Why choose entomology?

They are fascinating organisms!

Apart from insects and other arthropods representing the greatest diversity and numbers of organisms on earth, insects are ecologically and economically important, and are either the bane or boon to humans -- depending on your point of view. If you are interested in applied ecology, managing insects is a full-time job for countless entomologists working in agriculture, disease epidemiology, forestry, and even the military. If basic science and discovery are more to your liking, insects are fascinating and very appropriate model organisms for studying molecular biology, physiological processes, ecosystem functions, community ecology and evolution.

Why choose entomology?

Employment opportunities!

Dr. Perry L. Adkisson, former Head of the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University and former Chancellor at A&M, is said (perhaps apocryphally) to have answered the question of why someone should study entomology rather than biology, by stating, “An entomologist is a biologist with a job.” Whether apocryphal or accurate, the answer is true, and we tout that to potential students. Our graduates have numerous opportunities for careers either directly involved in entomology or using their education and training in related fields like food safety, human health, veterinary biology. Our graduates have worked in academic positions, industry, military and government, in laboratory settings, biotechnology sales and many more.

Studying entomology prepares you for a career that can take you any direction you choose, and our Department at the University of Arkansas offers you the ideal starting point for that career. Come and join us. Contact us for details.