Insect Science
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 Integrated Science – Entomology Option is now available.
Students interested in insects can now pursue an official Entomology Option within the Integrated Science major. This flexible degree combines coursework in entomology, biology, chemistry, and mathematics while allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.
Students in the Entomology Option continue to have a home in the Department of Entomology through research, Extension, teaching, and internship experiences.
Prospective Students
Pursue a flexible, interdisciplinary degree with a focused pathway in entomology. The Integrated Science - Entomology Option combines core coursework in insect biology, identification, classification, ecology, chemistry, biology, genetics, mathematics, and statistics with 12 additional credits of entomology electives and four credits of entomology experiential learning in research, internships, teaching, and Extension. Students also select a secondary focus area aligned with their academic and career goals and complete an entomology capstone.
Contact the Faculty Advisor for more information: Dr. Louise Lynch-O'Brien
Explore the Integrated Science - Entomology Option
Pair your primary degree with a flexible, focused minor in entomology. The Insect Science minor complements majors such as art, biology, agronomy, horticulture, environmental science, natural resources, and many others. Students complete at least 18 credit hours in insect science coursework, including a minimum of 6 credits of advanced entomology courses, and work with an entomology advisor to choose classes that match their interests and career goals. Coursework in invertebrate zoology and up to three credit hours of faculty-guided independent study may also count toward the minor.
Contact the Faculty Advisor for more information: Dr. Louise Lynch-O'Brien
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 |
Apply
Entomologists and Careers
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