion of 2/3 course credits required for the degree. The oral examination should be conducted immediately after the successful completion of the written examination. At least one complete semester must intervene between the general oral and final examinations.

Successful completion of the prelim requires unanimous support of the student's advisory committee. If the prelim is failed, a second prelim exam may be given on recommendation of the committee and approval by the Dean of the Graduate School. Further examinations require exceptional circumstances and approval by the Graduate Council.

FINAL EXAMINATION, required for both Master's and Ph.D. students.

The Final Examination, also called the "defense" is administered by the student's advisory committee. The main objective of the final examination is for the student to provide defense of their entire thesis or dissertation, including the literature review, the experimental methods, results and conclusions. Questions also may be asked of any area in the student's discipline and of any minor areas of study that a student pursued, which is the primary focus of the exam for M.Ag. students.

After an initial draft of the student's thesis or dissertation has been completed and approved by the student's advisory committee, the Final Examination can be scheduled. Doctoral candidates must submit their dissertation to the Graduate School for appointment of an outside reader. The outside reader serves as a representative of the Graduate School and reviews the dissertation. The student's advisor may recommend a specific Graduate Faculty member as an outside reader, and this may be done at any time rather than waiting until after the dissertation is submitted. When the Graduate School has approved the dissertation, Doctoral candidates may apply for the final examination on a Doctoral First Draft Approval Form from the Graduate School. This application must be filed with the Graduate School at least one week in advance of the exam.

Successful completion of the Final Exam requires unanimous support of all members of the student's Advisory Committee. Any member of the Graduate Faculty may attend these Final Examinations and ask questions; however, only committee members may vote on the student's success. If a student fails the final examination, a second final examination may be given on recommendation of the advisory committee and approval by the Dean of the Graduate School. Further examination requires exceptional circumstances and approval of the Graduate Council.

The Final Examination needs to be scheduled not later than the deadline indicated in the Graduate School Calendar.

In addition to successful completion of all examinations, final copies of the dissertation must be submitted to the Graduate School before the degree is conferred.

<< back to top

Additional Departmental Considerations

Research and other responsibilities may dictate irregular working hours. Extended periods of unaccountable absence are not in keeping with expectations of graduate students. Graduate students should not underestimate the effect that their observed work schedule and habits can have on their major professor and Advisory Committee. Regular working hours for the University are 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Equipment Use and Purchasing. Graduate students do not have the authority to commit funds, equipment, space, or materials belonging to the University to any person or organization and should refer such requests to their major professor. Laboratory equipment may be used with the consent of the responsible faculty member. A written record of loans should be made. Lost or stolen equipment must be reported to the major professor. The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology does not furnish paper, pencils, computer supplies, copies, calculators, and other supplies for personal use by graduate students. Supplies needed for an official project should be procured by the major professor. Use of long distance telephone service is for official business only and permission for each use must be secured from the major professor. Graduate students may not encumber university funds for the purchase of equipment or supplies or use the xeroxing purchase order in the library without permission of your major professor. Graduate students will be required to pay for unauthorized purchases.

Travel. Graduate students who travel on departmental funds should become thoroughly familiar with travel regulations. Before making an official trip or driving a state vehicle, you must be on the in-state travel list and secure the permission of your major professor. This will frequently require completing a "Request for Authority to Travel" form at least five days prior to travel if you are traveling out of state. Following such an official trip, information on the itinerary and purpose of trip, along with specific expenditures and receipts, must be provided on appropriate forms (also available in departmental business offices).

Faculty in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology believe that participation in scientific meetings is an important part of the training of graduate students. Graduate students gain valuable experience from presenting papers at such meetings where they act as representatives of the Department and the University. When possible, the Department will provide financial support to students who wish to participate in scientific meetings. Funds designated for graduate student travel are under the control of the Department Chair. Individual faculty may agree to provide additional support if they have the resources to do so. Graduate students are encouraged to apply for travel support from the Graduate School. Obtain the Application for Graduate Travel Awards Form from the Graduate School Homepage or the Graduate School to apply for these funds.

All graduate students are required to provide some assistance to the teaching program. Holders of fellowships and traineeships are not required to perform duties other than graduate study and research.

<< back to top

Appendix

	Student Thesis Proposal Seminar Evaluation Form
	M.S. Tracking Form
	Ph.D. Tracking Form

<< back to top

Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station Alabama Cooperative Extension System Auburn Online Community Bookstore Communications & Marketing Resources Crisis/Incident Assistance Diversity and Multicultural Affairs Financial Aid Hotel and Conference Center Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art Medical Clinic Southeastern Raptor Center Special Reports Students w/ Disabilities Theatre

	Faculty & Staff \| Graduate Students \| Web Publications \| Services Offered
	Insects of Alabama Trees \|Insect Related Links Plant Related Links Search