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What is entomology?

Entomology is the study of the most numerous and diverse form of life on Earth: insects. You will explore the diversity of nature through the study of arthropods and their interactions with plants, animals and human culture.

Why entomology at OSU?

Insects, though small in size, have a big impact on the environment and economy and, therefore, our society. 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.
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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.

 

Highlights

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

Hands-on learning

Entomology students have access to Insect Adventure, one of the largest interactive live arthropod exhibits in the country. You will 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.

Fast fact

OSU is one of only 16 universities in the nation with an entomology program and has the second largest enrollment.

 

Real-world experience

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology offers hands-on opportunities, interactive learning, laboratory rotations and summer employment within the department, so you’ll be ready 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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