What Can I Do With a Major In Entomology?
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.
Class of 2021 Career Outcomes for Entomology*
** Includes Self-Employed
Campus Resources
- UGA Entomology Department
- The H.O. Lund Entomology Club
- Georgia Entomological Society
- UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Clubs
To find additional clubs and organizations, go to the Center for Student Organizations
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Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations/Considerations
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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 (click on Find Occupations)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook (type in general term for career of interest)
- Georgia Career Information Center (accessible only on campus computers)
- Firsthand (Explore a library of guides, articles, and other resources to help you explore careers, plan your job search, and learn about different work environments. Create a free account with your UGA email.)
- Candid Career (Watch recorded informational interviews of professionals in specific careers. Filter videos by career title, college major, industry, and more.)
Employment Websites
Professional Associations/Resources
- Entomological Society of America
- Insects on the Web
- Forensic Entomology
- Association of Applied IPM Ecologists
- Agriculture Future of America
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 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 |
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 |