Entomology Major & Minor
Thinking small to tackle global challenges
Home to the first entomology department in the country, CALS' undergraduate entomology major offers innumerable opportunities to study the basic and applied aspects of the field, while gaining a broad education in the biological and environmental sciences.
Join research that spans the globe and impacts human lives on many levels, influencing a broad range of disciplines including human and veterinary medicine, farming, biodiversity and genomics.
Major in Entomology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
The Entomology major provides an education in biological and environmental sciences, with a special emphasis on insects. Students in this major are not just fascinated by the most diverse group of animals on Earth; they understand that research in entomology is critical to human lives. For example:
- Many serious diseases across the world are spread by insects; finding cures to these diseases will require a detailed understanding of insect biology.
- A number of physiological processes—such as neurobiological systems—can be studied more easily in insects than in mammals.
- Insects have evolved solutions to problems that still confound engineers. Examining the functional morphology of insects has helped inspire better designs of everything from robots to solar panels.
CALS seeks students who maintain a rigorous high school curriculum and demonstrate an outstanding record of academic achievement.
4 Units of English
4 Units of Mathematics* (including pre-calculus)
3 Units of Science (biology, chemistry and physics recommended)
Also recommended: an additional unit of science
For general guidelines on how to obtain and complete Cornell University's application form, as well as information on financial aid, please visit CALS Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
The entomology curriculum prepares you for a wide range of options after graduation, including the pursuit of graduate studies in entomology or related sciences upon completion of the B.S. degree.
Alternatively, our graduates begin careers in various aspects of basic or applied insect biology including integrated pest management, insect pathology, environmental assessment, medical or veterinary entomology, insect toxicology, apiculture, insect systematics or insect ecology.
Because of the diversity of career options, our major includes flexibility among the core requirements and electives that can be selected by you in consultation with your advisor.
General Requirements
General Requirements for CALS (see Graduation Requirements for Bachelor of Science) Basic Science and Math Requirements
Physical Sciences
- One semester of college statistics or biometry (ENTOM 3030, STSCI 2150 or BTRY 3010)
- One semester of physics (may need two depending on future plans) Excluding any 1200 level course for non-science majors
- CHEM 2070 and CHEM 2080 General Chemistry I&II (or)
- CHEM 2150 and AP credit in chemistry.
- CHEM 1570 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (or)
- CHEM 3570 and CHEM 3580 Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences (for students planning on medical school)
Introductory Life Science
- BIOG 1500 Investigative Biology Laboratory
- BIOMG 2800/2801 Genetics and Genomics (Lab)
- BIOEE 1780 Evolutionary Biology and Diversity
- BIOG 1610 Ecology and the Environment (or)
- ENTOM 4550 Insect Ecology
Choose two courses from two out of the following three groups: (Choice depends on student interest in organismal vs. cellular/molecular aspects of biology)
- BIOMG 3300, 3310, 3320, 3330 (or) 3350 Principles of Biochemistry
- BIOMG 1350 Principles of Cell and Developmental Biology
- BIOG 1440 Introduction to Comparative Physiology (or) ENTOM 4830 Insect Physiology
Entomology Requirements (15-21 credits) All major Entomology requirements must be taken for a letter grade of C- or better.
- ENTOM 2120 Insect Biology - 4 cr
Group A (core courses)
Choose two of the following courses. If ENTOM 3030, 4550 or ENTOM 4830 have been used to satisfy the core requirements above, they will not satisfy the Group A or B requirements.
- ENTOM 3030 Applied Statistics: Biological Experiments in Practice - 3 cr
- ENTOM 3310/3311 Insect Diversity and Evolution (Lab) - 4 cr
- ENTOM 3410 Applied Entomology (Lab) - 3 cr
- ENTOM 4000 Ecology & Evolution of Infectious Diseases - 4 cr
- ENTOM 4440 Integrated Pest Management - 4 cr
- ENTOM 4520/4521 Introduction to Disease Vectors (Lab) - 4 cr
- ENTOM 4550 Insect Ecology - 4 cr
- ENTOM 4610 Model-Based Phylogenetics and Hypothesis Testing - 3 cr
- ENTOM 4830 Insect Physiology - 4 cr
Group B (advanced electives)
- ENTOM 3150 Spider Biology - 3 cr
- ENTOM 3200 Grape Pest Management - 3 cr
- ENTOM 3250 Insect Behavior - 3 cr
- ENTOM 3350 Naturalist Outreach Practicum - 3 cr
- ENTOM 3440 Insect Conservation Biology - 3 cr
- ENTOM 3690 Chemical Ecology - 3 cr
- ENTOM 3755 Social Animal Behavior - 3 cr
- ENTOM 4700 Ecological Genetics - 4 cr
Two additional entomology courses from Groups A or B.
For a complete list of courses please visit the Courses of Study page.
ENTOM 2010 Alien Empire: Bizarre Biology of Bugs
Insects are the most abundant and diverse animals on earth. This course explores the often bizarre biology of insects and their interaction with humans.
ENTOM 2100 Plagues and People
This course takes a long view of the associations of humans and pathogens, parasites and arthropods that have had great impact on human lives, culture and enterprise from Biblical times, through the Black Death of medieval Europe, to modern scourges such as malaria, that still kill millions of people every year.
ENTOM 3350 Naturalist Outreach
Whether you are more interested in insects or in other aspects of the natural world, this course will help you develop your passion and share it with others. Students learn to prepare engaging multimedia presentations and take them into secondary school classrooms throughout Central New York.
Students will be able to:
- Think critically and use principles and modes of analysis in chemistry, physics and mathematics.
- Design basic statistical analyses and evaluate basic statistical information.
- Apply and judge the scientific method in conducting inquiry-based research in the laboratory and in the field.
- Be able to critically evaluate information in primary research articles in entomology.
- Apply concepts and analytical approaches in evolutionary biology, genetics and two other areas of biology of the student’s choice.
- Demonstrate phylogenetic “tree thinking” and be able to categorize insects based on basic ecological, behavioral, morphological, physiological or developmental attributes.
- Examine insects and other arthropods deeply within a biological level of analysis, and compare strategies used by different groups.
- Identify the potential impact of different insect species on agriculture, human health and society in general, and be knowledgeable about potential control strategies.
- Locate, comprehend and synthesize information important for informed decisions about broader issues in our society.
- Effectively communicate in written, oral and graphical form.
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Cole Gilbert, Professor
Phone: (607) 255-8152
Email: cg23 [at] cornell.edu (cg23[at]cornell[dot]edu)
Undergraduate Field Administrative Assistant
Stephanie Westmiller, Student Services
Phone: (607) 255-6198
Email: st342 [at] cornell.edu (st342[at]cornell[dot]edu)
Are you thinking of visiting Cornell?
If you are thinking about coming to Cornell University for a visit please inform Stephanie Westmiller (st342 [at] cornell.edu) two or three business days ahead of time so that appropriate activities can be set up. Please provide information about the day of your visit, times of day you are available and what your interests or questions about Entomology are.
Minor in Entomology
A deeper understanding of entomology can bring new insights and perspectives to a wide range of studies and pursuits.
Any undergraduate student is eligible to enroll in the minor in entomology.
Requirements for a Minor in Entomology are completion with a letter grade of C- or better of at least three courses, totaling a minimum of 10 credits, including: ENTOM 2120 (Insect Biology, 4 credits), one course from Group A (below) and one additional course from Group A or B (below).
Required Course
ENTOM 2120 Insect Biology - 4 cr
Group A - Core Elective Courses
ENTOM 3030 Applied Statistics: Biological Experiments in Practice - 3 cr
ENTOM 3310/3311 Insect Diversity and Evolution (Lab) - 4 cr
ENTOM 3410 Applied Entomology - 3 cr
ENTOM 4000 Ecology & Evolution of Infectious Diseases - 4 cr
ENTOM 4440 Integrated Pest Management - 4 cr
ENTOM 4520/4521 Introduction to Disease Vectors (Lab) - 4 cr
ENTOM 4550 Insect Ecology - 4 cr
ENTOM 4610 Model-Based Phylogenetics and Hypothesis Testing - 3 cr
ENTOM 4830 Insect Physiology - 4 cr
Group B - Specialized Elective Courses
ENTOM 3150 Spider Biology - 3 cr
ENTOM 3200 Grape Pest Management - 3 cr
ENTOM 3250 Insect Behavior - 3 cr
ENTOM 3350 Naturalist Outreach Practicum - 3 cr
ENTOM 3440 Insect Conservation Biology - 3 cr
ENTOM 3690 Chemical Ecology - 3 cr
ENTOM 3755 Social Animal Behavior - 3 cr
ENTOM 4700 Ecological Genetics - 4 cr
Transfer requirements
Get an education in biological and environmental sciences, with a special emphasis on insects—the most diverse group of organisms on Earth. The Department of Entomology was the first of its kind in the U.S., and remains one of the largest programs in the nation.
Academic Record
Strong academic record at the college level. In general, competitive applicants have at least a 3.0 (B) average.
CALS Required Coursework should be completed or in-progress with a “B” or better before applying.
The most competitive applicants are full-time students who have met the GPA and course requirements.
For information about AP/IB/GCE Credit, Visit our Cornell Policy on Advanced Placement Credit for English, Math, Science, and Foreign Language. CALS adheres to these guidelines unless otherwise noted by the major.
For information about College Credit Earned in High School, Visit CALS Policy on College Credit While Earned in High School
Below are requirements for Transfer Students applying to CALS for Fall 2025
(or transfers with two full-time college semesters of study (post-high school) completed or in progress at time of application).
Required:
One full academic year of Introductory Biology with lab
- Equivalent to BIOG 1440, BIOMG 1350, BIOEE 1610, BIOEE 1780
- AP, IB, & GCE credit in Biology not encouraged
Two College Writing/English Composition courses or one writing/composition and Public Speaking
Strongly encouraged (but not required):
Calculus I or Statistics
General Chemistry I & II with lab
Courses that meet the CALS social science and humanities requirements
(or transfers with four full-time college semesters of study (post-high school) completed or in progress at time of application).
Required:
One full academic year of Introductory Biology with lab
- Equivalent to BIOG 1440, BIOMG 1350, BIOEE 1610, BIOEE 1780
- AP, IB, & GCE credit in Biology not encouraged
Two Upper-Level Biology Courses
- Can include: Genetics & Genomics, Physiology, Biochemistry, Entomology
Statistics
General Chemistry I & II with lab
Two College Writing/English Composition courses or one writing/composition and Public Speaking
Strongly encouraged (but not required):
Physics I
Intro courses in Entomology with lab OR more upper level Biology
Courses that meet the CALS social science and humanities requirements
Careers in Entomology
Research
- Research assistant
- Biological science technician
- Bird loss project assistant
- Entomological research assistant
- Research & development project manager
More
- Honey bee technician
- Plant science technician
- Museum technician
- Healthcare sanitarian
- Public and private school teaching, K-12
- Pest Control business
- Tree service/arborist business
- Various agriculture-related jobs including working on farms, agrochemical industry, pest management consulting
NEWS SPOTLIGHT
Bugged out! Exhibit displays insect diversity and importance
Insects are by far the most diverse group of animals on the planet, with more than 1 million estimated known species, and many millions more that have yet to be named.
NEWS SPOTLIGHT
‘Plagues and People’ class gives context for the pandemic
“As we are all too aware by now, infectious diseases have the power to shape our world by altering the ways our societies function, our politics, our economies and the way we interact with each other,” said Marina Caillaud, senior lecturer in the Department of Entomology.
NEWS SPOTLIGHT
Rare, endangered insects illegally for sale online
A survey has found that endangered and threatened insects and spiders, as well as common species that provide valuable ecological services, can be easily purchased – without adequate oversight – through basic internet searches, according to a new Cornell study.
Explore your opportunities
A CALS education goes beyond the classroom and gives students frequent opportunities to apply what they learn in real-world settings.
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