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UGA Specific Information for Entomology

Worldwide, insects destroy about one-third of the food and fiber we produce and they transmit some of the most devastating pathogens of plants and animals. On the other hand, insects pollinate many valuable food and forest crops, significantly increase the productivity of soils, and are important components in most food chains. A graduate in entomology should have a strong background in general biology and an understanding of the scientific method. Students learn to identify insects and other arthropods and study the biology and ecology of pests and beneficial insects in order to manage them efficiently. They should acquire a basic knowledge of agricultural production principles and how insects influence crop production. Students should also become knowledgeable about the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on insect development, about population growth, species interactions, physiological requirements, and behavior of insects.

Career opportunities are available for entomology graduates in the private sector, federal and state agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Previous graduates of UGA's entomology program are employed in the following areas:

Private Sector: agricultural industries, production (green industry, seed companies, plant breeding enterprises), chemical companies (pesticide development, pest management), food industry (post-harvest pest management, stored grains and animal feed), crop consultants (integrated pest management), and urban pest control (structural pest control industries, landscape and green house industries, golf courses, sod farms, etc.).
Federal and State Agencies: military (vector-borne diseases, quarantine facilities, sanitation of facilities, food, and vehicles); federal research laboratories (CDC, USDA, USDI, USFS, EPA, NIH, USGS); state departments of agriculture (pesticide industry regulations and educational programs, 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 pets and people); extension services (educational programs for commodity areas, educational programs for human and animal health issues); federal and state regulatory agencies (USEPA, USFDA, USDA-APHIS, Georgia Environmental Protection Division, county and municipal governments); academic institutions (research and teaching universities, two-year colleges, community and technical colleges).
Non-Governmental Organizations: museums, botanical gardens, butterfly houses and zoos.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EMPLOYERS/POSITION TITLES and GRADUATE SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS REPORTED FOR THIS MAJOR

Class of 2021 Career Outcomes for Entomology*

** Includes Self-Employed

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Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2021 Entomology majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2021 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer	Position Title(s)
9to5	Community Justice Fellow
CryoLife, Inc.	Dissector
Pace Analytical	Laboratory Technician 1
University of Georgia	Extension Intern
University of Georgia	Research Technician

* denotes no responses received.

*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2021 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2021 Entomology majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2020 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School	Program(s)
University of Georgia	Entomology, MS