ENTOMOLOGY and
APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGY
Insects are ubiquitous. Discover the entomology’s far-reaching impacts in the fields of agriculture, the environment, health and biotechnology
The Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences offers two fascinating majors: entomology and applied biotechnology.
ENTOMOLOGY
The entomology major at UGA is a thorough, science-based, applied biology curriculum which provides a broad background of the study of insects. Our courses cover insect physiology, behavior, conservation and ecology, as well as chemical and biological control of pests in agriculture and in urban settings. Our graduates will have strong skills in field identification as well as lab-based molecular skills to understand how insects and microbes interact to influence human health. An entomology degree is an excellent way to prepare for a medical career, and our curriculum will satisfy entrance requirements for professional degree programs such as medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry and pharmacy.
Career options for entomology include:
- Federal agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Defense, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, NASA and more
- State agencies such as UGA Cooperative Extension, environmental protection and conservation offices, and support for public health, water resources and parks
- University and college faculty
- Field and lab research
- Medical and veterinary entomology
- K-12 education
- Museums and botanical gardens
- Apiculture
- Staff and educational positions with zoos and science centers
- Urban and industrial entomology
- Integrated Pest Management and pest control
APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGY
Applied biotechnology involves using organisms and living systems to solve problems and make products. This major brings together interdisciplinary elements of animal science, food science, forestry, entomology and plant science to educate students on the technology used in vaccines, renewable energy and pest management. You’ll learn how to extract DNA and proteins, study molecular genetics, and eventually choose between a concentration of animal science, applied economics, business and communications, or plant science. An applied biotechnology degree from CAES also transitions well to medical, pharmacy, veterinary or law school.
Career options for applied biotechnology include:
- Chemistry (analytical and biochemistry)
- Biology, Engineering (Biomedical, validation and genetic)
- Clinical coordination
- Environmental health and safety
- Greenhouse and laboratory assistance
- Market research
- Media prep, Patent administration
- Plant breeding
- Postdoctoral work
- Professional programs (Medical, veterinary, pharmacology, law, etc.)
- Quality assurance and control
- Reference standards
- Research assistance or technician
- Sales
- Technical advising
“Applied biotechnology is a multi-disciplinary program that offers the opportunity to participate in a variety of practical and theoretical education. It provides information and skills that are not only useful to me as someone who hopes to become a veterinarian, but to anyone who is interested in delving into the scientific exploration of biological tools and techniques that shape the world we live in today and will build for generations to come.”
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
The Department of Entomology seeks motivated students interested in an interdisciplinary education. Our program provides a traditional grounding in taxonomy, physiology, molecular biology, ecology and behavior, complemented by specialty training in evolutionary biology, genomics, vector biology, biotechnology and integrated pest management.
All graduate students admitted to the department receive a teaching or research assistantship for the duration of their program. Additionally, out-of-state tuition is waived. Assistantship applications must be submitted to the Department of Entomology after application to UGA's Graduate School is completed.
"I chose to study entomology and applied biotechnology because these programs incorporate a wide range of experiential learning opportunities. From hands-on research in department laboratories to internships with industry partners, I knew I would learn high-value skills in research with these majors. The interdisciplinary nature of these programs drew me in, and now as a Ph.D. student working in vector-borne disease and One Health, I can confidently say that my time as a biotechnology and entomology student helped me prepare for graduate school and a future career in research."
Entomology graduate student Ian Collins (left) works with undergraduates Sarah Cutts and Rebekah Johnson on checking bee hives in Whitehall Forest.
Collins works inside a tent to prevent bees from the neighboring colonies from invading the exposed hive to steal honey during what the researchers call “robbing season.” Bees will rob honey from neighboring colonies as fall and winter approach.
Collins is researching the effectiveness of the insecticide Chlorantraniliprole to control small hive beetle infestation in honey bee colonies. (Photos by Andrew Davis Tucker)
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Amy Janvier Undergraduate ‘Student Select’ Award recognizes the dedication to Entomology and love of teaching displayed by Amy Janvier during her master’s degree and hopes to foster the same in undergraduate students. The award is given annually to entomology majors or minors, at the discretion of the HO Lund Club.
Pest Management Foundation Scholarship offers support for entomology majors focusing on urban pest management during their junior or senior year.
Experiential Learning
The experiential learning requirement allows students to gain real-world experience, broaden their horizons and become more marketable to employers through several curricular options. CAES offers a range of courses and activities that support internships, research, service-learning, study abroad, field study and other hands-on specialty experiences.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
The strength of the UGA Department of Entomology is the breadth and balance of its research programs. Dig into big questions of the invertebrate world with research in evolutionary biology, medical entomology, agroecosystems and more.
The CAES Undergraduate Research Program allows students the opportunity to conduct research under the direction of a CAES faculty member, giving them hands-on research experience at an undergraduate level.
“I chose entomology so I could immerse myself in fundamental biological research, and UGA's Department of Entomology has by far exceeded my expectations. The cutting-edge facilities and the collaborative spirit here have been instrumental in shaping my scientific journey. With the department's support, I've spent my undergrad delving into the cellular mechanisms of insects, aiming to unravel mysteries that can address larger ecological puzzles.”
From left to right: Entomology professor Gaelen Burke works in her lab with doctoral student Kelsey Coffman and undergraduate Akin Aremu. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker)
From left to right: Entomology professor Gaelen Burke works in her lab with doctoral student Kelsey Coffman and undergraduate Akin Aremu. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker)
Study Abroad
Learn more about entomology students' study abroad opportunities.
Ecuador: Tropical Entomology and Evolutionary Biology in Ecuador and the Galápagos
"My favorite course has been biotechnology. The class is set up in a way that all of the students are exposed to a variety of concentrations within the biotechnology field, which exposed me to the topic I would like to continue researching in graduate school. I also took a course called Viticulture and Enology in the Mediterranean Region in Cortona, Italy, this summer where I learned about all of the aspects of grape production and wine making. We were given the amazing opportunity to tour multiple vineyards in the Tuscan hillsides and the rich history of the Italian culture."
Gallery
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ entomology department lab manager Jena Johnson shows off her camera specifically equipped for macro photography of insects. (Photo by Peter Frey)
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ entomology department lab manager Jena Johnson shows off her camera specifically equipped for macro photography of insects. (Photo by Peter Frey)
Postdoc research associate Apurba Barman looks for whitefly on cotton plants in an experimental field on Tifton Campus.
Postdoc research associate Apurba Barman looks for whitefly on cotton plants in an experimental field on Tifton Campus.
Matthew Nozick tries edible insects during Dr. Trish Moore’s Freshman Year Odyssey class, "Fantastic Insects and Where to Find Them." (Photo by Chamberlain Smith)
Matthew Nozick tries edible insects during Dr. Trish Moore’s Freshman Year Odyssey class, "Fantastic Insects and Where to Find Them." (Photo by Chamberlain Smith)
From left to right: Juno Page and Jomari Rivera catch bugs for their entomology class at the Mary Kahrs Warnell Memorial Garden and Pond in April 2023. (Photo by Peter Frey)
From left to right: Juno Page and Jomari Rivera catch bugs for their entomology class at the Mary Kahrs Warnell Memorial Garden and Pond in April 2023. (Photo by Peter Frey)
Interested in becoming a CAES student?
Schedule a campus visit and learn more about the admissions process today.
CAES students work alongside world-class scientists to get hands-on experience in their fields. Through scholarship opportunities, small class sizes and faculty support, CAES students are empowered to become the next generation of leaders.
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