Entomology

Undergraduate Program

Entomology Degree
Curriculum for Undergraduates
Scholarships and Awards
Careers in Environmental Health Science
More Information

Entomology Degree

The Entomology major is a thorough, science-based, applied biology curriculum that prepares students for careers in almost every life science field, including molecular biology and biotechnology, systematics, ecology, environmental biology, vector biology/medical entomology, insect pest management and urban entomology. Our goal is to support and encourage students who are preparing for a career as a scientist in a federal, state, or industrial laboratory, academic institution, the military, governmental agencies, and in industry by providing them with as broad a background as possible in the many facets of insect biology.

Programs within our department encompass all levels of biological organization from the molecular level to ecosystems. In addition to training in modern methodologies of classical entomology, the department has special emphasis areas in insect biology, biological control, molecular entomology and environmental entomology.

The degree provides an excellent background for an advanced degree in many other fields, including environmental health, industrial hygiene, toxicology, public health, epidemiology, ecology and environmental engineering, and will satisfy entrance requirements for professional degree programs such as medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry and pharmacy.

Students who successfully complete the program of study receive the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences (B.S.E.S.) degree. The degree program is nationally accredited and is the only undergraduate Entomology degree in Georgia.

Prospective students are welcome to contact the Entomology Undergraduate Student Coordinator, for an introduction to undergraduate programs in entomology. General information about undergraduate education at the University of Georgia is contained in the UGA Undergraduate Bulletin. In addition, the University offers a suite of resources for helping you select a major at UGA.

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Curriculum for Undergraduates

The Entomology Curriculum involves multiple scientific fields of study. The first two years are spent taking basic and advanced courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math in addition to other UGA core requirements. During the junior and senior years, students take 16 hours of entomology courses. Students have considerable freedom in choosing additional courses of special interest (major electives) depending on their personal future goals. To fulfill their major electives students will register for 29 hours of coursework from a selection of over 30 departments in 6 colleges and schools. Faculty members teach all entomology courses and are assisted by graduate students in our entomology labs. Most of the entomology classes have a lecture format and are typically small in size (less than 30).

Students have the opportunity to earn course credit by participating in research projects with Entomology faculty and can present their findings to peers and other faculty by participating in the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities. Students are eligible for competitive funding for research projects through the Undergraduate Research Initiative.

Entomology students can gain practical experience and problem solving skills through internships, which are an integral part of the Entomology degree program at UGA.

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Scholarships and Awards

In addition to college and university awards, a limited number of scholarships are available on a competitive basis to entomology undergraduate majors. In order to be considered for an Entomology Undergraduate Scholarship, students should write a one page essay on your career goals and objectives and how a departmental scholarship will help you achieve this.

Email essay to: entomolo@uga.edu

Mail or fax to:
Marianne Robinette
Program Coordinator
413 Biological Sciences Building
Athens, GA 30602
Fax: 706/542-2279

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Careers in Environmental Health Science

Entomology graduates are employed in all levels of government, industry, and education as evidenced by this sampling of job titles held currently by our former students.

Private Sector

Agricultural Industries Production: Green Industry, Seed Companies and Plant Breeding Enterprises

Chemical: Dow Agri-sciences, Valent Biosciences, Pesticide Development, Pest Management

Food Industry: Post-Harvest Pest Management, Stored Grains and Animal Feed

Crop Consultants: Integrated Pest Management Services for corporate producers, cooperatives, individuals

Urban Pest Control: Structural Pest Control Industries critical for homes, hospitals, schools, hotels

Landscape and Greenhouse Industries: Golf courses, sod farms, etc.

Federal and State Agencies

Military: Vector-borne diseases, and facilities, food, vehicle sanitation, quarantine facilities, etc. - Army, Navy, and Air Force

Federal Research Laboratories: (Some positions require graduate degrees) USDA, USDI, USFS, EPA, NIH, USGS

State Departments of Agriculture: Pesticide industry regulations and educational programs requiring certification training, introduction of new species

State Departments of Natural Resources: Conservation Biology, Invasive Species, Environmental Biology

State, County, and City Departments of Health: Public Health Concerns, Vector Control Programs, protective programs for people and pets

Extension Services: Educational Programs for virtually all commodity areas and human and animal health issues.

Federal and State Regulatory Agencies: USEPA, USFDA, USDA-APHIS, GA Env. Protection Division, County and Municipal Governments

Academic Institutions: Research & State Universities, 2 year, junior, community or technical colleges