What Certifications Do I Need to Be a Zoologist?
Zoologists are biological scientists who study the behavior and life processes of animals. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that zoologists are usually classified by the type of animal they study. For example, ornithologists study birds. While certification is not required for zoologists, extensive training is needed to qualify for employment in the field.
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Requirements
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The bureau notes that most biological scientists -- including zoologists -- hold Ph.D.s, especially if they are seeking positions in academia or as independent researchers. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in zoology will qualify a graduate for jobs such as zookeeper or high school science teacher. Aspiring zoologists should research various jobs in the field to determine how much education they will need for their careers.
Admissions
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Admission to graduate zoology programs is typically based on a review of a candidate’s grades, standardized test scores and recommendations from undergraduate professors. However, specific requirements, such as GPAs, may vary from school to school. While some colleges may have separate zoology departments, in some schools, the graduate zoology department may be housed in a biology department.
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Graduate Programs
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In a Ph.D. program in zoology, students divide their time between coursework, laboratory research, fieldwork and completing a dissertation. At the University of Hawaii at Manoa, students are required to pass a comprehensive exam and teach undergraduate courses, in addition to taking zoology and biology classes and defending a dissertation. The bureau notes that it usually takes five or six years to complete a doctoral degree program.
Potential
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for zoologists will grow by 13 percent through the year 2018. However, job opportunities “will be limited” because the field is small. Competition for research jobs will be keen, as well as for research grants. Just one in four grant proposals in biological science is approved, the bureau notes. As of May 2010, the annual mean wage for zoologists was $66,160, according to the bureau’s Occupational Employment Statistics. However, zoologists working for the federal government earned more: $77,030.
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