Agricultural Biology Sequential M.S. Degree Program
The Agricultural Biology Sequential M.S. Degree Program gives students the opportunity to earn an M.S. in Pest Management in as little as one year while studying plant, insect, and pathogen biology.
Students prepare for careers that support food and fiber production, bioagricultural security, and the protection of natural ecosystems from pests, plant diseases, and weeds.
Program Overview | Curriculum | Application Information | Faculty Research | Objectives and Outcomes | Contact Us
Program Overview
The Agricultural Biology Sequential M.S. Degree Program is designed for students who want to make a difference while working with plant, insect, and pathogen biology.
Biologists with degrees in Pest Management work to sustain the food and fiber supply, provide bioagricultural security, and protect natural ecosystems from pests, plant diseases, and weeds.
Students can earn an M.S. in Pest Management in as little as one year through this sequential degree program and become qualified to work in numerous careers in food production.
Sequential degree programs partner an undergraduate and graduate program within or between departments, programs, or SAUs in the same or differing colleges. The graduate degree is awarded only after the baccalaureate degree is awarded.
What makes this program unique:
- Sequential pathway from undergraduate study to graduate study
- Opportunity to earn an M.S. in Pest Management in as little as one year
- Focus on plant, insect, and pathogen biology
- Preparation for careers in food production
- Emphasis on food and fiber supply, bioagricultural security, and ecosystem protection
- Study related to pests, plant diseases, and weeds
Curriculum – More Information Needed
Plan of Study
Required Program Components
- Lecture Courses — 25 credits
- ANEQ 792A — Seminar: General — 1 credit
- ANEQ 699 — Thesis — Variable credits
Additional Curriculum Notes
- A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.
- At least 12 credits must be at the 500-level or above.
- Courses are selected with approval from the advisor and graduate committee.
- The program requires preparation and defense of an original research thesis.
- At least one peer-reviewed publication is expected from the thesis research effort.
Total Program Credits: ??
Application Information
Undergraduate students complete a sequential degree program application created by the partnering undergraduate and graduate programs.
The timing of the application and its requirements are defined by the partnering programs. Requirements include minimum criteria such as recommendations and research experience.
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
*Deadlines may vary depending on applicant status.
How to Apply
Students should:
- Review the sequential degree program requirements.
- Complete the SDP application created by the partnering undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Follow application timing and requirements defined by the partnering programs.
- Visit the CSU Graduate School website to learn more about the program.
Tuition & Support
- $643 per credit (online tuition; same rate worldwide)
- Federal financial aid and scholarships may be available
- Additional financial resources can be accessed through CSU Online and the Office of Financial Aid
Student Employment
Graduate assistantships (GTA, GRA, GSA) and hourly positions may be available. Students should contact their advisor and department graduate coordinator for current opportunities.
Faculty and Research
Students in the Agricultural Biology Sequential M.S. Degree Program study areas connected to plant, insect, and pathogen biology, pest management, plant diseases, weeds, bioagricultural security, and ecosystem protection.
Students may also engage with CSU facilities and outreach resources connected to agricultural biology.

Bug Zoo and Community Outreach
Volunteer with this traveling exhibit to introduce K-12 students to 30+ species of arachnids, insects, and other arthropods.

Agricultural Research and Development Center
Work directly with crops and livestock at this research and teaching complex — one of ten around the state.

Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Building
CSU’s new home for Colorado agriculture, student aspirations and agricultural innovation for global impact.
Objectives and Outcomes
The Agricultural Biology Sequential M.S. Degree Program prepares students to work with plant, insect, and pathogen biology and apply pest management knowledge to food production, bioagricultural security, and ecosystem protection.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students have opportunities to:
- Study plant, insect, and pathogen biology.
- Prepare for careers in pest management and food production.
- Learn about pests, plant diseases, and weeds.
- Support food and fiber supply systems.
- Contribute to bioagricultural security.
- Help protect natural ecosystems from pests, plant diseases, and weeds.
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue roles in:
- Agricultural Biologist and Engineer
- Agricultural Biosecurity Inspector
- Agricultural Science Research Technician
- Crop Scout
- Food Production Specialist
- Insect Molecular Biologist
- Integrated Pest Management Specialist
- Pesticide Safety Educator
- Research Biologist
- Research Entomologist
- Research Equipment or Agricultural Sales Representative
- Research Plant Pathologist
- Research Weed Scientist
- Weed Manager
Related interest areas include:
- Agriculture
- Biology
- Climate Change
- Ecosystem Health
- Entomology
- Microbiology
- Plants
- Weeds
Contact Us
Ready to learn more about the graduate programs at CSU’s College of Agricutlural Sciences? Connect with a program advisor today.

Elizabeth Furuiye
IRM Coordinator
Please contact Elizabeth with your graduate program questions.
