Master of Science in Entomology Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope and Salary

M.Sc. in Entomology is a 2-year full-time post-graduate course divided into 4 semesters. The program combines theoretical and practical training in:

• Biology
• control of disease vectors
• human pathogens such vectors transmit.

Students enrolled to the course are imparted:

• specialized skills in the Molecular Biology of infectious diseases.
• skills in all aspects of major vector-borne diseases.
• lessons in processes regulating vector populations.
• grounding in the systematics of medically important arthropods.
• lessons in biology of vector–parasite and vector–vertebrate interactions.
• skills in producing integrated management solutions that pay due regard to social, agronomic, and environmental requirements.
• learning in ways to disseminate issues and ideas relating to insect control and conservation to a range of audiences using various methods of communication.
• research skills in testing hypotheses relevant to pure and applied entomological research.
• skills in carrying out, designing, analysing and interpreting experiments or surveys.
• lessons in evaluating and interpreting data.
• skills in drawing relevant conclusions from existing entomological studies.
• lessons in a broad range of topics in entomology and conservation.
• fundamental skills needed in an entomological work environment.
• research skills in ecological entomology or insect conservation.
• lessons in focus on specialist subjects consistent with their interests and future career intentions.
• Proficiency in impact assessment and evaluation studies of agricultural development programs and technologies
• skills in market research, international development or areas of public policy related to agriculture and food production.

The average annual course fee in India ranges between INR 5,000 and 2 lacs, depending upon the institute offering the course.

The average annual salary offered in India to successful postgraduates of the course ranges between INR 2 and 12 lacs, depending upon the candidate’s expertise in the field.

M.Sc. in Entomology: Course Highlights

Tabulated below are some of the major highlights of the course.

M.Sc. in Entomology: What is it About?

Entomology is the study of insects or arthropods in criminal investigation. From the early stages insects are attracted to the decomposing body and may lay eggs in it.

Learning the insect population and the developing larval stages, forensic scientists can estimate the post-mortem index, any change in position of the corpse as well as the cause of death.

Forensic Entomologists are:

• called upon frequently to collaborate in criminal investigations.
• are typically aware of the possibilities that forensic entomology has to offer.
• skilled at using the discipline as an adjunct to the conventional means of forensic investigation.
• able to communicate academic issues and solutions to peers and the public.
• aware on an advanced level of the economic policy landscape.
• equipped with the necessary professional tools to analyse and advise on international economics and development.
• proficient in industrial economics from a food policy perspective, both nationally and globally.

Top Institutes offering M.Sc. in Entomology

Some of the top institutes offering the course in the country with the corresponding locations and fees charged by the respective colleges are listed below.

Eligibility for M.Sc. in Entomology

Candidates aspiring for admission to the course are required to fulfill the following minimum eligibility criteria.

• Graduation or another such equivalent course in a relevant discipline, completed from a recognized university.
• Graduation needs to have been completed in any of:
• Sc. (Zoology / Botany / Life Sciences / Medical Laboratory Technology / Microbiology / Biochemistry)
• V. Sc.
• MBBS
• E./ B.Tech. (Biotechnology)
• Tech. (Agricultural Biotechnology).
• A minimum aggregate score of 50% (45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) at the level of graduation.
• Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply for the course on provisional basis.

M.Sc. in Entomology: Admission Process

Most institutes offering the course admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test. Some institutes conduct their own entrance tests for offering admission. Admission process generally varies across colleges.

A few institutes also provide direct admission based on the candidate’s score at the graduation level.

M.Sc. in Entomology: Syllabus and Course Description

A semester - wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated below.

M.Sc. in Entomology: Career Prospects

Professionals skilled in Entomology can find a variety of career options, such as:

• Pest Control Technician
• Researcher
• Law Enforcement Officer
• Forensic Entomologist.

Popular areas of employment include:

• Working with chemicals or repellents in pest management.
• As Consultants for agribusiness companies or the federal government.
• Insect-control in food, crops and seeds to protect and monitor the overall well-being of agricultural products.
• Evaluating interactions with, and influences within the environment.

Public Health Entomologists receive on-the-job training and must be State-licensed.

Diseases and infections are spread through non-human vectors, and public safety is as much an investigation of human habits as it is of animal habits.  People who are fascinated by biology and the outdoors, but seek a stable employment position, are best suited for the discipline.

Some of the top professional avenues open to such postgraduates are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.

Aspirants seeking admission to 2 year Full-time Program should have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology group (CBZ)/ Microbiology/Biotechnology/B.Pharma/Medicine with 50% marks.