Studying Bugs And Their Behavior: Entomology

Have you always been fascinated with insects and their relationships with their surroundings? Would you enjoy making a career out of studying insects and using your research to advance the scientific knowledge of the world? If this sounds like you, then you could have a bright future as an entomologist ahead of you. However, first you need to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for this career path, which can be done with a degree in entomology. Although entomology is the scientific study of insects as well as related organisms, this type of research is useful for a surprising amount of industries.

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Entomology Degree Information

Bachelor of Science in Entomology

The Bachelor of Science in Entomology is a degree program that requires 120 credits for completion, which can take about four years. Courses for this type of degree may include Principles of Entomology, Insect Field Biology, Biology & Identification of Urban Pests, Tropical Horticultural Entomology, Insect Classification, Principles of Nematology and more.

Master of Science in Entomology

The Master of Science in Entomology is available as a fully online program that is aimed at crop consultants, pest control operators, teachers, military personnel, agricultural professionals and other people who are already employed in entomological related professions. This allows them to receive their training online, which can then be applied directly to their professions. In order to qualify for this type of online degree students must hold either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree from an accredited institution. It requires 36 semester hours of credit to complete, which can typically be done in two to three years. Courses for this degree may include Insect Biology, Insect Physiology, Aquatic Insects, Management of Horticultural Insects, Medical Entomology, Insects as Educational Tools and Insecticide Toxicology.

Certification

There are two types of certification available from the Entomology Society of America. The first program is the Associate Certified Entomologist, which is aimed at individuals who have hands-on training in the field while the second, Board Certified Entomologist, is aimed more at those who are formally educated in entomology. ACEs are required to pass one comprehensive exam while BCEs must pass two comprehensive exams.

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Entomology Degree FAQ

Who Would Be An Ideal Candidate To Study Entomology?

One of the most obvious criteria for studying entomology and going on to work as an entomologist is being comfortable with insects. If you squirm at the sight of anything with more than four legs, then this is probably not the best career path for you. Students who are interested in studying entomology should do well in math and science, particularly in subjects such as chemistry, biology, botany, ecology and zoology. Some experience with handling insects will also be very beneficial, so be on the lookout for youth groups or clubs that specialize in this field. You should love research and also be very patient as well as possess a lot of perseverance.

Is It Possible To Earn A Entomology Degree Online?

While entomology degrees that are fully online are not as common as other types of degrees, there are online degree programs available. These online programs are typically aimed at people who are already involved in the industry in some capacity and would like a flexible option to improve their career prospects while still working. With online programs you are able to access all your coursework via the Internet, which is often a much more affordable and convenient option compared to commuting to a campus based class. Online degree programs usually have the same type of content as their campus based counterparts and you are also still able to communicate with your fellow students or the faculty via online methods, such as discussion boards, e-mail or chat programs. In terms of equipment, you typically just need a computer or laptop with a broadband connection in order to study online. This makes it a great option for people with busy lifestyles as you can study at home or on the road whenever you have free time.

What Type of Job Prospects Might I Have With A Degree In Entomology?

Students who complete their degree in entomology typically go on to find employment in either the scientific or academic industries. However, your employment options will largely depend on the type of degree you have earned as well as your experience. For example, most entomologist who are employed as faculty members at universities have earned a doctoral degree. It is not unusual for entomologists to work at places like zoos, museums, biotechnology firms, health organizations, research groups or laboratories either. From private companies and universities, to government agencies, there are numerous options for entomologists to work as consultants, teachers or researchers.

What Type of Duties Might I Have When Employed In This Industry?

The type of duties and responsibilities that you might have when working in the field of entomology will depend on the type of career path that you have chosen. Typically, most jobs in this field require you to study insects as well as their behavior and environments. For example, entomologist who work in the agricultural industry might study insects in order to determine how to deal with pests without harming bees and other beneficial insect species. Taxonomic entomologists on the other hand spend their time looking for new insects while veterinary entomologists study insect pests and their diseases with the aim of protecting animals. Your duties might range from the collection and management of field species to conducting research or providing guidance to stakeholders, depending on where you work. When employed in senior entomologist positions, your duties are more likely to include administrative or managerial elements than field work.

How Much Can I Potentially Earn When Employed As An Entomologist?

There are a number of factors that can influence how much you'll be able to earn as an entomologist. These include your level of education as well as your level of experience, area of specialty, geographical location and specific duties. While the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics lack any salary information for entomologists, they do indicate that the 2017 median pay for zoologists and wildlife biologists is about $62,290 per year.

What Are The Other Benefits of Studying Entomology?

A degree in entomology is not only great if you are fascinated with insects, but you can actually focus on the specific types of insects you enjoy studying the most. As an entomologist you can even narrow your focus to specialize in a single species of insects or particular aspects of certain species.

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