Bachelor of Science in Entomology and Nematology

WHY CHOOSE AN ONLINE Entomology and Nematology DEGREE?

Entomology and Nematology are interdisciplinary biological sciences that focus on the study of insects, mites, ticks, spiders, nematodes, and related organisms. This degree offers all of the same foundational knowledge and benefits of a general biology degree, along with specialized training that can help you stand out on the job market.

College: Agricultural and Life Sciences
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
Diploma Title: Bachelor of Science
With a major in Entomology and Nematology
Transcript Title: Bachelor of Science
Major Entomology and Nematology

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Will My Credits Transfer?

Arthropods and nematodes wield significant influence on food security, environmental sustainability, and human and animal health. An online degree in Entomology and Nematology is not only versatile but also opens pathways to diverse career opportunities. Entomology and Nematology students study ecology, animal behavior, physiology, evolution, systematics, biodiversity conservation, arthropods of medical and veterinary significance, the management of insect/nematode pests, and invertebrates as models in many different fields of research (including biomedical sciences, bio-inspired engineering, and biotechnology).

Entomology and Nematology Curriclulum Highlights

The curriculum covers a spectrum of subjects vital to understanding the biology of insects and nematodes, including their behavior, physiology, evolution, and ecological roles. Students engage in practical applications of entomology through specialized tracks.

Biological Science of Insects

This specialization offers a robust foundation in biology alongside focused training in insect science. Emphasizing both basic and applied aspects of entomology, students can tailor their learning experience through elective courses. Many graduates from this program have gone on to graduate school (M.S. and Ph.D. programs) and/or found careers with local, state, and federal government agencies, private industry (e.g., pest management, agricultural, or biotechnology), the U.S. military, museums, K-12 education, higher education, and non-profit organizations (among other options).

This track also emphasizes undergraduate research. Students will complete an Insect Research CURE (course-based undergraduate research experience) and at least 3 credits of supervised research.

Urban Pest Management

Geared toward careers in the pest control industry, this track equips students with expertise in addressing pest-related challenges in residential and commercial settings. An internship component provides real-world exposure, complemented by business electives to foster managerial skills. Students who plan to attend graduate school for urban entomology should consider the Biological Science of Insects specialization with urban entomology electives instead.

Important Dates

CAREER TRACKS AND OPPORTUNITIES

What professions will a degree in Entomology and Nematology prepare me for?

Agriculture (e.g., in production agriculture, as a research scientist/product developer for an agricultural company, or as a researcher for local, state, or federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Pest management (e.g., as a licensed pest management specialist or owner of a pest control company)
Public health (e.g., as a researcher/technician at local, state, or federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or county mosquito control districts)
Biosecurity and exotic species management (e.g., via the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state departments of agriculture, or other government agencies)
Natural resources management and protection (e.g., via U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and other local, state, or federal agencies)
Biodiversity conservation (e.g., via government agencies or non-profit organizations)
The U.S. Military (as a military entomologist)
Forensics (as a forensic entomologist)
K-12 education
Academia (e.g., as a researcher or instructor at a university)
Extension (e.g., as an extension specialist at a county or state office)
Museum-based research and education (e.g., as a curator, exhibit designer, or outreach specialist at a natural history museum)
Zoos and botanical gardens (e.g., as a zookeeper, exhibit designer, or educator)
Commercial beekeeping
Biotechnology and bio-inspired engineering
Ecotourism agencies
Insect rearing (e.g., for animal feed, human consumption, or research/education purposes)
Scientific consulting

Some of these careers are available to students with a B.S. degree, but others may require a graduate degree. The Biological Science of Insects specialization for this major can further prepare you for graduate school (i.e., a master's or Ph.D. program, or UF’s Doctor of Plant Medicine program). Students with an Entomology and Nematology degree can also enter professional school (e.g., medical school, veterinary school, dental school, and other such programs), but this may require additional coursework.

Please visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or Career One Stop for additional suggestions on further career pathways and opportunities.

Any other job that requires a background in the biological sciences! *Some of these careers are available to students with a B.S. degree, but others may require a graduate degree the Biological Science of Insects specialization of this major can help prepare you for graduate school (i.e., a Masters or Ph.D. program, or UF’s Doctor of Plant Medicine program). **Students with an Entomology & Nematology degree can also enter professional school (e.g., medical school, veterinary school, dental school, and other such programs), but this may require additional coursework.

What are the admissions requirements for this major?

Freshmen & Lower Division Transfer Applicants

If you have 0-11 transferable college credits, review the Freshman admissions requirements.
If you have 12-59 transferable credits, review the Lower Division Transfer admission requirements.

Upper Division & Second Bachelor's Transfer Applicants

Upper division transfer applicants (students with 60 or more college credits earned) and Second Bachelor's degree seeking applicants should have at least a 2.0 overall GPA and completed all the 'required' prerequisite listed below with at least a 2.5 GPA (no grade below a C):

Biological Science of Insects Specialization

General Biology 1 and Lab (BSC 2010 and 2010L)
General Biology 2 and Lab (BSC 2011 and 2011L)
General Chemistry 1 and Lab (CHM 2045 and 2045L)
General Chemistry 2 and Lab (CHM 2046 and 2046L)
One of these math options:
- Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (MAC 2311)
- Pre-calculus: Algebra and Trigonometry (MAC 1147)
- Pre-calculus Algebra (MAC 1140) and Trigonometry (MAC 1114)

Urban Pest Management Specialization

General Biology 1 and Lab (BSC 2010 and 2010L)
General Biology 2 and Lab (BSC 2011 and 2011L)
General Chemistry 1 and Lab (CHM 2045 and 2045L)
Applied Physics 1 and Lab (PHY 2004 and 2004L)
One of these math options:
- Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (MAC 2311)
- Pre-calculus: Algebra and Trigonometry (MAC 1147)
- Pre-calculus Algebra (MAC 1140) and Trigonometry (MAC 1114)

WHY CHOOSE UF ONLINE?

At the University of Florida, our passion goes beyond our walls — and so do our opportunities.

The University of Florida’s online Entomology and Nematology program opens the door to a variety of fascinating and rewarding careers, all in an online setting for your convenience and for a fraction of the cost of comparable degree programs.

Designed for students whose commitments make traditional campus attendance impractical, our online program stands at the forefront, providing flexible academic options with the same elite faculty and rigor that makes us a leading university and top research institution. We connect people with opportunities, remove barriers, and set the standard for online higher education. UF Online graduates earn the same elite degree they would receive on campus, and they will be at the top of the list for the best employers in the country.