The undergraduate curriculum in entomology is designed for persons interested in studying insects, their adaptations, and the practicalities of dealing with them. Students electing entomology as a major will prepare themselves for positions in industry, business, government, education, and public health. Graduates may acquire positions in research, development, and technical sales for agricultural chemical and seed companies. State and federal agencies employ entomologists as consultants, extension directors, mosquito abatement agents, inspectors, and research aides. Entomologists may also find employment with urban or agricultural pest-management or consulting firms, large private farms and ranches, and horticultural nurseries.
All graduates understand the principles of insect structure and function.
They understand the evolutionary and ecological relationships of insects with other life forms, and the impact of insects relative to human and animal health, as well as the relationships between insects and humanity's food, fiber, structural, and aesthetic needs and expectations. Graduates understand the principles and methods available to manage beneficial and pest insect populations. They are skilled in identifying insects and related groups and understand the biology, ecology, behavior, diversity, and evolutionary relationships of the major groups of insects. They understand the application of the scientific method in problem solving and the principles of experimental design and analysis. Graduates of the agricultural and horticultural insect management option are skilled in determining pest levels and impact on plant and animal hosts, and the management of these pests.