What Can I Do With a Major In Entomology?
UGA Specific Information for Entomology
Insects destroy about one-third of the food and fiber produced worldwide and transmit devastating pathogens of plants and animals; however, they also pollinate valuable food and forest crops, significantly increase the productivity of soils, and are important components in most food chains. The Entomology major at UGA is a thorough, science-based, applied biology curriculum which provides a broad background of the study of insects. Our courses cover insect physiology, behavior, conservation, and ecology, as well as chemical and biological control of pests in agriculture and in urban settings. Our graduates will have strong skills in field identification as well as lab-based molecular skills to understand how insects and microbes interact to influence human health.
An entomology degree is an excellent way to prepare for a medical career, and our curriculum will satisfy entrance requirements for professional degree programs such as medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, and pharmacy. But of course, an entomology degree can prepare you for an exciting variety of careers 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.
Being in a small program, our Entomology majors are a close-knit group, and receive individualized training and guidance from our world-class faculty. Entomology students connect with each other through the ENTO club, where they gather to celebrate their love of insects and share their knowledge with the public through outreach and service events.
Entomology students have unique opportunities to pursue independent research and paid research positions with our faculty. Students are also eligible for departmental and CAES Scholarships each academic year they are enrolled as an undergraduate student. Check our list of the top 10 best things about being an ENTO major at UGA!
Class of 2024 Career Outcomes for Entomology*
** Includes Self-Employed
Campus Resources
- UGA Entomology Department
- Georgia Entomological Society
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Clubs
To find additional clubs and organizations, go to the Center for Student Organizations
Connect with your Career Consultant for additional guidance and support
Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations
If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree, check out our website for assistance with this process
If you are considering applying to veterinary school, check out this article for specific tips
If you are interested in medical school, check out this site for details about the application process
Additional Career Research Resources
O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.
My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.
Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.
Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.
Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.
UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.
Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance.
Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.
Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.
Employment Websites
GENERAL
Professional Associations/Resources
- Entomological Society of America (ESA)
- Forensic Entomology
- Association of Applied IPM Ecologists
- Conservation Job Board: Entomology Jobs
Tip: Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. Need help finding groups? Check out the Groups You May Like link under the Interests/Groups tab. Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.
Employers/Position Titles Reported by Class of 2024 Entomology Majors
The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2024 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) |
|---|---|
| The Student Conservation Association | Field Crew Member |
Graduate/Professional Schools Attended by Class of 2024 Entomology Majors
The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2024 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) |
|---|---|
| North Carolina State University | Biology and Entomology, PhD | University of Florida | Genetics and Genomics, PhD | University of Georgia | Entomology, Master’s | University of Georgia | Entomology, Master’s | University of Georgia | Elementary Education, Master’s | University of Georgia | Comparative Biomedical Science, MS |