Bee pollinating a flower

Entomology is the study of insects, which have dominated the terrestrial planet for more than 350 million years. While entomologists have recognized and named more than one million different species of insects, experts vary widely on the true number of insect species — with estimates ranging from three million to 30 million unique species. At any given moment, 200+ million insects live for every human on Earth; over 70% of all animal species are insects. They have achieved something that has eluded humans — sustainable development. Insects are the primary consumers of plants, yet they are also the dominant pollinators, thus ensuring plant reproduction. They play a critical role in disease transmission yet the service they provide to ecological maintenance is unparalleled.

Entomologists conduct insect-based research in numerous areas ranging from general biology, natural history, systematics, ecology, and behavior, to molecular biology, physiology, and development, to medical and agricultural entomology. Emerging areas include invasive species, biodiversity, pollination ecology, forensics, global health, and genomics. Entomology is a very specific discipline, yet at the same time, an immensely broad and diverse field of study touching a wide array of other subjects. As such, entomological training provides many choices and opportunities for those interested in the diversity of nature. While some entomologists work in the field, others work in the laboratory, classroom, or museum settings.

Students majoring in entomology study in a variety of fundamental and applied fields. Graduates find employment in college and university teaching, community education, research and extension work, state and federal government service, industry, and research institutes. 

Learn through hands-on, real-world experiences

Entomology students learn in many field and lab courses, including classes that focus on taxonomy, physiology, parasitology, insects and human culture, issues in global health, and medical entomology. Students can complete their capstone requirement as part of a summer field course. There are also numerous internships and research opportunities available both on and off campus.

Build community and networks

The UW–Madison Entomology Department is committed to the UW System’s goal to provide Wisconsin’s citizens with opportunities to benefit from and contribute to the state’s growing “knowledge economy” through the land-grant university three-fold mission of teaching, research and public service.

In the spirit of The Wisconsin Idea, Entomology Department faculty and students fulfill the public service mission through entomology outreach engagement. Entomology Department interactions with the surrounding and statewide community encompass a wide range of insect and human affairs from human medical issues such as West Nile Virus and Lyme disease, to forest products and natural resources entomology, integrated pest management programs for agriculture, turf and ornamental and household settings, K-12 primary and secondary school education, and more.

Customize a path of study

Students are often able to customize their program of study by exploring a double major and/or undergraduate certificates based on their unique areas of interest. Both faculty and staff advisors are available to help students choose electives based on their educational and professional goals.

Make a strong start

All first-year students in CALS participate in a CALS First-Year Seminar. These courses help new students understand academic programs, access student services, and develop time management and study skills. First-year students are also encouraged to participate in a First-Year Interest Group (FIG).

Gain global perspective

The Entomology major is a great choice for students who wish to participate in a study abroad experience. Students can choose from a multitude of destinations worldwide and can travel abroad during summer, spring, or fall terms. Students can explore studying abroad as an Entomology major by utilizing the Entomology Major Advising Page. Students work with their advisor and the CALS study abroad office to identify appropriate programs. 

How to Get in

Requirements Details
How to get in No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, visit Advising & Careers.
Courses required to get in None
GPA requirements to get in None
Credits required to get in Must have fewer than 86 credits.
Other Students who do not meet the requirements above or are not in good academic standing should schedule a meeting with CALS Dean on Call (https://go.wisc.edu/g85h79) to discuss exceptions.

Prospective UW-Madison Students

All prospective UW–Madison students must apply through the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

Students interested in this major should select it as the first choice major on their UW–Madison application. Admitted students who enroll at UW-Madison and attend Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences have the option to declare this major at SOAR.

 

University Requirements

All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later. 

Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.

Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements

Civics & Perspectives 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework.
Communication & Literacy 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement
Humanities & Arts 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework.
Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement
Natural Science & Wellness Complete both:
  • 6 credits of Natural Science & Wellness or Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
  • one course must be in Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
Social & Behavioral Science 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework.
Total Credits 30 credits.

For more information see the policy.

University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements

All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.

Total Degree 120 degree credits.
Residency Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
  • is offered by UW-Madison and completed on the UW-Madison campus or at an approved off-site location, or
  • is offered by UW-Madison in an online or distance format, or is completed during participation in a UW-Madison study abroad/study away program.
Quality of Work Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program.
Math Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by:
English Language If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
  • earning credit for ESL 118 at UW-Madison, or
  • achieving a qualifying MSN-ESLAT placement test score.
Language Complete one:
  • 2 high school units of a single language other than English, or
  • one course with the second semester Language designation.
Major Declaration Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major.

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Requirements

CALS Graduation Requirements 

Cumulative Credits
  • Students must earn 120 degree credits.
  • Students declared in Biological Systems Engineering BS must earn 125 degree credits.
Quality of Work Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000 to remain in good standing and be eligible for graduation.
Residency Students must complete 30 degree credits in residence at UW–Madison after earning 86 credits toward their undergraduate degree.

In addition to the university's general requirements, all undergraduate students in CALS must satisfy a set of college and major requirements. Courses may not double count within university requirements, CALS college requirements, or major requirements.  A course may count toward university requirements and a college and/or a major requirement; similarly, a course counted toward college requirements may also be used to satisfy a university and/or a major requirement.

CALS College Requirements

CALS First-Year Seminar 1 credit. See the full list of eligible courses below or use this link: https://go.wisc.edu/calsfirstyearseminars
Ethnic Studies 3 credits with the Ethnic Studies designation.
Communication A Complete either:
  • 1 course with the Communication A designation, or
  • satisfaction of Communication A based on UW Placement Test.
Quantitative Reasoning A Complete either:
  • 1 course with the Quantitative Reasoning A designation, or
  • satisfaction of Quantitative Reasoning A based on UW Placement Test.
Introductory Chemistry Complete one:
CALS International Comparisons 3 credits. See the full list of eligible courses below or use this link: https://go.wisc.edu/calsinternationalcomparisons
Communication B 1 course with the Communication B designation.
Quantitative Reasoning B 1 course with the Quantitative Reasoning B designation.
Biological Science 5 credits with the Biological Science designation.
Additional Science 3 credits with the Biological, Physical, or Natural Science designations.
Science Breadth 3 credits with the Biological, Physical, Natural, or Social Science designations.
Humanities 6 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation.
Social Sciences 3 credits with the Social Sciences designation.
Capstone Learning Experience Each major articulates the required capstone learning experience.

CALS First-Year Seminars

AN SCI 135Grand Challenges and Career Opportunities in Animal and Dairy Sciences1
BIOCHEM 100Biochemistry First-Year Seminar1
COUN PSY 125The Wisconsin Experience Seminar1
F&W ECOL 101Orientation to Wildlife Ecology1
F&W ECOL 105Environment, Pollutants, and You3
GENETICS 155Freshman Seminar in Genetics1
INTEGSCI 100Exploring Biology2
INTEGSCI 140Exploring Service in STEM1
INTER-AG 155Issues in Agriculture, Environment, and Life Sciences1
LSC 155First-Year Seminar in Science Communication1
MICROBIO 150Microbiomes and Microbiology - First-Year Seminar1
PLANTSCI/​AGROECOL  100First-Year Seminar in Agroecology and Plant Science1
PL PATH 155Food Frontlines: Security, Sustainability, and Survival1
SOIL SCI 155First-year Seminar in Soil and Environmental Sciences1
Learning Community/Student Group Courses
The following learning community/student group courses are approved as CALS First-Year Seminars.
COUN PSY 117PEOPLE First Year Seminar1
INTEGSCI 110BioHouse Seminar: Biology for the 21st Century1
INTER-AG 117GreenHouse Roots Seminar1
INTER-AG 140CALS QuickStart: Foundations1
INTER-AG 175WISE Seminar1

CALS International Comparisons

The 3 credit requirement may be fulfilled as either a stand-alone 3 credit course or as a set of courses as listed below.
A A E/​ENVIR ST  244The Environment and the Global Economy4
A A E 319The International Agricultural Economy3
A A E/​NUTR SCI  350World Hunger and Malnutrition3
A A E 352Global Health: Economics, Natural Systems, and Policy (approved for enrollments Summer 2021 and later)4
A A E/​INTL ST  373Globalization, Poverty and Development3
A A E/​INTL ST  374The Growth and Development of Nations in the Global Economy3
A A E/​ECON  473Economic Growth and Development in Southeast Asia3
A A E/​ECON  474Economic Problems of Developing Areas3
A A E/​ECON/​INTL BUS  462Latin American Economic Development3
A A E/​ECON  477Agricultural and Economic Development in Africa3
AGROECOL 377Global Food Production and Health3
AN SCI/​DY SCI  370Livestock Production and Health in Agricultural Development3
ASIAN/​HISTORY/​POLI SCI  255Introduction to East Asian Civilizations (approved for enrollments Summer 2021 and later)3-4
C&E SOC/​SOC  341Labor in Global Food Systems (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later)3
C&E SOC/​ENVIR ST/​SOC  540Sociology of International Development, Environment, and Sustainability3
CSCS 500Global Health and Communities: From Research to Praxis3
DY SCI 471Food Production Systems and Sustainability3
ENTOM/​ENVIR ST  201Insects and Human Culture-a Survey Course in Entomology3
ENTOM/​ENVIR ST  205Our Planet, Our Health (approved for enrollments Fall 2026 and later)3
ENTOM/​ZOOLOGY  371Medical Entomology: Biology of Vector and Vector-borne Diseases3
F&W ECOL/​ENVIR ST  100Forests of the World (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later)3
F&W ECOL/​ENVIR ST/​ZOOLOGY  360Extinction of Species3
LSC 251Science, Media and Society (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later)3
PL PATH/​BOTANY  123Plants, Parasites, and People3
PL PATH 311Global Food Security3
PLANTSCI 370World Vegetable Crops3
The following study abroad courses fulfill the CALS International Comparisons requirement. Only the specific course numbers and titles listed, including Topics titles (in parentheses), are approved to meet the CALS International Comparisons requirement.
BIOCHEM 307Study Abroad: Introduction to Biological Sciences Research in Japan (approved for enrollments Fall 2026 and later)3
NUTR SCI/​INTER-AG  421Global Health Field Experience (UW Mobile Clinics and Health Care in Uganda)3
INTER-AG 321
INTER-AG/​NUTR SCI  421
Study Abroad Pre-Departure Seminar
and Global Health Field Experience (UW Global Health Community Health and Asset-Based Community Development in Sri Lanka)
3
INTER-AG 321
INTER-AG/​NUTR SCI  421
Study Abroad Pre-Departure Seminar
and Global Health Field Experience (UW Agriculture, Health and Nutrition in Uganda)
3
INTER-AG/​NUTR SCI  421Global Health Field Experience (UW Health, Education and Tanzanian Culture)3

Major Requirements

Mathematics9-11
Chemistry5-9
Biology10
Physics3-5
Biological and Physical Science Electives12
Entomology Core15
Capstone3
Total Credits57-65

Mathematics

Complete one of the following (or may be satisfied by placement exam):
MATH 112
MATH 113
College Algebra
and Trigonometry
6
MATH 114Precalculus5
Complete one of the following:
MATH 211Survey of Calculus 14
MATH 221Calculus and Analytic Geometry 15
STAT 371Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences3

Chemistry

Complete one of the following:

CHEM 103
CHEM 104
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
9
CHEM 109Advanced General Chemistry5

Biology

Complete one of the following options:

Option 1:
BIOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ZOOLOGY  151
BIOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ZOOLOGY  152
Introductory Biology
and Introductory Biology
10
Option 2:
BIOLOGY/​ZOOLOGY  101
BIOLOGY/​ZOOLOGY  102
BIOLOGY/​BOTANY  130
Animal Biology
and Animal Biology Laboratory
and General Botany
10
Option 3:
BIOCORE 381
BIOCORE 382
BIOCORE 383
BIOCORE 384
Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics
and Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory
and Cellular Biology
and Cellular Biology Laboratory
10

Physics

Complete one of the following:

PHYSICS 103General Physics4
PHYSICS 107The Ideas of Modern Physics3
PHYSICS 109Physics in the Arts3
PHYSICS 115Energy and Climate3
PHYSICS 201General Physics5
PHYSICS 207General Physics5

Biological and Physical Science Electives

Complete 12 additional credits from any biological or physical science course (at least 8 credits must be numbered 300-399 or 200-299 with the intermediate-level designation). Recommended courses are listed below.

Recommended Biological and Physical Science Electives

GENETICS 466Principles of Genetics3
CHEM 341Elementary Organic Chemistry3
CHEM 342Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory1
CHEM 343Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 344Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory2
CHEM 345Organic Chemistry II3
PHYSICS 104General Physics4
PHYSICS 202General Physics5
PHYSICS 208General Physics5
ENTOM (not used to meet other requirements), BOTANY, ZOOLOGY, F&W ECOL, MICROBIO, or PL PATH.

Entomology Core

ENTOM/​ZOOLOGY  302Introduction to Entomology4
Subset Courses11
Must complete at least 3 credits from at least two subsets (organismal, suborganismal, or applied). Courses may not double count in more than one subset. May complete up to 3 credits from the subset labeled "other." See course lists below.

Organismal

ENTOM 331Taxonomy of Mature Insects4
ENTOM 432Taxonomy and Bionomics of Immature Insects4
ENTOM 450Basic and Applied Insect Ecology3
ENTOM 468Studies in Field Entomology3
ENTOM/​BOTANY/​ZOOLOGY  473Plant-Insect Interactions3
ENTOM 490Biodiversity and Global Change3

Suborganismal

ENTOM 321Physiology of Insects3
ENTOM/​ZOOLOGY  371Medical Entomology: Biology of Vector and Vector-borne Diseases3-4
ENTOM/​BOTANY/​PL PATH  505Plant-Microbe Interactions: Molecular and Ecological Aspects3
ENTOM/​GENETICS/​ZOOLOGY  624Molecular Ecology3

Applied

ENTOM 344From Flowers to Food: Pollinator Ecology and Conservation3
ENTOM/​M M & I/​PATH-BIO/​ZOOLOGY  350Parasitology3
ENTOM 351Principles of Economic Entomology3
ENTOM/​ZOOLOGY  371Medical Entomology: Biology of Vector and Vector-borne Diseases3
ENTOM 450Basic and Applied Insect Ecology3

Other

ENTOM 375Special Topics1-4
ENTOM 399Coordinative Internship/Cooperative Education1-8
ENTOM 681Senior Honors Thesis2-4
ENTOM 682Senior Honors Thesis2-4
ENTOM 691Senior Thesis2
ENTOM 699Special Problems1-4

Capstone

ENTOM 468 Studies in Field Entomology is the recommended capstone course (can double count in Entomology Core).  ENTOM 681 Senior Honors Thesis, ENTOM 682 Senior Honors Thesis, ENTOM 691 Senior Thesis, ENTOM 699 Special Problems can be substituted in special circumstances (and can double count up to 3 credits in Entomology Core Category); see advisor.

ENTOM 468Studies in Field Entomology3

Learning Outcomes

  1. Define and explain major concepts in the biological sciences focusing on insects.
  2. Knowledge of laboratory and/or field methodology.
  3. Explain and apply scientific methods including designing and conducting experiments and testing hypotheses.
  4. Recognize relationships between structure and function at all levels including molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological.
  5. Demonstrate a style appropriate for communicating scientific results in written and oral form.
  6. Integrate math, physics, and technology to answer biological questions using the scientific method.

Four-Year Plan

Sample Entomology Four-Year Plan

Students must complete at least 120 total credits to be eligible for graduation.

This sample four-year plan is a tool to assist students and their advisors. Students should use their DARS report, the degree planner, Guide requirements, and the course search & enroll tools to make their own four-year plan based on their placement scores, credit for transferred courses and approved examinations, and individual interests.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
Biology Option or General Chemistry4-5Biology Option or General Chemistry5 
General Education3MATH 1133 
CALS First Year Seminar1General Education6 
MATH 1123  
Elective3  
 14 14 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
Biology Option or General Chemistry4-5Biology Option or General Chemistry5 
General Education3Electives7 
MATH 2215General Education3 
Elective3  
 15 15 
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ENTOM/​ZOOLOGY  3024Biological or Physical Science Elective3ENTOM 4683
Physics Course3-5Breadth Course in Core3 
Electives7CALS International Comparisons Requirement3 
 Electives6 
 14 15 3
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
Biological or Physical Science Elective3Biological or Physical Science Electives6 
Breadth Course in Core3Breadth Course in Core3 
Electives6Electives6 
General Education3  
 15 15 
Total Credits 120

Advising and Careers

Advising 

Students in entomology are assigned to a professional staff academic advisor who helps guide them throughout their undergraduate career. Academic advisors can address questions and concerns, provide advice, help create a four-year degree plan that meets academic and professional goals, and connect students to resources. Additionally, students are assigned to a faculty advisor who helps students dive deeper into the field of entomology and learn about research, graduate school, and careers in the field.

Most Entomology students also participate in independent research during their undergraduate career so it is also important to connect with other Entomology faculty members to learn about all of the research possibilities.

Undergraduates in Entomology are strongly urged to meet with their advisor before they enroll for the upcoming term. If you have questions about advising or declaring the major, please contact the academic advisor.

Career Opportunities

Entomologists from all educational levels are able to seek employment in a variety of areas. Graduates find employment in college and university teaching, community education, research and extension work, state and federal government service, industry, and research institutes. Some examples include:

  • college and universities
  • biotechnology companies
  • state and federal agencies
  • international agricultural research centers
  • nurseries, greenhouses, and garden centers
  • non-governmental organizations
  • golf courses, public parks, and landscape maintenance companies
  • agricultural companies
  • a variety of private consulting firms

For more information on careers available to Entomology students, please visit our Internship & Job Resources page.

Career Advising

Students are encouraged to begin the career exploration process early in their UW–Madison journey by working with advisors, faculty, and CALS Career Services. These resources can help students reflect on their values, identify career goals, and outline strategies to achieve them. CALS Career Services advisors can help students one-on-one with their career goals, resume and cover letter help, interview prep, and more.

Wisconsin Experience

While entomology clearly is “big science,” our department prides itself on a “small campus” feel in which we get to know our undergraduate students during their time with us. 

In the classroom, we strive to maintain labs at not more than 15-20 students to maximize individualized and participatory learning. Students are given additional opportunities for deep and engaged learning experiences through honors options that are generally available for most courses and field and/or lab experiences in many of the upper-level courses.

Internships

Please visit our Internships & Job Resources page for more information on the multitude of internship and employment opportunities available to Entomology students. Research and internship opportunities are also available in the UW Insect Research Collection (WIRC), as well as possible participation in WIRC-sponsored collecting expeditions in Wisconsin and around the United States.

Research Experience

Very nearly all our undergraduate students have opportunities to work alongside our faculty and graduate students in research labs and in the field. Our major accommodates 1–3 credits (of the 15 entomology credits required to major) in the area of directed/independent study and internships to promote extracurricular and outside the traditional classroom learning.

Student Organizations

Undergraduate students are also involved in service learning and teaching through our departmental “Insect Ambassadors” outreach program to K–12, various clubs, and organizations. We are committed to the UW System goal to provide Wisconsin’s citizens with opportunities to benefit from, and contribute to, the state’s growing “knowledge economy” through the land-grant university three-fold mission of teaching, research, and public service. We also have an active Undergraduate Entomology Society for majors — or any UW–Madison students interested in entomology. 

Global Engagement

Entomology students are encouraged to participate in a study abroad experience. Students can find more information about study abroad on the CALS study abroad advising page.

Community Engagement and Volunteering

In the spirit of The Wisconsin Idea, Entomology Department faculty and students fulfill the public service mission through entomology outreach engagement. Entomology Department interactions with the surrounding and statewide community encompass a wide range of insect and human affairs from human medical issues such as West Nile Virus and Lyme disease, to forest products and natural resources entomology, integrated pest management programs for agriculture, turf and ornamental and household settings, K-12 primary and secondary school education, and more. Please visit our Outreach page for more information.

On campus, the Morgridge Center for Public Service provides resources to help students connect with volunteer opportunities based on their interests and goals.

Resources and Scholarships

Department scholarships are available to Entomology students and fellowships are available to support research work with a professor. Please visit our Awards & Scholarships page for additional details. Students across the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences receive more than $1.25 million in scholarships annually. Learn more about college scholarships here.