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Ferguson College of Agriculture

Welcome

The Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology offers undergraduate Entomology majors three degree options that provide hands-on opportunities, interactive learning, and potential employment within the department, so you’ll be prepared with practical experience for nearly any entomological career. The department also offers graduate students two masters options and two doctoral options.

We have resources on our website for current and future students, people interested in our research on insects and plant diseases, and people interested in controlling pest insects and damaging plant diseases.

Departmental Information

Faculty & Staff

Meet our current and recent emeriti faculty and staff.

Alumni and Friends

Stay in touch with the department.

Plant Disease & Insect Diagnostics Lab

Get accurate diagnoses of plant diseases and insect pests and recommendations for their control.

Newsletters and News

Stay informed with department news.

Institute for Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics

A national hub of research and prioritization in plant and food-related microbial forensics and agricultural biosecurity.

About Entomology & Plant Pathology

What is Entomology?

Entomology is the discipline of insect science and is a biological science curriculum that uses insects as models to illustrate science concepts.

What does entomology involve?

Entomology involves everything from "outdoor" work in environmental issues (invasive species, emerging arthropod-borne disease), ecology, animal behavior, parasitology, insect-plant interactions to very "high tech" applications in biotechnology, molecular studies, forensics, and medical/veterinary entomology.

What is Plant Pathology?

Plant pathology is the study of the cause, forecast, spread, genetics, and management of plant diseases, and encompasses many if not all plants of economic importance including crops, trees, and horticultural/ornamental plants.

What does plant pathology involve?

Plant pathology uses knowledge, techniques, and expertise from a multitude of disciplines such as mycology, virology, bacteriology, nematology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, plant anatomy, plant physiology, genetics, microbial forensics, and epidemiology to study, understand, and manage plant diseases.

Entomology & Plant Pathology Announcements

Summer Heat and Drought Take a Toll on the Landscape

August 30, 2026

Learn how to help Oklahoma landscapes survive late-summer heat and drought with tips for prioritizing plants, watering deeply and efficiently, maintaining lawns, applying mulch and selecting drought-tolerant plants.

Native Ornamental Grasses Add Interest to the Landscape

August 23, 2026

Learn about ornamental grasses that add year-round interest with unique textures, colors and movement while providing food and habitat for wildlife. Discover two Oklahoma standouts: blue grama and pink muhly grass.

Theileria Cases, LRP Program and Drought Assistance

August 22, 2026

This week on SUNUP, experts discuss Theileria in cattle, drought assistance and grain markets, Livestock Risk Protection, summer horse feeding and soil water infiltration. The episode also highlights an OSU student design project addressing streambank erosion and runoff.