Pemex Consultancy Gurgaon : Zoologist Career Information: Becoming a Zoologist

Should I Become a Zoologist?

Zoology is the study of living organisms, specifically animals. Zoologists study multiple species in a certain ecosystem, population interactions, and specific species or behaviors. They collect and analyze data in labs or outdoor environments. Many conduct research and teach at universities, while others are employed at zoos or federal agencies with a concern for wildlife. Travel might be required, and work is often accomplished in challenging weather conditions.

Zoology degrees are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. A bachelor's degree is the minimum education required for jobs in the field, while a master's degree qualifies an individual for higher-level positions with more pay and responsibility. A Ph.D. is needed for positions involving original research, and developing plans for conservation or management.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Zoology

Some bachelor's degree programs in zoology allow for specialization and others are more generalized. Core courses for most programs are general biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Sometimes the biology requirement is divided into courses in molecular and organismal biology. If specialization is allowed or required, options are marine biology, ecology, genetics, animal behavior, or zoo and aquarium science. You can create a specialization by taking certain elective courses in the subject.

With a bachelor's degree in zoology, you can get an entry-level job as a zoologist or wildlife biologist, since there are minimal education and experience requirements. Once, you gain more experience you can move up to higher paying positions. While some entry-level zoologists and wildlife biologists conduct research, the majority of professional need a graduate degree.

Success Tip:

• Get involved in volunteer work or internships. Not only can volunteering and interning count for college credit, these experiences provide networking opportunities, which helps with finding future employment. Spots for internships are limited, so you can boost your chances of being selected by doing volunteer work. A few internships offer a stipend or paycheck to participants.

Step 2: Obtain Employment with a Bachelor's Degree

This step is optional because you may decide to enter a graduate program immediately after graduating from a bachelor's program. Working in the field is beneficial when applying for and completing a graduate degree program. On the other hand, you may find employment and remain in your position without earning a graduate degree.

While zoologists are employed at zoos, they don't do the same job as zookeepers. Zookeepers focus on the care and feeding of zoo animals rather than animal research. Zoologists can also work for conservation organizations and federal agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Step 3: Earn a Graduate Degree in Zoology

Master's and Ph.D. programs in zoology consist of coursework that is similar in subject matter to a bachelor's program, especially if they are offered through the same university. However, graduate-level courses are more advanced and research oriented. Students may be taught in seminars.

Master's degree programs have a thesis and non-thesis option. In a non-thesis degree program, students need to pass an exam instead of completing a research project. The dissertation is the main focus of a doctoral program. Students are required to carry out original research, record and write about it, and orally defend the research to peers and department faculty members. Examples of research dissertations include wolf spider foraging behavior, toxicity effects of certain chemicals on rainbow trout, and how nutrient availability affects phytoplankton communities.

Step 4: Work as a Zoologist

After completing a master's degree in zoology, you might qualify for a higher-level job with more pay and research opportunities. Teaching and research opportunities are open for those with doctoral degrees. Research at this level is used to develop new ideas and plans for conservation of certain animal species.