When people hear the word zoology, they probably think those guys in the zoo, or an animal expert like Steve Irwin or Jeff Corwin, but there is much more to zoology then just the zoo keepers and Animal Planet. The field of zoology is plain and
simply “… are biologists who study animals” (LCCPD 123). Zoologists do not only work with animals in zoos or at zoos or even out in the middle of Africa. Zoologists also work in laboratories researching data about wildlife and habitats. They may run experiments involving or including the animals they are studying. Others may have a management position.
They may be the administrator for a museum, or a wildlife display and collect the animals, or wildlife needed for the situation. Finally, depending on the degree, the wildlife biologist may also be a college or university professor doing research for the school, and personal gain. In the field of zoology, you not only need a love for animals, but the smarts, responsibility, and the leadership to be successful (MDWD 1).
As a zoologist you can’t just step right out of high school and expect a job at all actually. To be a zoologists you need a college diploma. The minimal requirement for a career in this field is a bachelor’s degree and also requires graduate school (NYSDL 3). Science is not enough for a career in zoology because there are many other aspects to the job. Things like computer skills is one skill a good zoologist needs. This skill is used for research, communication and statistical analyses. A bachelor’s is necessary but usually a master’s and/or doctoral degree is required: “… in fact, students who have diverse scientific backgrounds often have better opportunities in graduate programs and as job candidates” (LCCPD 129). You not only need computer skills for this job, but a heavy math and many different science backgrounds also. Some very helpful courses to take would be some like geometry, algebra, calculus, chemistry, physics, biology, botany and geography. Those are just the basics needed for this line of work