The Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University is academically in the College of Biological Sciences (CBS), although jointly supported and administered by two colleges, CBS, and the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). The primary mission of CBS is to pursue fundamental knowledge of biological systems and its instruction to undergraduate and graduate students. The primary mission of CFAES is to provide instruction, research and service on problems of concern to agriculture and the environment in accordance with the general mission of the Hatch Act through the Land Grant Universities and their associated Agricultural Experiment Stations and Cooperative Extension Services. The department is located on two campuses, Columbus and Wooster. The common goals of the Department of Entomology are:

a. To teach undergraduate and graduate students about the biology and economic impact of insects and related organisms, and to advise and mentor students in advances study towards the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Owing to the great diversity of insects and their impact on human affairs in agriculture, forestry, health, and household, all persons need education about this group of animals.

b. To increase our knowledge of insects and related arthropods and their associations with other organisms. THis research leads to a more thorough understanding of life and supports the development of more effetive means of managing arthropod pests and beneficial species. Also, insects are useful "model systems" for research on fundamental biological processes. Related research is addressed to devising reasonably safe, effective, rational and economical means of arthropod pest control.

c. To communicate entomological information to other scientists, agricultural and industrial groups and government agencies, and the general public, in Ohio, in the U.S.A. and throughout the world.

Because the overlapping missions of the two colleges differ, because the missions of allied departments at the two campuses may differ, and because faculty on the two campuses are not equally supported by the two colleges, the research, teaching and extension programs of faculty on the Wooster and Columbus campuses have different missions.

The primary mission of Wooster-based faculty is fundamental and applied research directed towards insects and mites of agricultural importance. Sustained commitment to key agricultural commodities has been a critical feature of research on the Wooster campus. Teaching by Wooster faculty is restricted to upper division and graduate level courses. Extension appointments are complimentary with research responsibilities.

The primary mission of Columbus-based faculty is fundamental and applied research on pest, beneficial and other arthropod species; research on pests included those of agricultural, medical and urban importance. Faculty teach most undergraduate and graduate courses, including several in general biology.