Ever look at a butterfly fluttering by and wonder about the amazing world of insects? Maybe you’re fascinated by creepy crawlies in a good way, and dream of a career studying these incredible creatures. Well, then entomology might be your perfect calling!
Entomology is basically the science of insects, and it’s a super important field. Insects play a huge role in our environment, and entomologists help us understand them better. They might study how insects affect crops, develop new pest control methods, or even discover cool new insect species!
So, if you’re ready to dive into the fascinating world of insects, you’ll probably need a college degree in entomology. But with so many schools out there, where do you even begin?
This article is here to be your guide to finding the perfect entomology college for you! We’ll explore some of the Best Entomology Colleges that offer different Entomology programs, from associate degrees to PhDs.
Table of contents
- Who is an entomologist- What do they do?
- Why should you go to an Entomology college?
- Where can an entomologist work?
- What Education Qualifications Should I Pursue in an Entomology College?
- 15 Best Entomology Colleges for all levels
- # 1. University of Wisconsin – Madison
- # 2. University of Califonia – Davis
- # 3. Cornell University
- # 4. University of Florida
- # 5. University of Georgia
- # 6. Ohio State University-Main Campus
- # 7. North Carolina State University
- # 8. Michigan State University
- # 9. Texas A & M University-College station
- # 10. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
- # 11. Purdue University-Main Campus
- # 12. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- # 13. University of Maryland – College Park
- # 14. Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- # 15. University of California – Santa Barbara
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
Who is an entomologist- What do they do?
If you graduate from any of the good entomology colleges and become an insect expert, you will be known as an entomologist. Your expertise will cover an assortment of elements of insects, such as their classification, behavior, ecology, morphology, physiology, and genetics.
Here is a list of duties you will have as an entomologist, depending on your area of expertise.
- Research: Entomologists who were well trained at any of the best Entomology colleges carry out studies to learn more about insects and how they interact with their surroundings. This entails planning experiments, gathering information, and assessing the outcomes.
- Identification of insects: Entomologists are frequently in charge of classifying various insect species. They may utilize various methods to identify the insects, such as studying their morphology or DNA.
- Creating pest management plans: Entomologists frequently operate in agricultural settings and create pest control plans to deal with insect infestations. This could entail creating and testing fresh insecticides, employing biological control techniques, or observing the behavior of pest species to spot weaknesses.
- Carrying out Surveys: Entomologists can use this to determine the variety and number of insects in a specific location. This data can guide conservation initiatives, track the spread of exotic species, or spot emerging pest problems.
- Educating others: It may also fall on entomologists to inform people of the value of insects. This could entail giving college lectures or organizing public awareness campaigns regarding insects’ importance to ecosystems.
- Working with other scientists: To understand the intricate relationships between insects and their environment, entomologists frequently work with scientists from other disciplines, such as plant pathologists, ecologists, or geneticists.
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Why should you go to an Entomology college?
That’s simple! You should go to any of the entomology colleges if you want to study entomology. Now what may be challenging is this: explaining to others why you are so passionate about creepy-crawly insects.
Your passion for entomology may not make sense to others, but that doesn’t make it less critical. Entomology—the study of insects—is essential to our culture.
Increasing understanding of insects through studying entomology at good Entomology colleges can aid humanity in understanding how to coexist best with them.
Entomology is very important for agriculture. Studying entomology equips you to help solve the mysteries surrounding the part that insects play in the transmission of illness; hence, you can help farmers better defend their crops from insects.
Additionally, entomology advances our understanding of how insects benefit ourselves, other animals, and nature, which is crucial for the agricultural industry. Our understanding of disease transmission can be improved by investigating which diseases are distributed by various insect species and how these insects transmit those diseases.
Here is the main justification for studying insects; the potential for having a positive environmental influence. Your job as an entomologist can significantly impact nature, whether you’re defending natural areas against large industries or preventing pests from wreaking havoc on forests and other ecosystems.
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Where can an entomologist work?
The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics projects employment in wildlife biology will increase by 8% through 2026, close to the country’s total employment growth of 7%. Most job possibilities will continue to go to entomologists with graduate degrees, particularly doctoral degrees.
Hence, we see that, like any other subject, entomology offers a wide range of career options for you to choose from.
Entomologists can work for
- universities
- research institutes
- zoos, aquariums
- governmental or private agricultural organizations
- military organizations
- public health organizations
- Biotechnology companies and other businesses.
As researchers, they may work for the government, the private sector, or the public sector, and fieldwork frequently entails long-distance travel.
Entomologists who work in education may develop lab activities, grade tests, supervise student research, guide graduate students, and pursue their research objectives.
Entomologists who work as college professors are driven to publicize their discoveries since tenure is frequently tied to publishing success. They can work as ecological consultants, using insect surveys to assess the value and health of a habitat.
Others in entomology may work in museums, healthcare institutions, and even local and state police agencies or federal agencies as forensic entomologists.
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What Education Qualifications Should I Pursue in an Entomology College?
Graduate degrees are typically necessary for senior research jobs or college teaching responsibilities, giving entomologists with these degrees greater work opportunities.
Entomologists must hold a bachelor’s degree in entomology or a biological subject that is closely related. Most entomologists further their graduate-level studies at the M.S. or Ph.D. level after finishing their undergraduate degree and a relevant internship.
Numerous prestigious entomology colleges and universities offer undergraduate entomology programs. Other universities provide minors in the area that help biological science students be ready for graduate-level job routes.
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15 Best Entomology Colleges for all levels
We’ve created this list of the best Entomology colleges in America to assist you in choosing the ideal school for you because we know that the program you choose can have a big impact on your future.
Note that we didn’t differentiate between undergraduate and graduate programs, as this list covers the best entomology colleges for all levels.
#1. University of Wisconsin – Madison
This University is one of the good entomology colleges and should be considered by any student interested in entomology. Madison is home to the enormous public institution U.W. – Madison. UW-Madison is a top university overall.
It ranks 33 out of 2,241 institutions nationwide, according to Best Colleges. This one of the good entomology colleges offers three entomology degree programs and records a 37.5% increase in graduates. It has an acceptance rate of 60% and requires an SAT range of 1320 – 1500.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s (U of Wisconsin-Madison) tuition and fees for 2024 are $10,796 for residents of Wisconsin and $39,427 for out-of-state students.
With an average aid of $11,387, grants and scholarships are awarded to 50% of enrolled undergraduate students. It might pay for 28.88% of the total cost of education. The net price after financial aid, which covers tuition, fees, books & supplies prices, and living expenses, is $16,607 for Wisconsin residents and $45,238 for out-of-state students.
#2. University of Califonia – Davis
For those seeking a degree in entomology, this is a great option and is among the best entomology colleges, offering three entomology programs. The area of Davis is home to the sizable public institution known as UC Davis. UC Davis is a fantastic university overall, ranking #57 out of 2,241 colleges globally according to Best Colleges.
The University of California-Davis’ (UC Davis) tuition and fees for 2024 are $14,858 for residents of California and $44,930 for out-of-state students.
However, 67% of enrolled students are recorded to receive grants and scholarships, which pay 40.43% of the total cost of education. The University has an acceptance rate of 49% with a SAT range of 1160 – 1400.
#3. Cornell University
Students interested in entomology should consider Cornell University. Cornell is a private, non-profit institution with a sizable student body situated in the town of Ithaca. Cornell is one of the lovely entomology colleges with practical exposure. It ranks 13 out of 2,241 institutions nationwide, according to Best Colleges.
Prospective students must pay $63,200 in tuition and fees at Cornell University (Cornell) in 2024, while graduate school costs $30,019 that same year.
Though it is recorded that 49% of enrolled undergraduate students receive grants and scholarships covering 82.56% of full tuition. The school has an acceptance rate of 9% and a SAT range of 1450 – 1560.
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#4. University of Florida
One of the top universities in the U.S. for entomology degrees is the University of Florida, which offers three entomology programs, including certification.
Gainesville, a medium-sized city, is home to the big public University U.F. U.F. is a credible university, earning a Best Colleges ranking of #65 out of 2,241 institutions globally.
The University of Florida’s (U.F.) tuition and fees for 2024 are $6,381 for Floridians and $28,659 for out-of-state students.
Over 84% of enrolled undergraduate students receive grants and scholarships covering 37.13% of full tuition. The school has an acceptance rate of 30% and a SAT range of 1300 – 1470.
#5. University of Georgia
The University of Georgia should be part of your top options for entomology colleges. It was established as a public university in 1785. It is located in a city with a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,166 (fall 2021) and has a 767-acre campus.
The academic calendar is based on semesters. The University of Georgia is ranked #49 nationally in the 2024–2025 edition of Best Colleges.
In-state tuition and fees cost $11,180, while out-of-state costs are $30,220. It has an acceptance rate of 40% with a SAT range of 1270 – 1450.
#6. Ohio State University-Main Campus
Ohio State University is a public institution with a sizable student body in the significant city of Columbus. In terms of overall quality, this University is second out of 96 universities in Ohio. Like some entomology colleges, It offers three entomology programs.
Ohio residents will pay $12,485 in tuition and fees to attend Ohio State University-Main Campus (OSU) in 2024, while out-of-state students must pay $36,722.
It is also recorded that 69% of enrolled undergraduate students receive grants and scholarships that cover 32.51% of full tuition. The school has an acceptance rate of 57% and an SAT range of 1250 – 1440
#7. North Carolina State University
A public university with a sizable student body, N.C. The state is in the sizable city of Raleigh. In terms of overall quality, this University is ranked fifth out of 93 institutions in North Carolina.
NCSU tuition and fees for 2024 are $9,128 for residents of North Carolina and $30,869 for out-of-state students. 63% of enrolled undergraduates are recorded to have received grants and scholarships covering 29% of full tuition. The school has an acceptance rate of 47% and a SAT range of 1270 – 1440.
#8. Michigan State University
Located in East Lansing, Michigan State is a sizable public institution. This is a fantastic university overall, ranking #88 out of 2,241 institutions nationwide, according to Best Colleges.
The cost of attending Michigan State University (MSU) in 2024 is $41,958 for out-of-state students and $15,372 for citizens of Michigan.
Over 59% of enrolled undergraduate students receive grants and scholarships that cover 28.08% of full tuition. The school has an acceptance rate of 83% and a SAT range of 1100 – 1320.
#9. Texas A & M University-College station
The large public University Texas A&M College Station is situated in College Station. This is one of the top entomology colleges overall, coming in at #55 out of 2,241 institutions globally, according to Best Colleges.
Texas A&M University-College Station (TAMU) ‘s tuition and fees for 2024 are $13,239 for residents of Texas and $40,139 for out-of-state students.
It is also recorded that 65% of enrolled undergraduate students receive grants and scholarships, covering 24.66% of total tuition. The school has an acceptance rate of 64% and a SAT range of 1140 – 1380.
#10. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
You can find this sizable public university called UMN Twin Cities in Minneapolis. It is also rated as a top entomology college. It ranks 60 out of 2,241 institutions nationwide in the Best Colleges ranking.
For in-state students at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, the total cost, which is the addition of the tuition fee and the cost of room and board, is $29,835; for out-of-state students, it is $48,425.
The average cost of the University, which is $38,029 for out-of-state students and $17,341 for residents of the state obtaining need-based help, is then known as the net price.
This is the price after financial aid, and scholarships have been deducted from the total cost. The school has an acceptance rate of 73% and a SAT range of 1310- 1490.
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#11. Purdue University-Main Campus
Three entomology degree programs are available at this college. A fairly sizable public four-year institution located in a tiny town. It is one of the most affordable entomology colleges.
In-state students at Purdue University-Main Campus (P.U.) will pay $9,992 in tuition and fees in 2024, while out-of-state students will pay $28,794.
It is also recorded that 49% of enrolled undergraduate students receive grants and scholarships that cover 34.72% of full tuition. The school has an acceptance rate of 69% and a SAT range of 1190 – 1430.
#12. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
There is only one entomology degree program offered by this institution. It is a relatively sizable public four-year institution located in a tiny city.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s (Virginia Tech) tuition and fees for 2024 are $14,586 for residents of Virginia and $34,838 for out-of-state students. They recorded that 55% of enrolled undergraduate students receive grants and scholarships, covering 26.55% of full tuition.
#13. University of Maryland – College Park
Based in College Park’s suburb, this public University is a good option if you aspire to be in any of the best entomology colleges. It has a sizable student body. UMCP is a fantastic university, earning a Best Colleges ranking of #36 out of 2,241 institutions nationwide.
The University of Maryland-College Park’s (UMD) tuition and fees for 2024 are $11,233 for Marylanders and $39,469 for out-of-state students.
Over 53% of enrolled undergraduate students receive grants and scholarships, covering 27.01% of full tuition. The school has an acceptance rate of 52% and a SAT range of 1330 – 1510.
#14. Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
The Main Campus of Oklahoma State University offers three entomology degree programs. A huge public university with four years of study is located in a remote hamlet.
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus has tuition and fees for 2024 that are $10,234 for residents of Oklahoma and $25,754 for out-of-state students. It is also recorded that 81% of enrolled undergraduate students receive grants and scholarships covering 37.90% of full tuition. The school has an acceptance rate of 85% and a SAT range of 1150 – 1340.
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#15. University of California – Santa Barbara
This is a public University established in 1909. The campus is 989 acres in size, has an overall undergraduate enrollment of 23,091 (fall 2021), and is located in a suburban area. Its academic calendar is based on quarters.
University of California, Santa Barbara, is ranked third in National Universities in the 2024–2025 edition of Best Colleges. In-state tuition and fees cost $14,450, while out-of-state costs are $44,204. It has an acceptance rate of 29% and an SAT range of 1230 – 1460.
FAQs
Insectology is synonymous with entomology. They are both the scientific study of insects.
The average entomologist’s income was $79,703, although the normal compensation range was $65,431 to $98,247. Salary ranges can vary significantly depending on a variety of crucial aspects, including schooling, credentials, supplementary talents, and the length of time you’ve been working in a field.
An entomology bachelor’s degree requires extensive instruction in biological and physical sciences. Students gain knowledge of insect classification, identification, and function, as well as how insects impact ecosystems. A major entomology bachelor’s degree program component is typically laboratory research.
The branches of entomology are the Ecology of insects, the morphology of insects, and Insect pathology.
Conclusion
Beyond the degrees you can gain in entomology, as mentioned earlier colleges, and certifications are great ways to showcase your knowledge and expertise in the entomology field.
The Entomological Society of America is a membership organization that describes itself as the world’s biggest entomological society. Board and associate certifications are the ESA’s two certification options. Board-certified entomologists (BCEs) often hold graduate-level degrees in entomology and must pass two thorough exams.
While you may only be starting your journey to becoming an entomologist, we encourage you to have in mind to gain certifications from any of the best entomology colleges listed above that position you for more opportunities in your field.
References
- Collegefactual.com – Best Entomology Schools
- Universities.com – Best Entomology Colleges in the U.S.
- Niche.com – Best Colleges with Zoology and Entomology Degrees
- Collegetuitioncompare.com – University of Maryland-College Park
- Careerexplorer.com – What does an entomologist do?
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