2 answers
Alara
Student
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best course to complete to become and entomologist interested in field research?
I am an aspiring entomologist entering my undergrad education in the fall of 2026. I would like to know how important it is to major in Entomology vs General Biology and if I should be working towards a Masters Degree or a Doctorate.
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2 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Alara,
South Carolina does not have any bachelor programs in entomology. You would have to go out of state to major in entomology which would increase your tuition costs. You could check if you are eligible to attend e.g. University of Florida, which has a highly ranked entomology program, through the Academic Common Market (Southern Regional Education Board: https://www.sreb.org/AcademicCommonMarket).
But I probably wouldn't go that far. Clemson University offers a bachelors in biological sciences with an emphasis in entomology. They also have masters and PhD programs in entomology and active research programs. That's an excellent basis to become an entomologist while staying in-state. It's preferable to get your bachelors in the broader field of biological sciences before you specialize anyway. You don't know yet, where your life and career will take you and it's better to keep options open than to pigeon-hole yourself this early in the game. Get involved in undergraduate research early on, make contacts with the entomologists and you'll be on your way.
If you want to be a researcher, you'll almost certainly need a masters and PhD. A thesis-based masters is required to be admitted into the PhD program at Clemson. So, do your masters in entomology. Specialize and learn, and go on to the PhD.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/careers-in-entomology
https://entsoc.org/publications/undergraduate-programs
https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/zoology/entomology/rankings/top-ranked/
https://clemson.catalog.acalog.com/preview_program.php?catoid=16&poid=3944&returnto=497
https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/academics/graduate/entomology.html
South Carolina does not have any bachelor programs in entomology. You would have to go out of state to major in entomology which would increase your tuition costs. You could check if you are eligible to attend e.g. University of Florida, which has a highly ranked entomology program, through the Academic Common Market (Southern Regional Education Board: https://www.sreb.org/AcademicCommonMarket).
But I probably wouldn't go that far. Clemson University offers a bachelors in biological sciences with an emphasis in entomology. They also have masters and PhD programs in entomology and active research programs. That's an excellent basis to become an entomologist while staying in-state. It's preferable to get your bachelors in the broader field of biological sciences before you specialize anyway. You don't know yet, where your life and career will take you and it's better to keep options open than to pigeon-hole yourself this early in the game. Get involved in undergraduate research early on, make contacts with the entomologists and you'll be on your way.
If you want to be a researcher, you'll almost certainly need a masters and PhD. A thesis-based masters is required to be admitted into the PhD program at Clemson. So, do your masters in entomology. Specialize and learn, and go on to the PhD.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Alara !
To obtain work as an Entomologist in South Carolina, a Bachelor Degree in entomology or a related biological science is typically required, with nine semester hours of coursework in Entomology if the degree is in a biological science.
If you want to obtain work in research or government positions, it is recommended to obtain a Masters or Doctorate. Do not be concerned right now about this because during your Bachler Degree study, you will figure out if you should go for a Masters or Doctorate based on learning more about this career.
It will be crucial for you to obtain strong knowledge of entomology, plant pathology, and insect control methods. Read the program for the college you plan to attend and see what is contained in the required courses for an Entomology Major. As for professional Certification, you can obtain those from the Entomological Society of America, such as the Certified Associate Entomologist or Board Certified Entomologist. These certifications can boost your chances for work. Your professors will no doubt guide you towards the steps to take.
You may want some networking and job prospects so I would advise joining the Entomological Society of America. In South Carolina, there are employment opportunities for Entomologists in state, government, agriculture, and environmental science.
I strongly recommend finding a college that offers a Major in Entomology. It's not offered at many colleges, though. Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina offers a Minor in Entomology. If you do not obtain the Bachelors in Entomology, you most likely would have to do a Masters Degree in Entomology because you would need the degree in the subject for the career you want. Once you find the college to attend, go for an orientation and visit the Academic Counseling office for guidance on this career. You'll need to have an in person discussion about it with your high school guidance counselor or the Academic Counselor at your prospective college. Depending on what you decide to major in, you may have to consider going out of state for a Degree in Entomology. Start exploring now so that you can begin applying to different colleges.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
To obtain work as an Entomologist in South Carolina, a Bachelor Degree in entomology or a related biological science is typically required, with nine semester hours of coursework in Entomology if the degree is in a biological science.
If you want to obtain work in research or government positions, it is recommended to obtain a Masters or Doctorate. Do not be concerned right now about this because during your Bachler Degree study, you will figure out if you should go for a Masters or Doctorate based on learning more about this career.
It will be crucial for you to obtain strong knowledge of entomology, plant pathology, and insect control methods. Read the program for the college you plan to attend and see what is contained in the required courses for an Entomology Major. As for professional Certification, you can obtain those from the Entomological Society of America, such as the Certified Associate Entomologist or Board Certified Entomologist. These certifications can boost your chances for work. Your professors will no doubt guide you towards the steps to take.
You may want some networking and job prospects so I would advise joining the Entomological Society of America. In South Carolina, there are employment opportunities for Entomologists in state, government, agriculture, and environmental science.
I strongly recommend finding a college that offers a Major in Entomology. It's not offered at many colleges, though. Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina offers a Minor in Entomology. If you do not obtain the Bachelors in Entomology, you most likely would have to do a Masters Degree in Entomology because you would need the degree in the subject for the career you want. Once you find the college to attend, go for an orientation and visit the Academic Counseling office for guidance on this career. You'll need to have an in person discussion about it with your high school guidance counselor or the Academic Counselor at your prospective college. Depending on what you decide to major in, you may have to consider going out of state for a Degree in Entomology. Start exploring now so that you can begin applying to different colleges.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thank you so much! You provided several tips that make a lot of sense. I will join the Entmological Society in January as well. I have looked at Clemson but feel that is too large of a campus for me. I have been looking at a few smaller schools that have at least one entomology class as well as other courses that will incorporate entomology with environmental issues.
Alara
That sounds great and you are very welcome for the advice !
Michelle M.