Since the MPPPM program is a professional degree, an internship is required instead of research for a thesis. The internship is designed to strengthen a student’s background in integrated pest management and to provide practical experience, such as with a research scientist, a pesticide company, or the Cooperative Extension Service.
Prior to the internship, the student will meet with their faculty advisor and discuss such things as the general mission of the internship host, nature of anticipated work, and goals of the institution related to integrated pest management. These and other types of information will need to be collected during the internship for inclusion in a written report. The internship project should also be approved by the MPPPM Graduate Coordinator to make sure the planned internship is appropriate for the program. If possible, the student and major professor should meet 4 to 6 weeks after the initiation of the internship and evaluate the student’s progress. It may be desirable to alter the original goals and to be observant for different integrated pest management principles during the remainder of the internship. As such, additional meetings between the student and faculty advisor throughout the course of the internship are strongly encouraged.
The recommended deadline for completing the internship is the 1st week of the last term.
Deadlines:
- Fall Semester Graduates: October 1
- Spring Semester Graduates: March 1
- Summer Semester Graduates: June 25