To any and all herpetologists...

[justjumpit621]

I am looking to start a career in herpetology, but I am having trouble finding a good college for the major. My question is where did you go to school if at all, do I have to go to school for it, and where are you at now in your career. Is it a good career? I would love to do some traveling for field work, that is my main intention. Studying wild chameleons would definitely be a high for me, but I love all sorts of herps. Any help is very much appreciated

 

[ijmccollum]

Really doesn't matter much where you start - unless you must go to the schools at the most exclusive prices/places. You will need to start with the basic 4y biology program and specialize with specific classes to get headed in the herp direction you want -- generally occurs in grad school -- which can be many and varied from husbandry to pharmacology. If you are not that picky, google courses at colleges you are interested in attending for best specific pickings. Syn and Psssh seem to be very intelligent young women, college bound, they might be able to give you an idea.

 

[Syn]

http://www.anapsid.org/resources/univ.html

You may find that link helpful.

 

[justjumpit621]

Yes I have seen that website. It is a bit older but some of the professors are still where they said they would be. It is just a problem of location. I live in New Hampshire and unfortunately did not do well my first semester at UNH and was suspended. I don't know if I will be going back, I would like to move somewhere different.

 

[Syn]

It is quite unfortunate that the article is older and not updated as most would like it to be, but it is probably because of the lack of interest.

 

[thealissa]

I know it's quite far from where you live now, but...

In my opinion, ASU has a lot to offer. Of course I'm biased because I go there, but a lot of the professors are extremely into what they teach, and will even help you with whatever you need if you go into their office hours. In ASU's halls they even have the full collection of native AZ rattlesnakes in built-into-the-wall glass viewing cages, along with gila monsters and some other reptiles.

They don't have a herpetology graduate program... Yet, anyway.

 

[Syn]

They don't have a herpetology graduate program... Yet, anyway.

Which is incredibly saddening. I would love to take the class as locally as ASU.

 

[OldSkoolxReasons]

The university of florida has a great herpetology program. I almost was going to go there but opted to stay in michigan and do zoology/herpetology classes at U of M, MSU, and Central Mich. Good luck.



justin

 

[nightcrawler]

You will probably have to do a major in zoology first then do graduate work with herpetology. Im studying zoology at Southern Illinois University, and we have a good program here. With majoring in zoology you will want to focus your studys on herp like classes such as parasitology, herp, animal behovior, entomology, and other things that are related to herps. I am doing that now and im focusing in on ecology, and herp related classes. I dont think that any school offers a major in herpetology other then a graduate level tho, so think about getting into zoology or other bio majors. Good luck, and ask if you have any other specific questions.