Insect Biology

Undergraduate Minor

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An insect biology student smiling with boxes of insects

Enhance your degree with an insect biology minor

If you’re interested in insects, consider adding an insect biology minor to your degree! It’s a wonderful way to learn about the evolution, biology, ecology and classification of some of the world’s most interesting creatures.

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An insect biology student smiling with boxes of insects

This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

Learn More About the Insect Biology Minor

By studying insect biology you’ll learn the fundamentals of insect evolution, biology, classification and ecology. All while performing research with notable faculty and state-of-the-art equipment.

A faculty member staring at bees

 

 

The insect biology minor program is an excellent addition to any degree. However, it is limited to students who are currently pursuing a primary degree at UW.

Bee sitting on a flower

 

Insect Biology Minor Highlights

Insect Museum Access

The University of Wyoming Insect Museum is the only research collection of insects in the state of Wyoming. Holdings are estimated at more than one million specimens. The museum, collection, and educational galleries are used as research tools for UW students, faculty and visiting researchers. 

INSECT MUSEUM

Dr. Scott Shaw leads UW’s entomology program. He is renowned for studying parasitic wasps throughout the world, including South America. Dr. Shaw is supported by a renowned group of colleagues in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management.

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Insect biology students have the opportunity to participate in independent studies and perform research using state-of-the-art microscopes. These research opportunities can lead to exciting and unprecedented discoveries. In 2022, several undergraduates worked with Dr. Scott Shaw to identify and name a new wasp species.

 

Insect Museum Access

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What Can You Do with an Insect Biology minor?

An insect biology minor gives you a closer look at the world of bugs—from their anatomy and behavior to their role in ecosystems. It’s a great fit if you're majoring in biology, ecology or zoology and want to explore careers in pest management, conservation, public health or research.

  • Plant Health Safeguarding Specialist
  • Biological Control Specialist
  • Aquatic Ecologist
  • State Survey Coordinator
  • Research Assistant
  • Professor
  • Water Resource Planner
  • Greenhouse Supervisor
  • Plant Genetics Lab Technician
  • Horticulture Program Coordinator
  • Greenhouse Coordinator

  • United States Department of Agriculture
  • Colorado Department of Agriculture
  • Denver Water
  • Red Sun Farms
  • Chadwick Ecological Consultants
  • University of Wyoming
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Florida

Many of UW’s insect biology graduates receive additional education. Our recent graduates have been accepted to:

  • Oregon State University
  • University of Nebraska
  • University of Wyoming
  • University of Vermont

Entomology is the scientific study of insects. It explores their biology, behavior, ecology and classification, and how they interact with humans, animals and the environment. Entomologists might study insect roles in pollination, disease transmission, agriculture or biodiversity, and their work helps in areas like pest control, environmental conservation and public health.

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Related Programs

Interested in an insect biology minor? These programs may also be of interest to you: