The field of insect science encompasses the agricultural, biological, and environmental sciences related to insects and their interactions with humans. Insects and their relatives are the most abundant animals on earth, are commonly found in all habitats, and are essential in maintaining our ecosystem. Insect science offers numerous career opportunities in both basic and applied fields.
The core curriculum provides students with a balanced education focusing on insect identification, biology, structure and function, behavior, ecology, and diversity, as well as courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and the humanities. In addition to the core, there are two options from which students can select an area of focus which meets their own interest and career objectives.
Options for the Insect Science Major
Science
The Insect Science Option is designed for students interested in careers focusing on the basic biology of insects and other arthropods. This option is suitable for students considering any career involving entomology (e.g., academia, research, medicine, forensics, environmental quality, conservation biology, or health-related fields), but is especially appropriate preparation for entry into professional programs such as veterinary and medical schools and with many graduate school disciplines. Students pursuing this option must choose LIFE 120 & LIFE 120L and BIOS 206 in meeting the entomology degree requirements in life sciences. Completion of the Science Option will also fulfill requirements for a minor in biological sciences.IPM and Pest Science
The IPM and Pest Science Option is designed for students considering careers in agriculture, agribusiness, consulting (e.g., agricultural, environmental, public health, and urban), extension, state and federal government agencies (e.g., APHIS, EPA, USDA, and state departments of agriculture), horticulture, the military, food processing, and pest control. Examples of areas of focus include agronomic and horticultural pests or urban pests. This option is also suitable as preparation for graduate studies leading to academic or research careers in applied entomology.Insect Science Minor
A minor in insect science will consist of at least 18 credit hours of entomology, including at least 6 hours at the 300 level or above. BIOS 381 Invertebrate Zoology, and up to 3 hours of ENTO 496 Independent Study in Entomology, may be counted towards the minor requirements. The course of study leading to a minor in insect science must be developed in consultation with, and be approved by, an advisor in the Department of Entomology. Advisors for the minor are assigned by the Head of the Department of Entomology.
| College: | College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources |
|---|---|
| Degree: |
Bachelor of Science in Insect Science |
| Hours Required: | 120 |
| Minimum Cumulative GPA: | 2.0 for graduation |
| Minor Available: | Insect Science Minor |
| Insect Science Classes: | https://entomology.unl.edu/insect-science-classes |
| Student Support: | Student Resources link |
Entomologists are:
- Growing Food– working with farmers to manage insect pests and protect crops while simultaneously protecting beneficial insects and the environment.
- Saving Lives – finding ways to prevent insects from spreading diseases and helping to discover new medicines and treatments.
- Helping Animals – working with zookeepers, ranchers, forest rangers, and veterinarians to help them protect animals from dangerous insects.
- Understanding Nature – studying insects in their roles in the environment, such as pollinators, decomposers, parasites, predators, and sources of food for other animals.
- Discovering Species – finding new species allows us to better understand insect evolution, biodiversity, and the role of insects in nature.
- Saving our Forests – studying insects that harm wild plants and forests and ways to prevent and control them.
- Fighting Crime – examining bodies to find insects that may give clues to the time of death, and whether the body has been moved since then.
- Protecting the Quality of Life – Entomologists help us keep our homes, schools, hospitals, and recreational areas free of pests.
Career Outlook
Almost 50% of our graduates go on for advanced degrees.
- Science Teacher*
- Scientist*
- Marketing Specialist
- Extension Educator*
- Navy Medical Entomologist*
- Research Technician
- Insect Zoo Coordinator,
- Dept. of Health and Human Services
- Medical School*
*After graduate school