Entomology
What is Entomology?
Entomology is the study of insects and their relatives. 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 that there are up to 10 million unknown insect
species on our planet waiting to be discovered.
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. Specialized
course work includes insect identification, biology, ecology,
physiology, biochemistry, population dynamics, medical and
veterinary entomology, and pest management.
Why Study Entomology?
Insects are important in many ways. Some are pests and
destroy our food and fiber crops, forests, homes and
structures. Others affect human and animal health by
transmitting diseases. Many are beneficial to humans and
essential to the Earth’s ecology by providing pollination,
decomposition, nutrient recycling, control of agricultural
pests, control of invasive plants and food for wildlife. Despite
their small size, insects have a significant impact on the
environment and economy and, therefore, our society.
Student Spotlight
Finish in 4
Hannah Paradis
Corinna, Maine
For each undergraduate degree program in CASNR, we
have prepared example plans of how you may successfully
complete your degree plan in four years.
“As an aspiring physician, I was
intrigued by the fact that insects
Where Do You See Yourself?
are efficient vectors for disease.
This general interest grew into
fascination for the way insects
survive, so majoring in entomology
has allowed me to explore
those interests in detail while still
preparing me for medical school.”
Chemical industry researcher
Conservation technician
Environmental consultant
Epidemiologist
Extension educator
FBI agent
Forensic scientist
Homeland security
Insect diagnostician
Medical doctor
Military entomologist
Museum curator
Pest control operator/owner
Veterinarian
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
OSUCASNR
136 Agricultural Hall | Stillwater, OK 74078
405.744.5395 | casnr.okstate.edu | admissions.okstate.edu
Expanding Minds, Inspiring Purpose
Major Options
Within entomology, you have the option to
select a predefined emphasis area or work with
your faculty advisor to customize your plan of
study.
Bioforensics
This option prepares you for careers involving
molecular techniques and forensic sciences.
Insect Biology and Ecology
Stresses traditional biological aspects of insect
science, behavior and ecology of insects.
Pre-Veterinary and
Pre-Medical Sciences
Curriculum meets requirements for postgraduate attendance to both veterinary and
medical schools.
Oklahoma State University
Colle ge of Agricultural Sciences
and Natural Resources
Department of Entomology and
Plant Pathology
Entomolog y Major
Fast Fact
OSU is one of only 12 universities in the nation
and the only one in Oklahoma that offers a
bachelor’s degree in entomology.
Highlight
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.
OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Experiential Learning
The OSU 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.
Scholarship Dollars
Every incoming entomology student earns a $500 scholarship.
If students maintain a 3.0 GPA, they can receive an additional
scholarship the following semester. CASNR awarded an additional
$600,000 to students within the college this year.
Oklahoma State University (OSU) is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is free from discriminatory conduct based on race,
color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. OSU does not discriminate on
the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities. Examples of sexual misconduct and/or sex discrimination include: sexual violence,
sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and intimate partner violence, stalking, or gender-based discrimination. OSU encourages any
student who thinks that he or she may have been a victim of sexual misconduct or sexual discrimination to immediately report the incident to the
Title IX Coordinator (campus contacts below). Students may also report incidents of sexual misconduct or sex discrimination to a faculty or staff
member, who is then required by federal law (Title IX) to notify the Title IX or Deputy Title IX Coordinator. If a reporting student would like to keep
the details confidential, the student may speak with staff in the Student Counseling Center (405-744-5472) or the University’s Victim Advocate
(Suzanne Burks: 405-744-5458). For more information regarding Title IX violations, please go to: http://1is2many.okstate.edu. This publication is
printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences
and Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed by CareerTech at a cost of $2,760/10M. 08/16 #6528