Insects and Society

Insects account for more than half of all animal species on Earth, and they contribute to countless biological processes in plants and animals. The field of entomology helps in protecting crops and understanding and treating diseases.

A Bachelor of Science in Entomology prepares you to for a career in agriculture, health care and the pharmaceutical industry.

In hands-on laboratories, you might study how hormonal changes in mosquitoes affect malaria transmission or how aphids inhibit photosynthesis in crops. You’ll get more hands-on learning opportunities at our on-campus farms and computer-controlled greenhouses. Take field trips to observe insects in their native habitats and to collect samples—you might spot a rare wasp species laying eggs or bring back a lacewing to watch it prey on aphids.

You’ll learn from teachers involved in today’s most pressing issues in entomology.

Most of our students complete an internship the summer between their junior and senior year.

Prepare for Success

This major is a good fit if you can see yourself:

• Exploring ways insects contribute to ecosystems from the Arctic to the tropics.
• Developing approaches to creating a healthier, more sustainable environment.
• Getting a broad scientific education that includes biology, microbiology, biochemistry, environmental science and more.

• Take courses in science and biology.
• Observe insects in nature.
• Practice your leadership skills in clubs, student office or 4-H activities.

Your First Year

Your first year, you will hone your communication skills with course work in writing and public speaking. You will also lay the foundation for the study of entomology with courses in chemistry and cell biology.

More advanced major courses include insect anatomy and physiology, insect identification, genetics and soil ecosystems.

See the four-year plan.

What You Can Do

With this degree, you may become one of the following:

• Pest management specialist: Plan and implement insect management strategies in farm fields, forests, greenhouses, and other indoor and outdoor settings.
• Field representative: Represent agrochemical companies and advise farmers and ranchers on the use of crop protection products.
• Research assistant: Join a team of scientists studying topics from basic insect biology to environmental monitoring to pest management.
• Biocontrol consultant: Form your own company to provide advice on biological control options for pest problems. Supply biocontrol agents to clients.
• Agricultural inspector: Inspect products for insect pests at U.S. ports of entry.
• Curator: Collect, identify and organize insect specimens for a museum.

Opportunities

Our graduates accept positions with starting salaries of up to $45,000 in private industry, universities and government agencies.

You may also want to continue your education. Earn an advanced degree in any area of biology, in agriculture or in environmental science.

Current Research

Participate in a departmental research project exploring biologically-based pest management. Explore how crushed mustard seeds naturally deter insects. Monitor aquatic insects in streams and rivers. Participate in the pest management aspects of growing wheat for biofuel. Paid positions are available.

Our faculty members are also researching:

• Insect biodiversity
• Chemical ecology of insects
• Innovative methods of pest control in sustainable farming systems and landscapes
• Insects as vectors of disease
• Insects for weed control

Activities

Aldrich Entomology Club: Explore insect and plant interactions in the field and collect samples to add to the University of Idaho entomology museum, make presentations, socialize with students and entomology experts.
Plant and Soil Science Club: Grow plants to sell; visit the Japanese Gardens or World Forestry Center in Portland.
Soil Stewards: Help control pest insects—and encourage helpful ones—at the University of Idaho organic farm.

Hands-On Experience

Intern. Get practical experiences like these:

• USDA: Study how wood ticks spread Lyme disease.
• U.S. Forest Service: Research how aphids locate host plants.
• Natural Resources Conservation Service: Assess the health of streams by studying their aquatic insect populations.

Study abroad. Deepen your understanding of your major—and the world—in countries like these:

• India: Learn how crop pests are managed on 1000-year-old terraced hillsides.
• Taiwan: Observe insects in agriculture and aquaculture.
• Mexico: Learn how coffee and mango plantations manage insect pests and pollinators.

Volunteer. Give back. Grow produce for a local food bank. Introduce 4-H youth groups and elementary school classes to the amazing world of insects.

Facilities

The William F. Barr Entomology Museum contains more than one million insect specimens, plus live walking sticks and hissing cockroaches. The department’s facilities also include two farms and two state-of-the-art greenhouses.