Have you ever felt pulled in two very different career directions — like wanting to be both a hair stylist and a lab technician?
Okay, that’s a far-fetched example, but humor us. At first glance, the pairing might seem impossible. But careers that appear unrelated can sometimes overlap, especially when science is involved.
Here’s a real-world example: public health and entomology. One field focuses on improving human well-being, the other centers on the close study of insects. Together, they create a unique, vital discipline: public health entomology. Specialists in this field — people who study insects with a focus on human health — work at the intersection of bugs and people, tackling everything from global disease outbreaks to local pest management.
If you’re fascinated by insects (especially those that spread disease) and want a career that combines science, problem-solving and community impact, public health entomology could be your ideal path.
Public health entomology is the study of insects (like mosquitoes, ticks and flies) that directly affect human health. These insects aren’t just annoying; they can spread serious diseases such as West Nile virus, dengue fever and Lyme disease.
Public health entomologists (often known as medical entomologists) study the life cycles, habitats and behaviors of insects to develop strategies that prevent disease transmission and protect communities before outbreaks occur.
Medical entomologists aren’t just observing insect behaviors. They’re on the front lines, keeping communities safe from the chaos that six- and eight-legged critters could cause if left unchecked.
So, how do they do it? These professionals:
Their work often combines field studies and laboratory research, spanning government agencies, hospitals and educational programs.
Careers in public health entomology involve a wide range of roles, from hands-on fieldwork to community education and policy consulting. Each role plays a critical part in protecting people from vector-borne diseases and improving our understanding of insect behavior.
Here’s a closer look at five key career paths.
Public health entomologists are essential for protecting communities from insect-borne diseases. They study insects like mosquitoes and ticks, tracking populations, observing habitats and analyzing behaviors to understand how these bugs transmit illnesses.
Key responsibilities include:
This role forms the foundation for more specialized careers in the field, offering a mix of fieldwork, lab research, problem-solving and public health impact.
Research scientists in entomology focus on uncovering the biology, behavior and disease transmission patterns of insects. Unlike public health entomologists, who blend fieldwork, community engagement and applied prevention, research scientists dive deep into experiments — both in the lab and the field — to discover new insights about disease vectors.
Key responsibilities include:
Many research scientists work for universities, government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or private research organizations. This role often requires a master’s or doctorate in entomology, biology or public health and is central to developing evidence-based strategies for disease prevention.
While research scientists focus on how insects spread diseases, vector control specialists work to reduce populations of disease-carrying insects to lower the risk of outbreaks. Their work blends fieldwork and data analysis using tools such as:
Some also take part in community outreach, helping residents understand why and how they should carry out control methods. Vector control specialists often work for local or state health departments, mosquito control districts or international health organizations.
Public health educators translate scientific research into practical guidance for the public. Their “students” include:
Educators design campaigns, run workshops, create educational materials and develop school programs to prevent insect-borne illnesses. Their goal is to raise awareness and change behavior in diverse populations.
If your interests lean more entrepreneurial, consulting can be a rewarding public health entomology path. Consultants use their expertise to advise clients on insect control and disease prevention strategies, in areas like:
If one of these career paths sounds like a match for you, you’ll need a strong foundation in biology and entomology. Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in entomology, biology or a related field. Advanced roles, like research scientist or consultant, typically call for a master’s or doctoral degree.
At the University of Florida, we offer four distinct graduate entomology specializations:
You can choose from a 30-credit master’s degree in one of our specializations or a 15-credit graduate degree. Both are entirely online, and either option allows you to focus on courses that matter to your future career, like Advanced Mosquito Biology or Exotic Species and Biosecurity Issues.
Ready to take the next step? Apply now or check out our frequently asked questions to explore which specialization aligns with your career goals.
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