Explore the World of Insect Science
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 and are found in nearly every habitat. They are essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems, and management of both beneficial and pest insects is critical to global food security.
Students of entomology pursue careers in environmental science, conservation, agriculture, public health, horticulture, food processing, pest control, public education, and with state and federal agencies.
⚠ Important Update
The Insect Science major is no longer accepting new students.
- Current Insect Science majors: You will continue your degree and graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Insect Science.
- Future students interested in entomology: Explore the Integrated Science major (entomology can be integrated into your plan) or add the Insect Science minor to your degree.
Prospective Students
Pair your primary degree with specialized training in entomology. The minor complements majors such as art, biology, agronomy, horticulture, environmental science, natural resources and more. The Insect Science minor requires 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) may count toward the requirements. Students must develop their minor course plan in consultation with an entomology advisor.
Explore the Insect Science Minor
Current Insect Science Majors
Note: This program is only available to students enrolled before January 2026.
The Insect Science major prepares students for careers that apply insect knowledge to environmental and human systems, such as environmental quality, conservation biology, forensic investigation, and discovery research. The degree also provides strong preparation for professional programs such as veterinary, medical, and graduate studies.
Resources for Current Majors:
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Louise Lynch-O'Brien
| College | College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources |
|---|---|
| Available Programs | Insect Science Minor |
| Faculty Advisor | Dr. Louise Lynch-O'Brien |
| Entomology Courses | View Insect Science Classes |
| Student Support & Activities |
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.
- Research Entomologist
- Laboratory Research Assistant
- Plant Protection and Quarantine Technician
- Science Teacher*
- Scientist*
- Extension Educator*
- Navy Medical Entomologist*
- Research Technician
- Insect Zoo Education Program Coordinator
*After graduate school