What Degree Do You Need to Be an Animal Pathologist?
Animal pathologists are scientists who study disorders affecting animals. The research performed by animal pathologists can provide clues about how diseases such as cancer progress in humans, notes career resources website StateUniversity.com. Animal pathologists can specialize in working with a particular group of animals, such as livestock, poultry or companion animals.
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Requirements
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Several years of postsecondary training are required for a career as an animal pathologist. As an undergraduate, an aspiring animal pathologist should major in a field such as biological science or chemistry. A premedical studies degree is another ideal major for a prospective animal pathologist. Applicants to graduate school should familiarize themselves with admissions requirements for their program of choice and plan their undergraduate careers accordingly.
Veterinary Degree
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One pathway to a career as an animal pathologist is to earn a degree in veterinary medicine after earning a bachelor’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that there are 28 accredited schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, and admissions are competitive. As of 2007, one in three applicants to veterinary school was accepted. Veterinary students take courses in animal organ systems and anatomy, and learn about the diseases or disorders that may affect these systems. Classroom- and laboratory-based courses are part of the veterinary school curriculum, along with rotations in various specialties, such as small animal, large animal and exotic animal medicine. It takes four years to complete veterinary school.
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Zoology Degree
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An alternative route to an animal pathology career is to earn a Ph.D. degree in zoology. While specific degree requirements can vary depending on the program, the culmination of a doctoral degree program is the dissertation -- which is a piece of original research presented and defended by a student at the end of her Ph.D. program. In a zoology Ph.D. program, such as the one offered at Michigan State University, students are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 and pass a comprehensive exam before beginning work on the dissertation. It can take up to eight years to earn a Ph.D.
Career Outlook
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State University.com notes that the job outlook for pathologists is very good. Animal pathologists are employed in a variety of settings, including government agencies, zoos, wildlife refuges and veterinary schools. They divide their time between fieldwork and carrying out research in laboratories and offices. In addition to conducting research, some pathologists teach in colleges or universities, or serve as consultants. Salaries for animal pathologists can vary depending on their place of employment and specific duties. For example, zoologists earn an annual mean wage of $61,660, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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References
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