Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology, PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology establishes advanced knowledge in the insect, nematode, and plant sciences to prepare students for careers in research and higher education in the life sciences. With an emphasis on insects, arthropods, and plant and animal diseases, this program provides a basis for careers that will impact Tennesseans.
Program Overview
This doctoral program is the only of its kind in Tennessee, providing the highest level of education for students interested in the areas of entomology, plant pathology, and nematology. The program is rooted in original investigation, allowing students to focus their research on bioinformatics, organismal biology, ecology, systematics, sustainable disease, and more.
The Department of Environmental and Plant Pathology specializes in alternative methods of insect and disease management, such as biological control, resistant cultivars, cultural techniques, and integrated pest management to help meet the need for safe food production without or with reduced use of pesticides.
Concentrations
The doctoral program offers three concentrations: bioinformatics, genomics, and molecular interactions; organismal biology, ecology, and systematics; sustainable disease and integrated pest management.
Why study Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology?
Exclusive Graduate Opportunity
The entomology, plant pathology, and nematology doctorate is the only of its kind in the state and at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As a doctoral-exclusive opportunity to study entomology and nematology, students gain a cross‑disciplinary education through diverse research pathways.
Research
Students in the doctoral program participate in rigorous research projects that directly impact Tennesseans. Core research topics include: bioinformatics, genomics, and molecular interactions; organismal biology, ecology, and systematics; sustainable disease and integrated pest management systems.
Each research pathway has over ten specialized staff members, making valuable experiences easily accessible for students.
What can you do with a degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology?
A doctoral degree in entomology, plant pathology, and nematology prepares students for a wide range of careers in agriculture, biotechnology, environmental science, public health, and academia. Graduates have pursued positions at universities as professors and researchers, Integrated Pest Management specialists, Extension specialists, biosecurity/invasive species specialists, and more.
Featured Courses
EPP 505 – Mycology
Survey of the fungal kingdom and traditional allies in the context of phyla and taxonomic classes. Topics include: systematics, biology, reproduction, structure-function, physiology, genetics, mycotic diseases of animals and plants, mycotoxins, hallucinogens, and poisons, insect-fungal associations, composting, edible mushrooms, industrial uses of fungi, fermented food and beverages, and fungal ecology.
EPP 516 – Biopesticides
Plant protection, natural products, and international issues in crop protection. The history of biopesticides, their modes of action, challenges, and trends in biopesticide development, and biopesticides in integrated pest management systems will be discussed.
EPP 604 – Advanced Topics in Plant Pathology
Biological control, disease diagnosis and management, epidemiology, fungal plant pathogens, integrated pest management, molecular plant-microbe interactions, plant pathogenesis, plant pathogenic bacteria, soil- and seed-borne pathogens, and virology.
EPP 606 – Advanced Topics in Nematology
Specialized instruction on systematics, physiology, ecology, genetics, genomics, and evolution of nematodes, plants, insects, mollusks, medical and veterinary nematology, nematode biodiversity, entomopathogenic nematodes, nematode-microbe interactions, plant-nematode interactions, and biological control.
Admissions and Aid
Learn more about admissions and aid by visiting the links below.