How to Become an Ornithologist
As an avid bird watcher, you may wonder if you can get paid to do what you love. If you have a scientific mind and are interested in nature, you should consider being an ornithologist. You might work in a laboratory, research facility, university, zoo or wildlife park.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Work hard in your science and math classes in high school because this is vital knowledge for an ornithologist. Visit science museums, zoos and wildlife parks as often as you can.
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2
Get a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology or other appropriate life sciences. Take courses in ecology, evolution, anatomy, analytic geometry, calculus and statistics.
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3
Continue your education by earning a master's degree in ornithology. The Wilson Ornithological Society has a list of programs in North America.
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4
Go into academia with a Ph.D. Teaching is one of the most stable jobs for an ornithologist. Teach your own undergraduate classes prior to graduation and ask your students to evaluate the course.
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5
Expand your studies by taking courses in ecology, genetics, wildlife biology and conservation. It will make you more employable if you're an ornithologist who knows about other animal species or the earth sciences.
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6
Find an internship or mentor. The American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) has a student mentoring program for its members.
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7
Network with other students and professionals by becoming a member of the AOU. They hold a conference yearly and give you access to research papers and jobs in the field of ornithology.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Ask about job placement rates when considering an ornithology graduate program.
Full-time, salaried positions working exclusively with birds are rare.
