Pest Management
Overview
Programs in pest management teach people how to protect crops and gardens from insects, animals, and weeds.Pest management programs include topics such as:
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Integrated pest management
- Entomology (study of insects)
- Weed science
- Crop science
- Plant pathology (study of plant diseases)
Schools
A few community colleges and other two-year schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in pest management. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
A few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in pest management. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in pest management. This program may be offered as a concentration in an entomology program. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Agricultural and Extension Education Services
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agriculture, General
- Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Botany
- Entomology
- Farm and Ranch Management
- Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management
- Horticultural Science
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Science
- Soil Science
- Turf and Turfgrass Management
- Viticulture and Enology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Inspectors
- Agricultural Products Graders and Sorters
- Agricultural Worker Supervisors
- Farm and Ranch Workers
- Landscapers and Groundskeepers
- Nursery Workers
- Precision Agriculture Technicians
Program Admission
Proprietary schools, colleges, and universities all offer this program. If you want to study at a proprietary school, you can prepare for this program of study by completing your high school diploma or getting a GED. If you want to study at a college or university, you can prepare for this program by taking the following courses: four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Most on-the-job training programs also require some classroom study, either by correspondence, distance learning, or on campus.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Algebra
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Horticulture
- Introduction to Business
- Safety and First Aid
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
In this undergraduate program, you typically take courses such as the following:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Crop Production
- Entomology
- Environmental Health
- Herbicides and Pesticides
- Insect Diversity and Taxonomy
- Insect Ecology
- Insect Pest Management
- Issues in Pest Management
- Mycology
- Pesticides and Their Utilization
- Plant Breeding and Cultivation
- Plant Disease Control
- Plant Pathology
- Principles of Weed Control
- Vertebrate Pest Management
- Weed Science
Many programs offer internships as part of their curriculums. This is an opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience in one of a variety of real-life pest management settings. These settings include chemical, seed, or biotechnology companies; nurseries; and corporate farms.
Advisors in your program typically help you secure an internship or at least give you the leads to secure one yourself. You benefit from choosing an internship that matches the aspect of the field that most interests you. You also usually benefit from the guidance and direct supervision of an experienced professional in the field.
Things to Know
Many pesticides and herbicides are toxic chemicals. Because of this, many states require you to be certified, registered, or licensed in order to work with them. The processes for certification, registration, or licensure typically include an exam and continuing education. This is because pest management technology and regulations often change and you need to stay up to date.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Agricultural and Food Systems--Agriculture and Food Security
Spokane Area
Spokane Community College
- Agricultural Business--Spray Technician