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What is entomology?

Entomology is the study of insects and their relatives. Entomology offers you the opportunity to explore the diversity of nature through the study of arthropods and their interactions with plants, animals and human culture.

Why entomology at OSU?

Insects are the most numerous and diverse form of life on Earth, and more than one million species have been described. It has been estimated there are up to 10 million unknown insect species on our planet waiting to be discovered. Specialized course work includes insect identification, biology, ecology, physiology, biochemistry, population dynamics, medical and veterinary entomology, and pest management.
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Career paths

Entomology involves everything from work in environmental issues, ecology, animal behavior, parasitology, insect-plant interactions to applications in biotechnology, molecular studies, forensics, and medical/veterinary entomology.

  • Agri-chemical industry researcher
  • Conservation technician
  • Environmental consultant
  • Epidemiologist
  • Extension educator
  • Forensic scientist
  • Insect diagnostician
  • Medical doctor
  • Military entomologist
  • Museum curator
  • Pest control operator/owner
  • Veterinarian

1of 12 universities

that offers a bachelor’s degree in entomology.

 

Student success

Victoria Pickens, OSU Entomology Student

“For me, the wow factor of entomology is looking at a world within a world where you can study how insects interact with us without us even realizing it. Entomology is a very hands-on major; we learn things as far-reaching as pest management and forensics, as well as medical and veterinary entomology.”

- Victoria Pickens
Sand Springs, Oklahoma

Highlights

Entomology students have access to Insect Adventure, one of the largest interactive live arthropod exhibits in the country. They have the opportunity to work at Insect Adventure on public engagement or with faculty-guided research projects in forensics, medical/veterinary sciences, molecular, ecology, conservation, stored products and applied agriculture.

Experiential Learning

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology offers experiential opportunities, interactive learning, laboratory rotations and summer employment within the department, so students are prepared for nearly any entomological career with practical experience. Graduates have gone on to successfully complete veterinary school, medical school, law school, graduate school, military service or have begun their own businesses.

 Entomology students learning from OSU professor

Scholarships

Incoming entomology students receive a scholarship from the department. Based on academic progress and GPA, the scholarship renews each semester.

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