What is entomology?
Entomology is the study of insects and their relatives and how they connect to humans, animals, plants and the environment. At MSU, an entomology degree gives you a broad foundation in the biological sciences, using insects as a window into the complexity of life. You’ll explore relationships across ecosystems and build skills that apply to ecology, conservation, pest management and beyond.
This major can be a great fit if you’re interested in careers related to pest management, conservation or ecology in private industry, government, research and other scientific fields.
What you'll learn
In this major, you’ll learn to:
- study the relationships between insects; humans; animals; plants; and the environment;
- build a strong foundation in biological science using insects to understand how living systems work;
- apply scientific thinking and skills to topics in ecology; conservation; and pest management;
- connect what you learn in class to real-world environmental and agricultural challenges.
Why study entomology at MSU?
Insects shape ecosystems, agriculture and human health in big ways. In MSU’s entomology major, you’ll learn in a program that uses “tiny creatures” to help you understand a big world — from how insects interact with plants and wildlife to how people manage pests and protect biodiversity.
Study in a close-knit science community
This major is offered through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, where students study everything from food systems to environmental science. You can also choose to complete this major through Lyman Briggs College (LBC), a residential college at MSU that combines science-focused academics with a small-community experience. In the LBC pathway, you’ll take your foundational science courses within Briggs and complete your upper-level major requirements through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Note: several scholarships and awards are available only to students enrolled through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Alumni pursuits
Graduates with an entomology degree play critical roles in securing food, fuel and fiber; protecting human health; and supporting natural resources and biodiversity.
Alumni work at:
- universities, schools, museums and zoos;
- regulatory agencies (e.g., MDARD, USDA-APHIS);
- agricultural and pest management companies (e.g., Syngenta, Bayer, Rose Pest Solutions, Nutrien);
- U.S. military organizations (e.g., U.S. Army, U.S. Navy);
- nonprofit organizations (e.g., Xerces Society);
- agriculture and conservation research and management organizations (e.g., USDA Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service).
Alumni work as:
- research scientists;
- laboratory technicians;
- environmental consultants;
- extension specialists;
- pest management technicians;
- business owners;
- educators;
- conservation biologists.