Want to stop pests from getting the upper hand on homes and businesses? The urban pest management specialization in UF’s online entomology graduate program was created for working professionals like you.
Set yourself up to excel in pest management, entomology and beyond. Our flexible curriculum lets you choose courses based on your interests — personal and professional. (Oh, and did we mention that UF’s the top-ranked entomology and nematology program in the world?)
Read on to hear Dr. Tae Young Lee, instructional assistant professor, break down UF’s online urban pest management programs, career benefits and how he makes distance learning personalized and engaging.
Quick Facts
- 100% online
- No GRE required
- Year-round start dates
- Virtual and at-home labs
Urban Pest Management Degree and Certificate Options
Urban pest management tackles the challenges of managing pest populations in heavily populated areas. UF students can choose from two online urban pest management programs:
- Graduate Certificate in Urban Pest Management (15 credits)
- Standalone credential with practical applications for working professionals
- Master’s Degree (30 credits)
- Entomology master’s degree that includes the urban pest management certificate
- Earn both credentials upon graduation
In both programs, you’ll learn:
- Pest classification, identification and management
- Pest biology and habitat
- Insect impact on human and animal health
Who Should Earn UF’s Master’s Degree in Entomology?
Dr. Lee recommends the master’s degree if you want to:
- Further your academic credentials
- Pursue a doctoral program in entomology or related fields
- Learn how to conduct research in urban pest management
“It can lead to students taking on PhD positions at institutions for entomology or related degrees,” Dr. Lee said. “If any student would like to learn the basics of [conducting] research in urban pest management or related fields, the online master’s program will best satisfy that.”
Who Should Earn UF’s Graduate Certificate in Entomology?
Dr. Lee recommends the graduate certificate for individuals who:
- Already work in pest management
- Want to understand the science behind current technology
- Need to meet third-party license requirements
Certificate students will explore concepts like “different types of bait insecticide formulation, the steps of integrated pest management (IPM), or the biology and behaviors of insects.”
Why Urban Pest Management Careers Are Growing
Why should you specialize in urban pest management? Dr. Lee put it simply:
“Urban pest management will inevitably grow.”
Here’s why:
- Climate change is expanding pest ranges into new areas
- Tropical pests are more destructive than temperate-region pests
- Invasive species like Formosan and Asian subterranean termites will expand their range and threaten properties
But termites aren’t the only concern. “Mosquitoes’ range and disease epidemiology will change over time,” Dr. Lee added. “Urban pest management is the research, control and extension needed to make sure that they never grow too problematic.”
The upside of all this growth? Career stability. “There are a lot of job openings in urban pest management,” Dr. Lee confirmed.
Careers in Urban Pest Management
After earning your urban pest management graduate credential from UF, you can qualify for pest control industry roles in:
- Leadership
- Research and development
- Sales/consumer education
- Certified technicians/operators
Dr. Lee noted that technicians don’t always need a college degree, but becoming licensed without one takes much longer. “If you do an entomology degree, it makes it much easier.”
You’ll also find opportunities in academia and research, with career paths like:
- University professor
Test products for industry and study pest organisms to develop new, environmentally responsible control methods. - Extension faculty
Educate the public and consult with industry professionals.
Explore more entomology careers here.
Why Choose UF’s Online Urban Pest Management Program?
When asked what makes UF stand out, Dr. Lee highlighted UF’s:
- Diverse staff
- Course offerings
- Opportunities for remote students to complete collaborative, hands-on projects
“We have a welcoming faculty who are always willing to interact with students,” he said. “We’re a growing department that enables students to work with faculty members who are tackling many different topics.”
As a student, you can also expect a wide range of courses and a master’s degree capstone project that helps you get research experience — with no travel required.
Connect Through Engaging Online Coursework
Dread sitting through endless lectures? (Us too.) Dr. Lee creates interactive content with his audience in mind, designed to keep you engaged:
His approach: storytelling + visuals.
“I try to make my lectures so students feel that they’re watching a YouTube video or TED-Ed talk. [It makes] it easier for students to watch otherwise complex information and stay engaged.”
Social-Media Inspired Discussions
Dr. Lee uses Instagram-style content to start discussions:
“I upload photos of insects, even if they’re not related to the course. I go out and find something interesting. I take videos and photographs and upload them for students to comment on and ask questions. And I encourage students to do the same if they find something cool.”
How UF Can Help You Make an Impact
As Dr. Lee warns us, pests are adapting. Will you adapt with them?
Urban pest management professionals with real scientific training will be essential as climate change reshapes where and how insects thrive. An urban pest management credential from UF helps you gain the expertise to push back against the problem — and move forward in your career.
