Who here is a biologist?

I have my degree in Biology, work as an Engineer, and am getting my Masters in the Medical field.

Basically, do what you love, get a good degree that you can use for the field you are interested in, and the rest will follow.

Not only do you need a good degree so that people will give you opportunities, you need to have valid experience to show that you are capable.

If you want to be a field biologist, get a Biology degree and intern with a field biologist when you have time.
If you want to go into medicine, get a Biology/pre-med degree and volunteer with a local hospital.
If you want to go into herpetology, get a Biology or animal science degree and volunteer at a zoo/research facility.

It is all possible, as long as you know what your goals are.

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Originally Posted by LadyOhh

Not only do you need a good degree so that people will give you opportunities, you need to have valid experience to show that you are capable.

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This is an important point. I strongly recommend getting and internship, or a part time/seasonal/volunteer job, in the field you are interested in while you are still studying. Its harder, because you need to balance your time more between work, study, and play, but well worth it. If you wait until graduation to look for a job, you could find yourself stuck in the position of having your degree and the debt that comes with it, but unable to find work because all the full time jobs require 3-5 years experience with your degree.

I don't want to grow up! Aha it seems so confusing.. Thanks for the replies.

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Originally Posted by lilnash0

I don't want to grow up! Aha it seems so confusing.. Thanks for the replies.

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As a freshman, you've got some time to figure it out. ;)

While you go through your high school experiences, if you do feel you want to go into science, pay special attention to your relevant course work. Sciences and math are going to be emphasized in college if you aim toward a biology degree. Feel your way through and see what you really love. In your sophomore year, start researching colleges and university's universities you might want to go to. This way you can start getting an idea of which schools will give you the best opportunity for your desired profession. Keep in mind schooling costs and funding sources (scholarships, grants, financial aid, loans, or out of pocket from savings).

In your junior year you'll need to start narrowing it down. You don't HAVE to decide on your major before going to college, but if you do you'll be able to pick the best school for you. If possible, keep a back up plan in place, its easier to change majors in the same school than to change schools. By senior year, it should all be settled.

If worst comes to worst you can go to a community or junior college to knock out your general ed requirements. Only tricky part to that is those credits don't always transfer. I went straight into the University because I knew what I wanted to do and how to get there. But sometimes it works better for someone to transfer after junior college.

Don't stress about it too much though. You'll figure it out. If you can, look for volunteer opportunities to feel out your options while in high school. You can also contact University professors and ask them about their research. When I get back to a computer, I'll send you some links to the local universities in my area, and research programs pertaining to reptiles. That might give you some ideas.

Whoop whoop!
I'm a biology major about to graduate.
Specifically epidemiology.

It's an awesome field and there is SO MUCH you can do with it.

I am with a second BS in PH

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Originally Posted by lilnash0

I would like to be a herpetologist

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You would need, based on my experience, first of all a well rounded biology degree...and if you are looking to go into the field side work of biology a course load that is weighted towards field work type experience (zoology classes, wildlife/animal behavior classes, even a course like geology would give you field experience and show a range of interests)might want to consider looking into colleges near you for any extra courses you could take there while in high school (I had a friend who entered college with 1.5 years of college credit all done while in High school)...of course starting by contacting local zoos, wildlife rehab centers to start getting volunteer/work experience with animals would be a big plus too.

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Originally Posted by Trackstrong83

Whoop whoop!
I'm a biology major about to graduate.
Specifically epidemiology.

It's an awesome field and there is SO MUCH you can do with it.

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SWEET!! glad to see more epi's around here....I am prepping for GREs and about to start applications for MS in Epi/infectious disease programs

Biologist by degree, chemist by degree and working profession.

There are universities that offer specific programs in herpetology. But if you really want to do it right. Focus a B.S. in biology, pick a solid minor incase you need to bank some money (Since biologist make chicken scratch). Or do like me and pick a double major (Bio / Chem). Once you've got this down, then go back to a different university after taking the GRE and apply for graduate school. Find a university that has a known professor working in herpetology, preferably one who has made contributions to the topic that interest you (Dixon, at Rice University in Houston, is a good one. Whirler at A&M is another). Getting a masters in biology with a thesis in Herpetology will get you much further in life than just a degree in herpetology. If captive keeping is what interest you most. Possibly go for specific schooling with a B.S. in zoology, and then follow with a masters in biology (focused down to herpetology). The AP courses that will help you the most in highschool is to ensure you get all of your general natural sciences out of the way (AP Physics, Chemistry, General Bio - ensure that they will be accepted as freshman level courses where you are going). This will give you the ability to start focusing your electives in your first semester. You'll need maths - Statistics is a requirement at most levels, Pre-cal or Cal 1 as well depending on the course plan. AP Algebra, should pass for college algebra, and you'll get another out of the way that is kind of your basic level classes.

Check with your departments about research assistantship programs. I did 2 years of field research in the Ornithology department, as well as the curator for the herpetology department (managing the dead specimens). I finished out my final year at the university as a general biology technician, and was able to do some fun stuff with DNA work and PCR analysis for Biogeochemical. . .

Last bit of advise - look for study abroad programs in the tropics. They will give you an edge, and show you the true potential for life as a working field biologist. I was able to study birds / reptiles / phytoplankton for a month in Belize, Central America, through my university, and it opened more doors than any class at the university itself.

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Originally Posted by reptileexperts

Biologist by degree, chemist by degree and working profession.



There are universities that offer specific programs in herpetology. But if you really want to do it right. Focus a B.S. in biology, pick a solid minor incase you need to bank some money (Since biologist make chicken scratch). Or do like me and pick a double major (Bio / Chem). Once you've got this down, then go back to a different university after taking the GRE and apply for graduate school. Find a university that has a known professor working in herpetology, preferably one who has made contributions to the topic that interest you (Dixon, at Rice University in Houston, is a good one. Whirler at A&M is another). Getting a masters in biology with a thesis in Herpetology will get you much further in life than just a degree in herpetology. If captive keeping is what interest you most. Possibly go for specific schooling with a B.S. in zoology, and then follow with a masters in biology (focused down to herpetology). The AP courses that will help you the most in highschool is to ensure you get all of your general natural sciences out of the way (AP Physics, Chemistry, General Bio - ensure that they will be accepted as freshman level courses where you are going). This will give you the ability to start focusing your electives in your first semester. You'll need maths - Statistics is a requirement at most levels, Pre-cal or Cal 1 as well depending on the course plan. AP Algebra, should pass for college algebra, and you'll get another out of the way that is kind of your basic level classes.



Check with your departments about research assistantship programs. I did 2 years of field research in the Ornithology department, as well as the curator for the herpetology department (managing the dead specimens). I finished out my final year at the university as a general biology technician, and was able to do some fun stuff with DNA work and PCR analysis for Biogeochemical. . .



Last bit of advise - look for study abroad programs in the tropics. They will give you an edge, and show you the true potential for life as a working field biologist. I was able to study birds / reptiles / phytoplankton for a month in Belize, Central America, through my university, and it opened more doors than any class at the university itself.

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yes! You are the person I was talking about. I think your job is awesome and I would appreciate it if you could message me everything you did. Thank you





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I went to school for Wildlife Biology, but I work in a research lab. I just recently started doing field work. Caught a King on my first day and it felt amazing that it happened on a job. I was thinking at the time, 'dang. This is my job :)'.

I originally got accepted to school as an Animal Biology major, then contemplated switching to animal science. I eventually went with Wildlife Bio. I know it all sounds so similar, but the majors are really different so look at all the different major options at a school and see if the school specializes in biology or science.
I highly suggest contacting a biology major advisor from your schools of interest first and asking questions.

Study hard and sacrifice just a little and it will all pay off in the end.
I mostly agree with what everyone has suggested. Sorraia and reptileexperts have very good advice.
Also, taking APs and knocking out some GE from your college requirements will help a lot in my opinion. I wish I took more APs in high school.

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