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Cornell University Department of Entomology

Requirements for the Entomology Major

The entomology curriculum provides students with a basic background in biological and natural sciences with a special emphasis on the study of insects. Majors may pursue graduate studies in entomology or related sciences upon completion of the B. S. degree. Alternatively, students may immediately 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, the major includes flexibility among the core requirements and electives that can be selected by students in consultation with their advisors.

General Requirements for CALS

See the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences basic requirements for admission:  www.cals.cornell.edu/cals/prospective/admissions/applying/first-year/requirements.cfm

Basic Science & Math Requirements

  • One year of college mathematics, may substitute statistics or biometry, but must include one course in calculus
  • One semester of physics (may need two depending on future plans)
  • Chemistry 2060-2080 or 2070-2080
  • Chemistry 2570 (organic)
  • Introductory Biology (1010 — 1040 recommended, even if AP credit received)
  • Biological Sciences 2810 (Genetics) or Plant Breeding 2250 (Plant Genetics)
  • Biological Sciences 2780 (Evolutionary Biology)
  • Choose one of the following two courses:

    • Biological Sciences 2610 (Principles of Ecology)
    • Biological Sciences 3300 or 3310 (Principles of Biochemistry)
    (Choice depends on student interest in organismal vs. cellular/molecular aspects of Biology)

Entomology Requirements (15-21 credits)

  • Entom 2120 Insect Biology 4 credits
  • Group A (core courses)- Choose two of the following courses:

    • ENTOM 3310 Insect Phylogeny and Evolution 3 credits
    • ENTOM 3311 Insect Phylogeny and Evolution Lab 1 credit
    • ENTOM 3330 Maggots, Grubs and Cutworms: Larval Insect Biology 3 credits
    • ENTOM 3520 Medical and Veterinary Entomology 3 credits
    • ENTOM 3521 Lab in Medical and Veterinary Entomology 1 credit
    • ENTOM 4440 Integrated Pest Management 3 credits, 4 credits with lab
    • ENTOM 4550 Insect Ecology 4 credits
    • ENTOM 4630 Invertebrate Pathology 4 credits
    • ENTOM 4830 Insect Physiology 4 credits
  • Group B (advanced electives)

    • ENTOM 3070 Pesticides, the Environment and Human Health 2 credits
    • ENTOM 3150 Spider Biology 3 credits
    • ENTOM 3250 Insect Behavior 3 credits
    • ENTOM 3350 Naturlist Outreach Practicum 3 credits
    • ENTOM 3440 Insect Conservation Biology 3 credits
    • ENTOM 3690 Chemical Ecology 3 credits
    • ENTOM 4440 Phylogenetic Systematics 4 credits
    • ENTOM 4530 Principles and Practice of Historical Biogeography 3 credits
    • ENTOM 4700 Ecological Genetics 3 credits
    • ENTOM 4900 Toxicology of Insecticides 3 credits
    • BIOEE  4560 Stream Ecology 4 credits