Department of Entomology

FAQ for students interested in the M.S. + B.S. program

• When do I apply for the Combined B.S.+M.S. Program in Entomology?

  UCR Entomology majors should submit the SIE to the B.S.+M.S. faculty advisor during the last quarter of their junior year. Students must apply and be accepted BEFORE starting their last three quarters of the B.S. degree. You must be enrolled in the program for 3 consecutive quarters as an undergraduate (i.e., senior year) and 3 consecutive quarters as a graduate student (i.e., the 5th year or MS year).

• Do I need to be an entomology major to enter the combined BS+MS program in Entomology?

  Yes. The program is restricted to ENTM majors. If you are a double major, you are eligible as long as ENTM is one of your majors.

• I came in as an ETBM major with provisional acceptance to the BSMS program. Do I still need to apply?

  Yes. Students who met qualifications for provisional acceptance as incoming freshman will still need to meet all eligibility criteria and officially apply to enter the program by the end of their junior year. Please see more information about eligibility and application details for prospective students

• Can UCR seniors apply to the combined BS+MS program in Entomology?

  If you are in your last 3 quarters of your undergraduate degree, you are not eligible for the BS+MS program, but you can apply to the two-year MS program in Entomology. This degree can be earned with two years of graduate study.

• I will be applying for this program off-cycle because I am planning on graduating off-cycle (i.e., graduating in fall or winter). How does this affect my eligibility for the program?

  This program is for one full year as an undergraduate (Fall, Winter and Spring) and one full year as MS student (Fall, Winter and Spring). If you plan to graduate in a fall quarter, you will need to apply the previous fall so that you can complete 3 quarters of research (Winter, Spring and Fall) during the BS portion of the program. If you plan to graduate in a winter quarter, you will need to apply the previous winter so that you can complete 3 quarters of research (Spring, Fall, and Winter) during the BS portion of the program. For example, if you plan to graduate with your BS in Entomology in Fall Quarter of 2022, you must submit your SIE in Fall Quarter 2021 (earlier in the quarter is always preferable). Thus, if accepted into the program, you would conduct your research in Winter 2022, Spring 2022 and Fall 2022. If you apply late, you may be deemed ineligible for this program. If you have any questions about your specific situation, please reach out to one of the B.S.+M.S. faculty advisors  early on.

• I am planning to complete my bachelor's degree early and graduate after the winter quarter of my senior year. How does this affect my eligibility for the program?

  This program is for one full year as an undergraduate (F, W, and Spr) and one full year as MS student (F, W, and Spr). If you plan to graduate early, you will need to apply early so that you can complete 3 quarters of research during the BS portion of the program.

• What is the GPA requirement for the combined BS+MS program in Entomology? Is it strictly enforced?

  You will need to be familiar with all requirements for the BS+MS program in Entomology. To be eligible for admission to the BS, you must have a 3.0 overall GPA and 3.3 in upper division Entomology courses. You must maintain a 3.0 grade-point average (both overall and in the major) for each quarter of enrollment. If your GPA falls below 3.0 (either overall or in the major), you may be subject to dismissal from the BS+MS program.

• Can I apply to combined BS+MS program in Entomology after I have graduated with my Bachelor’s degree?

  No. Once you graduate with your Bachelor’s degree, you no longer qualify for the combined BS+MS program in Entomology. However, you can apply to the two-year MS program in Entomology. This degree can be earned with two years of graduate study.

• What are the requirements for the MS degree in the combined BS+MS program in Entomology?

  The unit requirements (36) are the same as the regular Master’s program in Entomology. Actual course requirements differ as BS+MS students are not required to take the Entomology Graduate Core series (ENTM 201-203). Please refer to the website for more details.

• What are the advantages of the combined BS+MS program in Entomology?

  There are several advantages: some of your undergraduate coursework can be counted towards both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and you will earn a MS degree with only one additional year. While salary prospects will largely depend on your individual qualifications, the additional experience and qualifications associated with the MS will give students a significant increase in salary. A MS in science translates to an increase in annual starting salary of $17,000 or more.

• After getting admitted into the combined BS+MS program in Entomology, what if I want to drop from the program? Can I get my BS degree?

  Yes--as long as you have satisfied the BS degree requirements.

• After dropping from the program, can I later resume the combined BS+MS program in Entomology?

  No. Once you drop from the combined BS+MS program in Entomology and collect your Bachelor’s degree in Entomology, you are no longer eligible to apply for the BS+MS program again. You would have to apply to the regular Master’s program.

• Is this master's going to be viewed as equal to a "real" masters?

  Students in the combined BS+MS program in Entomology take graduate classes and must meet the same course unit and thesis requirements as the two-year MS. Graduates of the program will receive two degrees: a BS in Entomology after completing the BS requirements and an MS in Entomology after completing the MS requirements of the combined BS+MS program in Entomology.

• Can I go to a Ph.D. program after the combined BS+MS program in Entomology?

  Yes. Competitiveness for PhD programs vary by program. However, having a Master's and the strong research experience of the combined BS+MS program will help make your application more competitive and prepare you for success in a PhD program.

• Questions or concerns?

  Please contact the BS+MS faculty advisors if you have any questions or concerns not addressed on this page.