If you have always found insects to be fascinating rather than frightening, if you enjoy watching ant colonies in action, or if you have ever wondered what causes lightning bugs to light up the night, you may be a good candidate for the field of entomology. Although some jobs require advanced entomology degrees, you can start out in the field with a biology bachelor’s degree and entomology courses. There are numerous entomologist positions available, ranging from managing an insectary to conducting research.
According to the North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research, some entomologists focus solely on one insect while others compare various insects or investigate various facets of their behaviors, physiology, population dynamics, and ecological benefits. Research on pest control and its effects on the environment is conducted by entomologists, who also collaborate with farmers to manage crop pests as agricultural agents and conduct research on beneficial insects like honeybees.
Many entomologists instruct on any or all of these subjects in academic institutions or to the general public via each state’s Cooperative Extension Service. U. S. Additionally, government organizations employ entomologists for tasks like preventing the introduction of insects from other nations. Insectary managers, who are in charge of insect greenhouses containing potentially hundreds of insects for a variety of uses, are discussed in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Career Outlook. Insects may be raised for agriculture because they consume insect pests, or they may be released into the wild in an effort to preserve waning species. Public education about different insects and how they affect the environment is provided by entomologists.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree. Enroll in an undergraduate program that allows you to study entomology. …
- Continue your education. Pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in entomology. …
- Earn certification. …
- Gain professional experience. …
- Choose a specialization. …
- Join a professional organization.
What education does an entomologist need?
Candidates typically require at least a bachelor’s degree to work as entomologists. However, you can also select a related discipline like biology, zoology, or environmental science. Many aspiring entomologists major in entomology. Some universities with entomology programs offer a variety of minors that can be taken in addition to an entomology degree to help students get ready for further study in the biological sciences. This is due to the fact that many entomologists choose to continue their education after finishing their undergraduate work and go on to earn master’s or even doctoral degrees.
What is an entomologist?
A scientist who researches and deals with insects is known as an entomologist. Entomologists may conduct observations in a laboratory setting or in the insects’ natural habitats. Many entomologists choose to focus on a particular species or group of insects, such as butterflies, beetles, or bees. Some entomologists also choose to specialize in areas such as behavior, nutrition, reproduction, and the transmission of disease among insect populations. For example, entomologists can conduct experiments, collect and analyze biological data, and keep track of and study insect populations.
Working in forensic entomology, which involves using insect evidence to aid in criminal investigations, and entomological paleontology, which is the study of insect fossils and how insects evolve, are two additional options for employment for entomologists.
What degrees can you get to become an entomologist?
An aspiring entomologist has many options for undergraduate study. Despite the fact that most employers prefer entomologists to have at least a bachelor’s degree, prospective students can choose from a wide range of majors. If you want to become an entomologist, you could pursue one of the following undergraduate degrees:
Many entomology students also decide to enroll in graduate programs in order to expand their skill sets and make themselves more marketable for positions at higher levels. Here are a few graduate degrees an entomologist might complete:
How to become an entomologist
Heres how you can start your career as an entomologist:
1. Earn a bachelors degree
Enroll in a program that allows you to study entomology at the undergraduate level. Entomology is a major that some colleges and universities offer, but you can also choose a field of study like biology or environmental science that is closely related. A bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum requirement for entomologists, and finishing an undergraduate program at a college or university that is accredited can provide you with the theoretical knowledge you need to be successful in the field. Entomology students study topics like anatomy, physiology, reproduction, life cycles, evolution, ecology, and more while in their undergraduate studies.
2. Continue your education
Pursue a masters or doctoral degree in entomology. Having a graduate degree can provide you with more knowledge about the field and improve your abilities as an entomologist, though some employers may still hire entomologists with only a bachelor’s degree. Candidates with an entomology master’s or doctoral degree may later be eligible for board certification, increasing their chances of landing a job in the field. Visit the Entomological Society of America’s website to find a variety of options for graduate entomology study. The website provides a list of entomology programs by state.
3. Earn certification
Obtain certification from the Entomological Society of America (ESA). Most employers require entomologists to be certified before beginning their work in the field because they perform highly specialized, advanced work. Aspiring entomologists can choose between two different certifications from the Entomological Society of America, one of which leads to board certification and the other to associate certification. Heres some additional information about the certifications available to entomologists:
4. Gain professional experience.
Apply for internships and entry-level positions in entomology or related scientific fields. Many scientific research facilities and laboratories provide internships that let aspiring entomologists observe experts in the field and participate in hands-on training. Working at a zoo or other facility that houses insects is a fantastic way to gain professional entomology experience, as the majority of them offer positions for interns or inexperienced zookeepers. Having more professional experience in the field can increase your knowledge of what an entomologist does and aid in the improvement of your own entomological abilities.
5. Choose a specialization
Decide if you want to focus on a particular branch of entomology. There are a variety of specialization options available in entomology, so you can decide which fields most appeal to you and concentrate on that one. Entomologists can focus on a particular behavior or field of study, and each of these specializations has its own employment opportunities. Here are some common specializations for entomologists:
Additionally, entomologists can focus their studies on a particular species or group of insects. Here are some species that entomologists can specialize in:
6. Join a professional organization
Apply to join a professional entomological organization. This can introduce you to other entomologists and scientific experts in the field and give you access to more job opportunities. The Entomological Society of America is the most well-known organization for entomologists to join. It also provides support services for entomology students and certifications for practicing entomologists. The Entomological Foundation, which focuses on educating grammar school students about insects through outreach initiatives and educational programs managed by experienced entomologists, is another organization that an entomologist might join.
Careers in Entomology: JobSpark/Junior Achievement
FAQ
What are 5 jobs for entomology?
- Agricultural, biological or genetic research.
- Forensic entomology.
- Public health.
- Consulting (agricultural, environmental, public health, urban, food processing)
- State and federal government agencies.
- Conservation and environmental biology.
- Pharmaceutical industry.
- Natural resources management.
Are entomologists in demand?
The BLS anticipates that employment opportunities for entomologists will increase by 5% between 2018 and 2028, which is about average for all occupations.
What do you study if you are studying entomology?
The study of insects and how they interact with people, the environment, and other living things is known as entomology. Numerous fields, including agriculture, chemistry, biology, human and animal health, molecular science, criminology, and forensics, greatly benefit from the work of entomologists.
Is entomology a career?
Entomology and nematology graduate certificates and degrees require a time and financial commitment, but they can pave the way for a rewarding career in this fascinating and ever-evolving field.
