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Bioagricultural Sciences M.S. – Pest Management Specialization Hero

Bioagricultural Sciences M.S. – Pest Management Specialization

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Study with experts, build your knowledge, and stand out in your field

Pest management does not mean poisoning food—period. Our Master’s Specialization trains students in science-based, environmentally responsible practices like Integrated Pest Management (IPM), precision agriculture, and ecosystem-based strategies. It’s about making data-driven decisions to protect crops, reduce chemical use, and support sustainable food systems. We’re educating tech-savvy scientists, not just applicators—people who think critically about food safety, environmental impact, and global agricultural sustainability.

Application Dates
Fall semester
July 15*
Spring semester
December 1*
Summer semester
April 1*
*Note: Application dates may vary depending on student status. Learn more.
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As an online student at CSU, you get:

The same faculty
The same high academic standards
The same affordable in-state tuition anywhere in the world
The same connection to fellow classmates and instructors

With CSU Online, you are enrolled at Colorado State University, a top-tier, regionally accredited institution recognized by U.S. News and World Report.

A vibrant community that cares

CSU Online collaborates closely with the departments across the University as well as government, business, and nonprofit organizations to foster a vibrant community that cares about learners, their experience, and their success.

Top 7% Best Professors in USA, #1 in Colorado
Program Details
Courses
Online
Credits
34
Tuition
$624 per credit
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships Tuition/fees are just part of the cost to attend CSU. Learn more about the full Cost of Attendance
Degree Awarded
Master of Science in Bioagricultural Sciences, Pest Management Specialization
Time Frame
Can be completed in 2 years
Admission Reqs.
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework
  • GRE not required
Questions? Your dedicated support coach has the answers
Morgan Parsley headshot
Morgan Parsley
Prospective Student Support Coach
Morgan was personable and knowledgeable, and provided helpful answers.
Degree Overview

Smart solutions for safer food

Pest management does not mean poisoning food—period. Our Master’s Specialization trains students in science-based, environmentally responsible practices like Integrated Pest Management (IPM), precision agriculture, and ecosystem-based strategies. It’s about making data-driven decisions to protect crops, reduce chemical use, and support sustainable food systems. We’re educating tech-savvy scientists, not just applicators—people who think critically about food safety, environmental impact, and global agricultural sustainability.

Learn to sustain our food supply and provide agricultural biosecurity

Insects, plant diseases, and weeds cause major annual losses in food production worldwide. The Pest Management M.S. degree is the only internship-based M.S. in the United States that provides training on all biotic stresses faced in food production, including entomology, plant pathology, and weed science.

The Pest Management M.S. degree is a Plan B M.S. coursework and internship-based program that prepares students to work to sustain our food and fiber supply, provide agricultural biosecurity, and protect our natural ecosystems from pests, plant diseases, and weeds. Students complete coursework, an internship, and a professional paper.

A systems-based emphasis on environmental sustainability

At the core of this program is a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Sustainability isn't an afterthought — it's woven throughout the curriculum. Courses such as Advanced Integrated Pest Management, Herbicide Selectivity and Action, Environmental Plant Stress Physiology, and Soils and Global Change underscore the program’s focus on managing pests while protecting ecosystems. Students learn how to reduce chemical dependency, support pollinator health, and align pest control strategies with sustainable agricultural practices.

Whether applying molecular science to pest resistance or developing ecological approaches to invasive species, students are prepared to lead efforts in protecting both crop productivity and the long-term health of our environment.

A career path with growing industry demand

There is a great need for people with advanced training in agriculture and food systems, and the number of people currently prepared to work in these fields is lower than the number of jobs available.

Top 1%
of universities worldwide, according to The Center for World University Rankings.
85%
of CSU grads secure a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation.
A+
More than nine out of ten Rams would select CSU again.
17:1
Average student-to-faculty ratio.
Explore Careers

This program prepares students to work as extension educators, import/export inspectors, crop advisors, or in multiple industry roles focused on management of insects, plant diseases, and weeds in agricultural systems. Overall, employment of students from our graduate programs is nearly 100%.

Faculty
Curriculum

Effective Fall 2023

Questions? Your dedicated support coach has the answers
Morgan Parsley headshot
Morgan Parsley
Prospective Student Support Coach
Morgan was personable and knowledgeable, and provided helpful answers.
How to Apply

1 Review Admission Requirements

The Master of Science in Bioagricultural Sciences – Pest Management Specialization Degree requires applicants to have the following:

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate coursework.
  • GRE not required

Note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on several factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.

2 Prepare Application Materials

Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.

  • Three letters of recommendation:

    Three professional recommendations are required. You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.

  • Statement of purpose:

    The statement of purpose is typically 1-2 pages and briefly describes:

    • Your background
    • Your educational goals and leadership potential
    • Your research interests and experience
    • Why you are a good fit in the program
    • Motivation for pursuing graduate work in integrated resource management
  • Resume:

    Your resume should contain the following:

    • Record of all education and training, including names of institutions, periods of attendance, and degree earned
    • Record of all professional employment including dates of service (including military)
    • List of any special skills or competencies (including certifications and licensures)
    • List of publications, exhibitions, prizes, awards, or other recognition
    • List of service activities (including community and charitable)

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received. When choosing program of study, please indicate your specialization of choice:

CSU's Graduate School offers several application fee waiver opportunities. Visit their website to determine if you are eligible for a waiver.

4 Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Please Note: Students may be unconditionally admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted, prior to or during your first semester, before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Failure to meet this condition will result in your dismissal from the Graduate School.

Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.

Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary)
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

5 Submit Test Scores (Optional)

GRE test scores are not required, but may be submitted if you feel these will strengthen your application. Submit official GRE General Test scores through the Educational Testing Service (select institution code: 4075, leave the department code blank). Scores are typically received by the University 4-6 weeks after your testing date.

  • All three sections — verbal, quantitative, and analytical — must be submitted. Photocopies are not accepted.
  • CSU graduates do not, generally, need to take the GRE. If you think it will strengthen your application, though, we recommend you do take it.

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements.

Questions? Call (970) 491-5678 or email moparsl1@colostate.edu.

Application Dates
Fall semesterJuly 15
Spring semesterDecember 1
Summer semesterApril 1

Note: Full consideration will be given to applicants who have submitted all documents on time. Applications received after the deadline will be considered only on a space-available basis.

Apply Now

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Apply Now
Questions? Your dedicated support coach has the answers
Morgan Parsley headshot
Morgan Parsley
Prospective Student Support Coach
Morgan was personable and knowledgeable, and provided helpful answers.