UGA Career Center

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 2023 Career Outcomes for Entomology*

** Includes Self-Employed

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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

Supplemental Career Research Dashboard

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

Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)
LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!)
Idealist (non-profit jobs)
USAJobs (federal jobs)

Professional Associations/Resources

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 Title Reported by Class of 2023 Entomology majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 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)
LifeLine Animal Project	Veterinary Assistant
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company	Guest Services Expert

* 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 2023 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 2023 Entomology majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 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)
Medical College of Georgia	Medicine, MD
St. George’s University	Medicine, MD
University of Georgia	Unspecified Doctoral Program
University of Georgia	Entomology, MS
University of Kentucky	Entomology, MS