Ethnoscientists

High School

Sociology courses will teach you the basics of research methods and observation techniques. If your school offers any anthropology classes, be sure to take them. Learning a foreign language can be helpful if you conduct field research. The foreign language you take in high school may not be the one you will need later, but learning a second language should make it easier for you to learn others. History and art classes will expose you to the cultures of different peoples of the world.

Biology and chemistry will be useful if you're considering ethnobiology, ethnobotany, or ethnopharmacology. If you plan to pursue a career in ethnoveterinary medicine, take classes in geography, cultural studies, biology, zoology, botany, and agriculture. Math and computer classes are also helpful.

Postsecondary Training

To teach at the university level, you will need a Ph.D. The particular field of study will depend on the line of work you want to enter. Anthropology classes, especially cultural anthropology, will be useful for study in just about any discipline. Classes in archaeology, linguistics, history, sociology, religion, and mythology can help prepare you to work with indigenous peoples. Some schools offer concentrations or courses in specific ethnosciences (e.g., ethnomusicology or ethnobiology). A few even offer degrees. For example, Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland, offers a bachelor of science in ethnobotany.

If you want to pursue ethnoveterinary medicine, earn a degree in veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, biology, pharmacology, or botany, in addition to taking social science courses. To prepare for a career in ethnobotany, it is recommended that you get your degree in anthropology, botany, or pharmacology. Other important areas of study include chemistry, ecology, and medicine. Most professional ethnobiologists have doctoral degrees in biology or anthropology.

Consult relevant professional organizations, such as the American Society for Ethnohistory and the Society for Ethnomusicology, for lists of postsecondary programs in your area of interest.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer certificate programs in ethnoscience or ethnoscience specialties. For example, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey offers a certificate program in medicinal and economic botany. Check with colleges and universities in your area about certificate programs in your area of interest.

Other Education or Training

Many professional association provide continuing education (CE) opportunities to ethnoscientists. The Society for Ethnobotany, for example, offers workshops and seminars at its annual conference. Sessions have included Modules & Mainstreaming Training in Ethnoecology, How to Write a Scientific Paper, and Ethnobotanical Research on Medicinal Plant Trade: A Discussion of Practical, Ethical, and Conceptual Issues. Other organizations that provide CE workshops, seminars, and webinars include the American Anthropological Association, American Society for Ethnohistory, American Veterinary Medical Association, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Botanical Society of America, Ecological Society of America, International Society for Ethnopharmacology, International Society of Ethnobiology, Linguistic Society of America, Society for American Archaeology, Society for Ethnomusicology, and the Society of Ethnobiology.