Entomology

Entomology at the University of California offers a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of insects and related arthropods, their biology, ecology, behavior, physiology, and their roles in ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. The program combines theoretical coursework with practical laboratory experiences, fieldwork, and research opportunities, equipping students with the skills necessary to address challenges such as pest management, conservation, and environmental sustainability. Students will learn about insect taxonomy, systematics, and evolution, as well as methods for studying insect populations and their interactions within various habitats. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating aspects of biology, ecology, chemistry, and environmental sciences to develop a holistic understanding of entomological issues. In addition, students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, research facilities, and internships with government agencies, agricultural organizations, and research institutions. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, pest control, environmental consulting, education, and policy development. With faculty dedicated to innovative research and mentorship, students are encouraged to participate in ongoing projects that contribute to scientific knowledge and address real-world problems related to insects and their environments. Through a combination of coursework, research, and practical experience, the Entomology program at the University of California aims to develop scientifically literate professionals capable of applying their expertise to improve agricultural productivity, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable practices across various sectors.

The major requirements for both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees in Entomology are as follows:

1. Lower-division requirements (50-51 units)

• Biology 5A, 5LA, 5B, 5C
• Physics 2A, 2B, 2C, 2LA, 2LB, 2LC
• Mathematics 8B or 9A, and 9B
• Chemistry 1A, 1B, 1C, 1LA, 1LB, 1LC

2. Upper-division requirements (67 units)

• Entomology 100, 107L, 173, 4 units in any combination of ENTM 190, ENTM 197, or ENTM199H
• Twenty-four (24) additional units of entomology electives, which may include up to 2 additional units of ENTM 190, ENTM 197, or ENTM 199H
• Biochemistry 100
• Biology 102
• Biology 107A
• Chemistry 112A, 112B, 112C
• Statistics 100A

Biology 151 and 175 are suggested in order to acquire a background in the life sciences appropriate for an Entomology major.

For students intending to specialize at the graduate level in insect toxicology or insect physiology and biochemistry, it is recommended that Biochemistry 110A, 110B, 110C and 102 be substituted in place of an equal number of upper-division course units in life sciences. Due to course content overlap credit will not be allowed for Biochemistry 110A-110B-110C and Biochemistry 100.

Requirements

Applicants must complete a rigorous college preparatory program that includes the following academic subject requirements:

• History/Social Science: 2 years
• English/Language of School Instruction: 4 years
• Mathematics: 3 years (4 years recommended)
• Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 years recommended)
• Foreign Language (English must be the foreign language studied if it was not the language of instruction.): 2 years (3 years recommended)
• Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
• College-Preparatory Elective: 1 year

UC Riverside is aware that not all educational systems include academic courses in these areas, which will be taken into consideration during the application review.

• The applicant must earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale, equivalent to an 85 percent on a 100 percent scale. The assessment of a qualifying GPA is based on “a-g” courses completed in 10th and 11th grades.
• If the secondary school offers a different curriculum, the applicant’s academic achievement will be based on that educational system’s grading scale.
• The ACT with Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test must be taken no later than December of the final year of secondary school.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not the applicant’s native language, or the language of instruction at the applicant’s school, then they must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following options:

• Pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 80 or higher (iBT).
• Pass the International English Testing Language System (IELTS) with a score of 6.5 or higher.
• Achieve a score of 560 or higher on the “Writing” section of the SAT Reasoning Test.
• Achieve a score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP Exam in English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition.
• Achieve a score of 5, 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examination in English (Language A).
• Complete a transferable college course in English Composition with a C grade or better.

Also

• Academic records
• Test scores
• Estimated household income (optional)
• Citizenship status
• Application payment method

Answer Personal Insight Questions

• The personal insight questions are an opportunity for applicants to tell us about themselves in their own words, and an opportunity for us to get to know them better.
• Freshmen must answer four out of eight questions.
• Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.
• Applicants should draft their answers in a word processing program first, then copy and paste them into the UC application. (Applicants are automatically logged out of the UC application after 30 minutes.)
• The personal insight questions are just one part that we consider when making our admission decision. The important thing is that applicants express who they are, what matters to them and what they want to share with UCR!

Scholarships

• Regents Scholarship
• Chancellor’s Scholarship
• Highlander Excellence Scholarship

The University of California offers a comprehensive Entomology program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of insects and their roles in ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in research, pest management, environmental conservation, and academia. Students engaging in this program have opportunities to study insect biology, behavior, ecology, physiology, and taxonomy through a combination of coursework, laboratory work, and field research. The curriculum includes specialized courses such as insect identification, applied entomology, integrated pest management, and insect conservation.

Graduate students may pursue master's and doctoral degrees, engaging in original research under faculty supervision. The program often collaborates with various research centers and industry partners, providing internships and cooperative education opportunities that enhance practical experience. Facilities include modern laboratories equipped for molecular biology, microscopy, and insect rearing, along with extensive field sites for ecological studies. Faculty members are recognized experts in their fields, contributing to advancements in pest control, pollination biology, and insect physiology.

The university also fosters interdisciplinary collaborations, connecting entomology with plant sciences, environmental studies, and public health initiatives. Graduates of the program are well-positioned for careers in academia, government agencies, private industry, and non-profit organizations. They may work as entomologists, pest management specialists, agricultural consultants, or researchers focused on sustainable pest control methods and insect conservation strategies. The University of California's program emphasizes research, innovation, and field work to ensure students leave with both theoretical expertise and practical competence for addressing pressing global challenges involving insect populations.