Curriculum in Entomology

Entomology is a basic and applied science of insects and their relatives such as ticks and mites. Insects are the most numerous and diverse forms of life on earth; they are essential constituents of virtually every terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem. While society benefits from the many diverse roles played by the vast majority of insects, some species may become limiting factors in the production, processing and storage of our food and fiber crops, and to the health and well being of humans and animals. The knowledge and skills possessed by entomologists are essential components of modern integrated pest management strategies designed to safely and efficiently produce adequate food supplies for a continuously expanding world population, and to impede the transmission of insect-borne diseases, while at the same time protecting our endangered species and fragile ecosystems.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Entomology leads to a wide array of career opportunities with strong employment demands among corporate and private agribusinesses; urban pest management companies; scientific and technical organizations; local, state and federal governments; and international agencies. In addition to traditional employment opportunities in agriculture crop protection and urban pest management, graduates may also find special opportunities in areas such as forensic entomology, conservation biology, environmental quality, food quality, regulatory inspection, public health and many more. Our curriculum is designed around a basic background in systematics, morphology, physiology, toxicology and economic entomology with sufficient elective hours that a student, in consultation with the academic advisor, may tailor the degree to specific individual interests in crop production, urban, medical/veterinary, bioenvironmental, genetics, physiology/toxicology or molecular biology. In addition, students majoring in related areas such as agronomy, animal science, horticulture, biology, genetics and biomedical sciences may wish to consider augmenting their knowledge base and broaden their career opportunities by electing to either double major or to minor in entomology. Interested students should contact the departmental Undergraduate Advisor for additional information on these options.

Opportunities are also available to eligible undergraduates to pursue graduate degrees in entomology. Students interested in pursuing graduate school education after the B.S. degree should consult with an academic advisor for guidance and counseling in the development of their degree plan.