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Entomology and Nematology Department

Entomology and Nematology Department

Undergraduate Studies

The Entomology and Nematology major prepares students for exciting careers in a variety of fields. Entomology and Nematology majors can enter medical, dental or veterinary school. They may progress to graduate study in any of several biological sciences such as ecology, nematology entomology, horticulture or zoology, or move directly to a variety of careers in fields such as pest management, ecotourism or biosecurity. Employment potential for graduates with the baccalaureate degree (B.S.) in entomology is greater than in many other biological sciences, because graduates can gain employment in either private or public sectors.

  • Undergraduate Links

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  • Entomology and Nematology Admissions

    The Entomology and Nematology baccalaureate degree at the University of Florida requires completion of 120 credit hours. Students may complete all 120 hours here at UF, or may complete 60 credits in general studies at a community college and then transfer to complete the major with more specialized courses. The Entomology and Nematology major is offered at both the Gainesville and Ft. Lauderdale campuses.

    The Entomology and Nematology major is a biological science major with the option of specializing within one of three degree tracks emphasizing insects and related organisms. See our flexible specializations in the "specializations" dropdown below.  Also, please check out our undergraduate certificate options. Certificates and minors have a minimum number of credits unique from the major, so please see an advisor for more details.

    As a major within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), all students will also complete a speech course, an economics course, and an advanced writing course. Each requirement has multiple course options available.

    • UF Undergraduate Catalog description of Entomology and Nematology major
    • Academic Learning Compact to assess mastery of student learning objectives
      • If you would like to view in-depth course planning tools, please visit ISIS (http://www.isis.ufl.edu) and log in using your Gatorlink ID and password to explore the degree-shopping feature. Your ISIS account should reflect all credits and placement testing outcomes that have been accepted by UF admissions.
      • Course requirements for any of our degree tracks can also be accessed in the online undergraduate catalog (http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog.html) or the “Guide to Majors” provided to you at Preview.
  • Specializations

    Chemistry, mathematics, biology, physics, and social science requirements are all dictated by the degree track. Many entomology and nematology students participate in internships, gain research experience by working or volunteering in a laboratory, and gain international experience by studying abroad. Faculty within our department do research and teach in many areas, such as systematics, ecology, medically significant arthropods, social insects, insect management, physiology, behavior, evolution, and natural ecosystem cycles.

    • The Biological Science of Insects specialization has a variety of elective options so students may select courses to prepare them for their future career.  This specialization is our most flexible offering in the biological sciences, and requires students to participate in undergraduate research or internships that position students for graduate studies,  for employment with federal and state organizations looking to hire specialists to detect and prevent exotic pests, for employment with nature preserves, nature-based theme parks, science education, nature-based recreation, public health programs,  and conservation efforts. Students with a degree in Entomology and Nematology may also opt to apply for the Doctor of Plant Medicine (DPM)  Program, where the emphasis is akin to clinical practice of plant health.

    • The Pre-Professional track is among the most demanding of our specializations and prepares students for application to professional schools such as medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, pharmacy and dentistry. Students may also apply for a research-based graduate program or combined graduate/professional program after completion of the pre-professional specialization. 

    • The Urban Pest Management (UPM) specialization prepares students to immediately enter the professional pest control industry. This specialization has a foundation in entomology and business, and provides an internship where students gain hands-on experience in urban pest management. Urban Pest Management is one of the premier industries in Florida, and is one of the top growth industries in the United States. UPM provides essential services to both the residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors.  Scholarships specific to this specialization are available to Entomology and Nematology majors.

  • Scholarships and Financial Information

    Scholarships are Available to Our Students!

    Through the generous endowments of several scholarship funds, minors, majors and dual majors in any of our six degree tracks are eligible for department scholarships. To be competitive for a scholarship, the student must participate in departmental and Entomology Club events, demonstrate good academic performance, exhibit leadership development, and participate in extracurricular activities.

    See entomology and nematology scholarships!

    Federal Financial Aid

    Domestic students studying at least half time may be eligible for financial aid packages, including combinations of grants, scholarships, employment and loans. Click here to find out the details.

    Employment In and Around the Department

    Part-time jobs are often available in the labs of our faculty and at local research institutions such as USDA ARS CMAVE and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Opportunities may be paid or volunteer. Look for available jobs posted on the white boards in the administrative wing at Steinmetz Hall, or click here.

  • Advising

    Contact one of our advisors for curriculum and admission support.

    UNDERGRADUATE COORDINATOR AND GENERAL ADVISORS:

    FT. LAUDERDALE COORDINATOR:

    HONORS COORDINATOR:

  • Entomology Minor

    Entomology and Nematology also offers a 15-hour minor that can be used to tailor an individual’s career interests. For example, an anthropology student can minor in entomology to become active in forensics. Animal biology students can use entomology to track animal disease transmission. If you wish to pursue our major or minor, please contact Dr. Rebecca Baldwin (baldwinr@ufl.edu) to determine what courses you need to reach your goal.

    Students interested in a minor in entomology must complete 15 credits of entomology courses, including Principles of Entomology, Insect Classification, Medical and Veterinary Entomology, and other entomology electives customized to the career plans of the student.

    REQUIRED:

    Principles of Entomology and Lab ENY 3005, ENY 3005L (2 + 1 credits)
    Insect Classification ENY 4161 (3 credits)

    Additional approved electives 3000+ courses

    RECOMMENDED:

    Medical and Veterinary Entomology and Lab ENY 4660, ENY 4660L (2 + 1 credits)

Watch this video to see your opportunities for undergraduate study in Entomology and Nematology:

Questions?

If you have any questions about application procedures or our undergraduate programs, please contact our academic program assistant or the undergraduate coordinator.

Academic Program Assistant
Ms. Allyson Fleischer 
(352) 273-3912, Room 1028
afleischer@ufl.edu

Undergraduate Coordinator
Dr. Rebecca Baldwin
2208 Steinmetz Hall
(352) 273-3974
baldwinr@ufl.edu

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