Overview
Insects and nematodes are the most abundant and diverse creatures on our planet. Their fields of study, entomology and nematology, reflect this diversity and have practical applications in a wide and fascinating range of professional areas. To complement these comprehensive subjects, the UF Entomology and Nematology department offers four specializations within our 30-credit, non-thesis master’s degree program and four 15-credit online graduate certificate options. You can also enroll as a non-degree seeking student if you would like to learn more about a particular subject or explore online learning with UF before committing to a graduate program.
If you’d prefer a broader course of study in entomology, UF also offers you the option of completing only the required courses for the entomology master’s degree and completing the remainder of the your credit requirement with approved elective courses in entomology and nematology.
Tailored for professionals, these programs are fully online and can be completed anywhere, at your own pace. There’s no GRE requirement for admission, and students are accepted year-round, so you can enroll at your convenience. Courses are available in the fall, spring and summer semesters.
Online Labs
All of our courses with lab requirements can be completed entirely online. If a course requires you to collect insects, you can either purchase a kit with basic supplies or make one at home from regular household items with our provided instructions. Labs involving online simulations use free online software. No travel required!
Advanced Career Options
Career options in entomology and nematology include:
- Ecologist
- Biologist
- IPM (integrated pest management) manager
- Pest control technician
- Postsecondary teacher
- Public health entomologist
- Consultant
- Research scientist
- Beekeeper
- Postsecondary teacher
Individuals in the entomology and nematology fields work for government agencies, research laboratories, the military, and postsecondary institutions, and they can frequently be found in the outdoors, conducting real-time research. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many jobs in entomology and nematology enjoy a higher median salary and occupational growth rate compared to the average U.S. profession.
Transferring Credits
Graduate Certificate: Up to 15 credits earned in your certificate program can be transferred to the master’s degree.
Non-Degree: Up to 6 credits (two courses) earned in non-degree status can transfer to the master’s degree or graduate certificate.
In both instances, you must apply and be admitted to the respective graduate program and must have earned a grade of “B” or higher in the course(s) for the credits to transfer. International students will also need to have acceptable TOEFL scores. Successful completion of courses does NOT guarantee acceptance into the graduate certificate or master’s degree programs.
Three Reasons to Choose UF
1. Worldwide Distinction: The University of Florida is proud to be home to the number-one ranked entomology and nematology program in the world as determined through a recent ranking by the Center for World University Rankings. Additionally, the University of Florida is one of the top-ranked schools in several categories according to U.S. News & World Report.
2. Program Options: With four specializations available within our 30-credit non-thesis master’s degree program and four 15-credit graduate certificate options, you’ll be able to choose a specialization or certificate that caters to your interests and professional goals. Our comprehensive program offers ample courses in a broad range of subjects related to entomology and nematology.
3. Affordable Tuition: When you enroll at UF, you’ll be enrolling in the most affordable online entomology and nematology program in the country. Our master’s degree is competitively priced at $15,740, and our graduate certificate tuition is only $7,870.
Master’s Degree
Earn your master’s degree in entomology in as little as two years with UF’s convenient online courses. This Master of Science degree is a 30-credit program that has four possible specializations:
- Medical Entomology includes lectures and labs in arthropod-related hazards and benefits related to humans, wildlife and other environmental and economic factors.
- Landscape Pest Management covers identification of landscape pests and their biology, integrating pest management practices.
- Urban Pest Management focuses on the classification and entomology of household and structural pests, integrating pest management practices.
- Beekeeping explores the biology and predators of honey bees, offering a formal education for current and aspiring beekeepers.
You can also take a broad program of study in entomology by completing only the required courses for your master’s degree and completing the remainder of your 30-credit requirement with approved elective courses in entomology and nematology.
Graduate Certificate
The University of Florida’s Entomology and Nematology department offers four 15-credit graduate certificates. These certificates are designed to provide a point of entry for individuals interested in working in agriculture, apiculture, pest control, public health or other sectors involving pest management and to help current professionals in these areas expand and update their knowledge base. UF offers four entomology graduate certificate options:
- Medical Entomology includes lectures and labs in entomology and veterinary topics, mosquito biology and identification.
- Landscape Pest Management pairs foundational entomology principles with concepts in turf and ornamental entomology.
- Urban Pest Management focuses on the biology, identification and management of urban pests along with basic principles of entomology.
- Beekeeping is all about honey bees, their biology, their predators and the theory and practice of apiculture.
How much does it cost?
All students enrolled in the University of Florida’s online entomology and nematology graduate program pay the same tuition, regardless of location.
Tuition is $524.67 per credit hour.
Financial Aid Resources
There are no departmental or institutional scholarships available to cover costs associated with our online program, but domestic students may apply for financial aid. Additionally, State of Florida employees may use Employee Education Plan benefits, and many government and private employers will reimburse students for some or all of their tuition costs.
Students registered in the online learning course sections will pay through UF Financial Services. Students should check the semester payment deadlines on the Registrar’s website immediately after registering. The University of Florida payment deadline is always the second Friday of each semester before 3:30 pm (not 5:00 pm) EST.
