Insects destroy about one-third of the food and fiber produced worldwide and transmit devastating pathogens of plants and animals; however, they also pollinate valuable food and forest crops, significantly increase the productivity of soils, and are important components in most food chains.
The Entomology major at UGA is a thorough, science-based, applied biology curriculum which provides a broad background of the study of insects: physiology; modern and classical methodologies of insect study; biological controls including population growth and pest effects on agricultural production and crops; species interactions and insect behavior; and ecosystems and ecology. Students learn to identify multiple insects and other arthropods in order to manage them efficiently.
The degree provides an excellent background for advanced studies in many other fields, including environmental health, industrial hygiene, toxicology, public health, epidemiology, ecology, and environmental engineering, and will satisfy entrance requirements for professional degree programs such as medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, and pharmacy. Career opportunities are available in the private sector (e.g. agricultural industries, production, chemical companies, urban pest control), public sector (e.g. quarantine facilities, federal research laboratories, state departments of agriculture, regulatory agencies, departments of health), and non-governmental organizations (e.g. museums and botanical gardens).
Entomology students will have the opportunity to pursue undergraduate research, undergraduate teaching, and paid student worker positions. Students are also eligible for departmental and CAES Scholarships each academic year they are enrolled as an undergraduate student. Students will work with a major specific advisor for each semester they attend UGA.