Entomology and Nematology Online Programs

Overview

Do you have a particular fascination with the six-, eight- and even no-legged tiny creatures that call our planet home? Insects and nematodes are the most abundant and diverse creatures on Earth. That’s one reason that the fields of entomology and nematology have such practical applications in a range of professional areas.

Whether your area of interest lies in pest management or the fascinating world of beekeeping, the University of Florida’s Entomology and Nematology Department offers four specializations within our 30-credit, non-thesis master’s degree program. We also provide the option of completing only the required courses for the entomology master’s degree and finishing the remainder of your credit requirements with approved elective courses in entomology and nematology.

Interested in a shorter program that still results in a graduate credential from the number-one-ranked entomology and nematology program in the world? We’ve got you covered with four 15-credit online graduate certificate options.

Of course, the possibilities don’t end there. If you want to explore up to two courses in the world of entomology while keeping your educational options open, you can also enroll as a non-degree seeking student to learn more about a particular subject before committing to a graduate program.

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

You can complete all of our courses entirely online — even those with lab requirements. If a course requires you to collect insects, you can either purchase a kit with basic supplies or use our provided instructions to make one at home from regular household items. In addition, labs involving online simulations use free online software. No travel required!

Advanced Career Options

The truth is that potential career options are quite diverse.  Aside from pest management, which is an excellent choice for environmental stewards and problem solvers alike, there are numerous career paths to consider:

  • Ecologist
  • Biologist
  • IPM (integrated pest management) manager
  • Pest control technician
  • Postsecondary teacher
  • Public health entomologist
  • Consultant
  • Research scientist
  • Beekeeper
  • Veterinary entomologist
  • Postsecondary teacher

Individuals in the entomology and nematology fields work for a variety of industries, including:

  • Government agencies
  • Research laboratories
  • The military
  • Postsecondary institutions

In these roles, you’ll collaborate with like-minded individuals, engage in outdoor work and contribute to real-time research. Notably, many positions in these fields offer higher median salaries and occupational growth rates compared to the average U.S. profession, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Transferring Credits

As a graduate or non-degree-seeking student in our program, you can transfer your earned credits to another of our online entomology graduate programs:

  • Graduate Certificate
    You can transfer up to 15 credits earned in your certificate program toward the master’s degree in entomology and nematology.
  • Non-Degree
    If you choose to pursue a graduate certificate or master’s degree in entomology and nematology, you may be eligible to transfer up to 6 credits (two courses) earned in your non-degree status.

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 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

With UF’s convenient online courses, you can earn your master’s degree in entomology in as little as two years. This Master of Science degree is a 30-credit program with four possible specialization options:

  • Medical Entomology
    Embark on an exciting journey into the complex world of medical entomology. Through a combination of lectures and labs, you’ll uncover the dynamic interactions between arthropods, humanity and the environment and explore the numerous hazards and benefits these creatures bring to our lives.
  • Landscape Pest Management
    Gain expertise in landscape pest management that goes beyond just identifying pests. Unearth the biology of various insects and elevate your understanding of how to create thriving, pest-resistant landscapes that can withstand the most challenging of pests.
  • Urban Pest Management
    Through in-depth classification and entomological exploration, you’ll discover ways to effectively manage household and structural pests. You’ll also acquire the skills to preserve the sanctity of urban spaces by integrating cutting-edge pest management practices.
  • Beekeeping
    Uncover the intricate biology of honey bees and their battles against cunning predators. Our program offers a formal education for both aspiring and seasoned beekeepers, so no matter your level of expertise, you’ll be able to nurture and safeguard their essential role in our ecosystem. 

You can also take a broad program of study in entomology by completing only the required courses for your master’s degree. Then, you’ll fulfill the remainder of your 30-credit requirement with approved elective courses in entomology and nematology.

Graduate Certificate

If you’re hoping to hone specific skills and advance your career without pursuing a graduate degree, consider one of our four specialized graduate certificate programs. They’re each designed to provide a point of entry for people interested in working in agriculture, apiculture, pest control, public health or other sectors involving pest management. They can also help current professionals expand and update their current knowledge base.

Our graduate certificate options include:

  • Medical Entomology 
    Explore the captivating world of medical entomology with engaging lectures and hands-on labs that explore the ways arthropods can both harm and benefit humans and wildlife. You’ll also learn about veterinary topics and mosquito biology and identification.
  • Landscape Pest Management
    Combine essential entomology principles with the art of handling turf and ornamental entomology so you can create pest-free, thriving landscapes that stand out.
  • Urban Pest Management
    Uncover the urban jungle’s hidden inhabitants by mastering the identification and management of urban pests. In addition, you’ll learn the core principles of entomology.
  • Beekeeping
    Journey into the heart of beekeeping where you’ll immerse yourself in the world of honey bees, their biology, their crafty predators and the art 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.

Learn More About the Program

Click for details about the Entomology and Nematology program.