Herpetologist

[Dirty]

I'm a high school graduate who wants to be a herpetologist. What college classes should I take? How much money would I make being a herpetologist?

[Stockwell]

You'll starve! Find a trade! There are about as few actual courses to become a bona-fide herpetologist, as there would be jobs for graduates.
Now if you're simply interested in keeping and breeding herps, then captive breeding can be done by non academic "herpetoculturists", with no specific schooling. It should start as a hobby, but can easily build into a business, with time, luck, and a good reputation.
But my advice would be to find something else to do as your primary source of revenue.
"Herpetologists" are generally academics, and not necessarily even interested in captive husbandry.
I've only met one, and he collected books.., which of course is fine, but you should research the goal before heading down the path.
It's a very specialized area of biology with few long term employment opportunities.

[Cake]

There are few schools out there that offer herpetology as a undergraduate degree. Some Universities offer a herpetology class and then oppertunities to study herps at the graduate level.

I agree with Stockwell, that it is more of a acedemic program than a breeding or general husbandry degree. If however you are interested in conservation and protecting species in their natural habitats, studying a biochemical pathway/phsiological response, behavioural respeonse, or a genetics question (such as the ambystomatidae complex), then it might be for you.

[DeadlyDose]

I to wanted to be a herpitologist i am graduating this year and i also have the same problem with finding out what i have to do .

[HeatherRose]

What does a 'herpetologist' even do anyway They're defined as one who studies herptiles. But...

Do you want to work in the field? Breed things for a living? Become a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles?

A lot of people who work in the field, studying things for research purposes don't make a ton of money, it's something they do because they are passionate about it and want to make a difference...

[Dirty]

well what other (more common) careers are there that involve exotic animals?

[CDN-Cresties]

I just checked to see if my uni offered a course in herpetology and to my surprise they do. The only problem is that I cant take it because I dont have any of the prerequisents, I think that ill still go to lectures just to learn more.

[snakehunter]

This should be made into a sticky, evry month or so there is one of these posts.

[csolis]

I would suggest taking zoology. Its a great course and although the jobs are'nt high paying, if you really love working with animals nothing beats working in a zoo. You could even work in zoos that specialize in reptiles,I think there are a few in the states and throughout the world. Then theres being a vet that specializes in exotics but this involves many years of education but the payoffs are great if thats what your intrested in. If you really want to be a herpatologist (which is a biologist that specilizes in reptiles and amphibians) you can study wildlife biology and still get a job at a zoo, as a field biologist for the gov, or as a teacher at a university/college. For any of these you have to concentrate on your sciences in high school. But if you really are just intrested in herptoculture,get a good paying job,like a trade and start it off as hobby and eventually it can become a sucessful business.

[Dirty]

Sorry if this is a dumb question...what's a trade?

[concept3]

a tradesman? carpenter, plumber, electrition to name a few/

[Bartman]

But if you really are just intrested in herptoculture,get a good paying job,like a trade and start it off as hobby and eventually it can become a sucessful business.

Well said, that was my plan before you even said that Anyone need a toilet unclogged

[spidergecko]

Even better, work for the government. That way you will get paid lots but you won't have to do anything. AND you can spend more waking hours at home than at work so you will have more time for herpetology.

I wouldn't suggest veterinary medicine though. You seem to have a hatred towards cats.

[katev17]

I think someone mentioned this already, but as to my knowledge, any of the "herpetologists" I actually know of are university professors that use their herpetology background to conduct research in their area of interest...

There are a couple of schools (ie Guelph University) that do offer a COURSE in herpetology, but I was never able to find any PROGRAMS... Except of course at a couple of Australian Universities, which would cost more than a pretty penny...

My advice is that since you obviously do have somewhat of a passion for animals, take a broader program, such as zoology or animal behaviour (like meee), and just try and get into those courses that they do offer. U of T doesn't have a herpetology course/program.. just to let you know =P .. but after getting through your 4 yr (or whatever) program, I'd suggest getting out there and getting experience... cuz that's what's really gonna count (if you're looking into research jobs or zoo/wildlife park jobs)!!!

Good luck =)
(Come to UTM! =))
Kate

PS - You should also contact some of the more major wildlife parks, as many of them do have education programs. You're able to work at the park, while at the same time attending specialized schooling!! It might cost more because you'll be travelling, but you're working at the same time. I can't remember the name of the place (I don't know why)... it wasn't Animal Kingdom... but it was in Florida... where I spoke to a woman that helped to run their program there.

[Dirty]

spidergecko...what are htese gov. jobs you speak of? How do i get hired for one of those?