Entomology is the study of insects and their many roles around the world
Entomology is about insects and their relationships with plants, animals, microbes, the environment, and humans around the globe.
As an Entomology student, you will:
- Investigate the diverse roles of insects and their effects on human health, agriculture, and the environment
- Study a variety of the 30 million unique species of insects on Earth to understand their role in plant reproduction, pollination, and ecological maintenance
- Gain hands-on experience through research and classes in emerging topics such as invasive species, biodiversity, pollination ecology, genomics, global health, and agricultural entomology
Career Paths
Entomology graduates are prepared to study in a variety of fundamental and applied fields in research and extension work, state and federal government service, biotech and agricultural industries, non-profits and research institutes, and education.
Here are just a few examples of what our entomology graduates are doing with their careers:
Your CALS Experience
Get connected with entomology students
The Undergraduate Entomological Society provides students with the opportunity to expand their knowledge and get involved in the field of entomology. Go on field trips to observe and collect insects, listen to guest speakers, and get connected with resources.
Gain real-world experience with an internship
Complement what you learn in class, gain real-world experience, and advance in your academic career with a semester or summer internship. You could intern with Wisconsin Insect Research Collection, Entomological Society of America, National Science Foundation, or other local and national opportunities.
Study abroad and gain global perspective
Gain valuable regional experience, world language skills, and intercultural knowledge with a study abroad program. Study environmental toxicology in the Netherlands, parasitology and public health in Ghana, or many other locations around the globe.
You can also choose from one of UW–Madison’s many semester, summer, and short-term study abroad programs and map your study abroad experience as an entomology major.
Learn outside the lecture hall
Gain real-world experience through a variety of field and lab courses. Study topics such as taxonomy, physiology, parasitology, insects and human culture, issues in global health, and medical entomology.
Work alongside entomology faculty, staff, and graduate students in research labs and the field, including independent study opportunities. Research insect physiology and insect parasite interactions, integrated pest management in agricultural systems, and so much more.
Study entomology with a global health focus
Focus your studies on vector-borne disease and parasitology and explore infectious disease and global health in greater depth. Study the impacts of parasitic, viral, and bacterial diseases that are transmitted through the bites of insects at a local and global scale.
50%
Students who participate in research
1
Department affiliated student organization
15-20
Average number of students per class
Advisor & Contact Information
Advisors can answer your questions, help you create a degree plan that meets your personal and professional goals, and connect you to resources across the UW–Madison campus.
Incoming students should reach out to CALS Academic Affairs to direct your questions. Current UW–Madison students should schedule with their assigned advisor using Starfish.
CALS Academic Affairs
116 Agricultural Hall
1450 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu
(608) 262-3003
Russell Labs
1360 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
Want to learn more about entomology?