Zoologists

High School

To prepare for a career in zoology, make sure to get a well-rounded high school education. A solid grounding in biology and chemistry is an absolute necessity, but facility in English will also be invaluable. Writing monographs and articles, communicating with colleagues both orally and in writing, and writing persuasive fund-raising proposals are all activities at which scientists need to excel. Also be sure to read widely, not merely relying on books on science or other subjects that are required by the school. The scientist-in-training should search the library for magazines and journals dealing with areas that are of personal interest. Developing the habit of reading will help to prepare you for the massive amounts of reading involved in research and keeping up with the latest developments in the field. Computer skills are also essential, since most zoologists not only use the computer for writing, communication, and research, but they also use various software programs to perform statistical analyses.

Postsecondary Training

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to work as a zoologist; advanced degrees are needed for research or administrative work. Courses typically include ecology, anatomy, wildlife management, and cellular biology, as well as botany, physics, chemistry, math, and statistics. Students also take classes that focus on specific animals, such as herpetology (reptiles and amphibians) or ornithology (birds). They may also study applied techniques in habitat analysis and conservation. Academic training, practical experience (via internships and externships), and the ability to work effectively with others are the most important prerequisites for a career in zoology.

Other Education or Training

Keeping up with industry developments is key to success as a zoologist. Professional associations at the national, state, and local levels often provide continuing education opportunities. Organizations that provide classes, seminars, webinars, and workshops include American Association of Zoo Keepers, American Institute of Biological Sciences, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, and the Zoological Association of America.