Academic Programs
Empowering eager learners about all things entomology, plant pathology, and microbiology
Whether you are a current or future student with questions about what to study next, PPEM has the resources you need. Explore our options for studying plant diseases, insects, microorganisms, and global diseases.
Graduate Study
Plant Pathology and Microbiology
The plant pathology graduate program at Iowa State University has a simple mission: benefit society by protecting and enhancing plant health. However, as simple as this mission may sound, the implications of what it means to our tasks in research, teaching, and extension are immense.
Are you interested in the study of small things with a big impact? Microbiology may be the program for you, with a mission to instill comprehensive understandings of microbiology and its relevance to human society and global health, and cultivate the concepts and skills necessary to succeed in related careers.
Entomology
The entomology graduate program offers a unique experience for those interested in pursuing careers in entomology, with a dynamic graduate program, outstanding professional development opportunities, and state-of-the-art research facilities. The graduate student experience combines small town life with outstanding cultural and academic amenities. ISU entomology graduates have high placement within industry, federal agencies (e.g. USDA, EPA) and within academia.
Microbiology
The Interdepartmental Microbiology (IM) Graduate Program offers both M.S. and Ph. D. degree opportunities in all aspects of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiology. A large number of University departments and affiliated national laboratories in Ames participate, bringing together faculty with expertise in biochemistry, ecology, genetics and molecular biology, biogeochemistry, biorenewables, food safety and security, veterinary microbiology, medical microbiology, plant pathology, virology, entomology, immunology, parasitology, mycology, and microbial genomics, among others.
Undergraduate Study
Global Health Minor
The Global Health minor is a transdisciplinary program designed for students who seek a broad and flexible set of skills for understanding contemporary health challenges and broad-based thinking in finding solutions. Humans are at the core of Global Health, which is viewed and addressed through an understanding of disease, disease transmission, health and well-being. Global health incorporates all cultures and places and integrates knowledge of health's social, anthropological, historical, biological, and ecological dimensions. The program cultivates capacities to deal with complex problems across disciplines and social constructs: how to identify the critical issues, ask the right questions, and create solutions that are meaningful, lasting and effective.
Insect Science Minor
A minor in Insect Science will provide students with a foundation in the biological sciences with an emphasis on insects. Studying entomology prepares students for positions in industry, government, education, and public health. Chemical and seed companies, pest management or consulting firms, and horticultural nurseries employ insect scientists. State and federal agencies employ need consultants, extension directors, mosquito abatement agents, and research aides. Other possibilities are advanced graduate degrees in academia or professional degrees in the medical or veterinary fields.