I want to be a zoologist but I'm afraid there won't be enough job opportunities

Wow, good question. In the end, I realized being a zoologist wasn't QUITE the right job for me and I became an educator rather than a practicing scientist. When I found out I could use music to teach there was no turning back--I loved it. I did some lab work and realized that it was something I didn't really want to do. I had planned to go back to graduate school but once I found my career I just knew in my heart that I was on the right path.

I finally decided to major in Biology/Zoology :) Now I know what kind of zoologist I want to be, a field zoologist! Thank You! :D I want to study animals in their ecosystem :) Animals and the ecosystem have always interested me since I was a young kid and still into my first year of college :]

Starting my Zoology course at University this September, very excited!

Thanks for looking me up here on KZfaq! I hope you had a great time at the program. Give my best to everyone back at school!

Wow, I want more folks like you in this world! Biology is certainly a path to that but not necessarily the ONLY path. Wildlife management, park management, ecology and other studies are possible paths. I'm about to post another video in this series so stay tuned, there may be some helpful advice in there for you. I'd see if you can contact someone who has a similar job and see if they have some advice for you. It's a difficult job to get but not impossible.

Another viewer just asked what else they could do in high school. I would suggest volunteering at a nature center, wildlife rehabilitator, science lab or other organization. Many of these organizations depend heavily on volunteers so you can help them and get some good experience in the process. These activities may well be more impressive on your college applications than just being in this club or that. Doing as much as you can in the field of biology & wildlife mgmt. makes you stand out!

I'm a senior in Washington, D.C. Public charter schools and I love zoology, thanks for this video it was very helpful

thanks for all the info!

Thanks so much for this awesome video! I'm about to study zoology in uni as well! - from Singapore

I had someone ping me on FB wanting to know MY story in particular. I'm not a scientist but a science songwriter and that's important to understand. Here's my reply to his inquiry: I got into informal science education right out of college; "informal science" is what the educators are doing at zoos, parks, nature centers and the like. I replied to an ad placed by an organization called "SoundWaters" (still going strong, based in Stamford, CT). They have a sailboat that takes students preK-12 and even adults on short cruises to teach about marine ecology. The ad said that musical ability which was a plus which has always cracked me up because it was guitar, not my zo degree, that really gave me my in. I worked for $50/week + food and "board" (got to sleep on the boat with about 6-7 other educators). Not much to live on, of course, but I just felt it was the right fit for me and it gave me a lot of experience working with students in a low-pressure and OUTDOOR setting. I loved it and completed my "tour of duty" of about 7 months in late '91. I moved to Austin in '92, replied to another ad for a tour guide/birthday party host for a small zoo. Again, didn't make much but gave me a lot more experience and I got to go on a conference for zoo & park educators that really showed me how far folks had taken things. There were folks using music, puppets, humor and storytelling in the most creative and fun ways. I worked there for about 20 months and had the idea that I'd start my own gig doing outreach programs for schools which the zoos in Austin and San Antonio were not doing. I got a collection of little critters (boa, hedgehog, ferret, tortoise, etc.) and started "Schoolhouse Safaris" in 1993. I was continuing to incorporate educational stories and songs into my programs and that is what really set me apart from the travelling petting zoos that you see at parties and festivals. I started doing some programs without animals for larger groups and, eventually, I decided in 2002 it was best for many reasons, ethical and business-related, to find new homes for all the animals and just focus on my music-based programs. I started working on CDs, books, videos and more and now tour Texas (and hopefully more beyond TX in the coming years) with a schedule (about 150-160 dates/yr) that allows me to make what I need and still stay creatively active. Back a few years ago I was performing more like 180-190 dates but it left little time for anything else so I'm really pretty happy with where I am and where I see myself headed in the coming years.

Always glad to help however I can. There are many ways to help and wildlife conservation is one. You could also look into natural resource management, forestry, veterinary medicine, law, nonprofit management and more. It really depends on what your skills are. Starting with a major in zoology/biology should be a good starting point. It's vital for form relationships with your favorite professors; they will be able to guide you into fields that meet your skills and interests. Hope that helps!

I would love to be a field entomologist. Great video, really interesting. Subscribed.

So great to see such ambition! Considering I stopped at the undergraduate level (this video was really intended for elementary students!) I'm not qualified to tell you the BEST. I will say is that what makes a University best for someone is mostly the teachers you'll be in direct contact with. Look at the faculty of the "usual suspects" (Cambridge, Harvard, Cornell, etc.) and see what they're researching. Find folks who doing things that are exciting to you and apply to those schools.

There are certainly opportunities for undergrads to work directly with animals and, if that's your thing, take advantage of as many as you can. Building relationships with working scientists will increase the odds that you'll get to work more with animals-it's competitive! You'll probably need to do lab work as well but it's not necessarily like you have to work your way up from that to working with animals. I'm glad you liked my video--1st time it's been called "epic" that's for sure!

Glad I could help. I just posted another video on the same topic so look for that on my channel if you want more.

Being a Zoologist is Very Good to Me.

awwww you're incredibly inspirational! I am taking classes to fulfill my biology BA major in community college, and i'm transferring to a 4 year university soon! I volunteer at the zoo and i'm going to perform an internship caring for exotic animals for the summer, i'm incredibly excited! I've always been so undecided with what path to go to due to my desire for future job stability, decent pay and whether I have the right personality to be a zoologist... But, i've always been interested in being part of an organization that helps conservation of wildlife.... But I also heard that the competition for these fields are extremely fierce and these type of organizations aren't always hiring newcomers, which also scares me.... So, I guess i'll see where my life takes me. I think what I have learned though is just rooting for activities that make me happy, even though the job prospect may seem somewhat bleak.... Even though I know that getting a job as a zoologist may seem really difficult, i'll just see where life takes me.

Absolutely, there's no major better. Good luck!

Thanks for checking out my videos! I hope y'all had fun today.

THANK

You bet. Best of luck to you!

All those things fall under the study of zoology so--yes. In your first two years of your major, you'll generally take basic zo or bio, physiology, genetics, comparative anatomy, general and organic chem, basic physics. In your last year or two you'll be able to focus on ecology, animal groups like birds, mammals, insects, etc. Working with your professors will allow you to direct your education toward your particluar goals through research, electives and other endeavors. Good luck!

I am a sophomore now and remember when you went to my school in the fifth grade!!! I feel so old!

@fordcomets: At the undergraduate level, you'll be able to pursue either one. You'll have to take general biology, genetics, chem & physics in your first years. By your sophomore or junior year you'll be able to take some more specialized classes and courses in both zoology and marine ecology will apply to a major in the life sciences. I highly recommend you watch the follow up video to this one for some great advice for serious students: Advice for careers in biology, ecology, zoology & more from scientists John & Kendra Abbott. Good luck to you and let me know if you have more questions.

Fair enough; this video was a reply to someone still in high school so I was just trying to offer a little helpful advice; you are correct that I was somewhat vague about "studying zoology." To you and all others out there, please consult with a counselor or other professional to help you with career and educational planning. Good luck with your plans, whatever they may be. Personally, I loved physics but would have gladly skipped chemistry if my program had allowed that ;-)

Yes, I mean MAJORING in zoology which normally requires basic physics, general chem & organic chemistry. Statistics met my math requirements which is fairly easy and quite useful in research. Your graduate program may require you to catch up on these basic courses but, if not, I suggest you take these courses anyway b/c they'll be important to vet medicine. FWIW, veterinary schools probably don't require a masters but they WILL need you to know principles of chemistry and physics. Good luck!

You rock!

I really want to become a Zoologist who studies fish as a field worker. I've always loved marine life ever since I was 4 years old.

This guy came to my school today and sung

He went to my school Madison Elementary School San Antonio Texas he was a great singer

FINALLY got that interview video done; had some technical issues. Look for the newest video on my channel for some good words of wisdom from a couple of biologists.

This sounds like a dream

Thank you so much for answering! I have got one more question (sorry if I am very annoying). I would like to know what field do I need to go into if I want to help and care for animals because the only one I can think of is wildlife conservation but I am curious if there are more ooportunities for this if I graduate in zoology?

Zoology is a broad field so someone who studies cetaceans is a zoologist AND a marine biologist. There are other careers that provide the opportunity of swimming with dolphins (dive guide, for example) and I will say that the vast majority of zoologists do not get that opportunity often if at all. Having said that, the scientists who DO probably started with studying zoology/biology as undergraduates. Start there and definitely study ethology (animal behavior) and marine ecology. Good luck!

You bet. See if you can contact some trainers to see how they found their ways to that position. The job you're wanting is coveted by many; it will be highly competitive, you'll have to work hard and deal with a lot of road blocks. That's why I was saying there are other professions that might be worth considering. If you're wanting to RESEARCH marine life then you're on the right track. Zoology would also get you started in the vet field. Just make sure you know what you're getting into.

ok this is helpful, thanks a lot! :)

In my day-late 80s and early 90s-dissection was a matter of course. Today alternatives exist such as virtual dissection but I think that's mostly for jr. high, high school and non-majors. Science depts have become much more aware and strict about animal testing; I think pharma is where the horrid testing happens. Most think you have to peer inside animals to understand how they work. You could make a case otherwise and might find a school or prof that will make an exception for you.

hw to publish our our book

You're most welcome. Good luck to you--the more zoologists the better, I say!

I realy want to be a zoologist to research animals and i love your video.

I'm getting associates degree in science. I can't wait to work in the field of zoology!

HYE! i'm from malaysia too.. zoology would be my second favourite field after marine biology :)

Hello i have a question for you, so i know for sure that i want to pick a zoology related career but im not sure which one would suit me best! i really want to have a job that is close and personal with the animals but not just taking care of them i love to study them, i have already taken multiple animal sciences and zoology clases in high school and i love going in depth into each species. i really dont want to be anything in the medical field but i am looking for a career that would allow me to get the hands on animal expirence as well as studying them and learnng more about each species any pointers?

There are many opportunities that pay well, esp. if you're open to biotechnology, microbiology, health fields or genetics AND you're willing to do graduate studies. These fields are breaking wide open right now but you'll probably need further study.If you're wanting to work in the wilderness with exotic animals that's harder to create but not impossible. If your heart is really in it and you're willing to work for it, I think you should go for it. And the critters need folks like you!!

Hey singing zoologist I remember you cama to o ur school (sthepens elementary) I love your songs your amazing keep up the good work

How many years of college do I have to complete? and I'm still looking for a best college to go to. I live in Florida. Also I want to start studying a little before I start College, so What do you recommend I watch and read to study up to become an Zoologist?

That video I mentioned is up. Take a look for it on my channel; sorry it took so long!

When you become a zoologist do you get to be with animals on the start or do you have to stay in a lab for a while then go to the fields? PS Epic video and thanks for all the info!!!!

i saw at schhool you made us lough loved it and fifi

What colleges would you recommend for zoology?

This dude is so sweet, he's gotta be the next ken bone. Papa bless.

Hi! I really enjoyed the video, my question is; in zoology will I be able to travel all over and still be able to provide for family at home. What is the salary of a zoologist that travels?

I am interested in looking into Zoology as a choice of study but i have a strong concern about Animal Testing. Do you know if there is a branch within working as a Zoologist that you would NOT be required to ever test chemicals on an animal? Its not something I could ethically do. Also would i be required to ethanize a creature for the sake of disection? Thank in advance !!

So im looking to become a zoologist that specializes in working with wildlife in zoos, rescues, and rehab centers. And im starting college in august and im just taking my generals first but I was wondering if you would recommend taking extra courses and if so what courses would you recommend me to take. And I was just also wondering if you could give me any other info such as what its like to work around big cats, bears, deer, wolfs ect. What its like to work in a zoo/rescue center/rehabilitation center. What are somethings that you might recommend that I do being as I live in montana. And also any other information that you have handy would be much appreciated

is science a big part of being a zoologist? would you be able to choose if you wanted to be in the lab or the zoo? and would you recommend on becoming a zoologist?

I want to study animal behavior without having to take a bunch of unrelated physics and chemistry classes... But that seems impossible. Oh well.

I'm from Singapore and I'm 16 years old! I would love to become a zoologist in the future. What are the education requirements to get there for me? And how much volunteering experience do I need?

I'm trying to decide whether to study marine biology or zoology, and was wondering how different are they and how different are the future possible careers they could lead to? I've always had a love for nature be it plants, animals or cellular organisms and I know it's the area I want to go down, I'd just like a little more info and guidance.

Another Q: "do zoologists get payed really good to be able to raise a family and give my children iwhatever they would need and be able to pay for everything else , house , food , clothes , bills?" This depends on what particular job you get but, yes, studying zoology absolutely provides you with career options that will allow you to meet your family's needs. That may look different than you picture it now and may well require graduate studies but I think a zoology degree will serve you well.

I'm in love animals and helping out. I'm trying to stay in state to go to college. I am 18 and still in high school. I'm just really interested in this. I live in Georgia. I would love to be a field zoologist. Any recommended colleges? I'm really interested into Kenessaw state. It's in Atlanta but I don't think they have the zoology major.

So if I wanna be a zoologist do I have to live in Africa ?? And i wanna go to the wild and have lion cubs !!

Hey you came to my school eiland elementary on Friday

I want to be a zoologist so i could work in a zoo and take care of animals or have a job that includes studying sea turtles & such, thank you for this informative video

What kind of volunteer work do you think would be best prior to studying in this field? I'm going back to college at the age of 21, interested in zoology, do you think it's too late for me since I'm quite behind with little animal experience?

Sorry, this comment escaped my attention somehow and it took me longer to reply than usual. A zoology undergraduate degree would be a first step in all of those careers but graduate school would probably be required for those careers. Vets have to go to veterinary medical school, lawyers go to law school, of course, and most others would require further studies. Still, an undergraduate degree is a pretty typical first step for all but law.

i think the video files on the are broken.. im not getting any audio and its not my computer, please help.

I want to study chemical processes in animals and how they effect how animals do what they do (what compounds in a Komodo dragon’s saliva allow it to kill its prey, how do molecular forces help a gecko climb, etc.). But what’s so frustrating is that I don’t know what means to achieve this (what field do I go into?) and what career to go for. I’ve looked at possible careers to get into after college in these biology and biochemistry fields and it seems that no one wants someone like me in the job market. The big things are pharmaceuticals, conservation, biotechnology, oil and gas, livestock, and ecology. I’m willing to get a job in these things if I need the money since they interest me to an extent but I don’t want them to be my main focus. It also seems that the Biology and chemistry professors in my university are researching things that I’m not interested in. They’re doing stuff like conservation, reproduction, ecology, making polymers for pharmaceuticals, and cells. These things are great, but not my main interest. Anyone else encountering the same issue?

I live in Texas as well. What basics do I need to take to become a zoologist? And what university would you recommend in Texas? Thank you!

I just completed my AS degree in criminal justice and I'm considering switching to biology just because it seems to be way more exciting and relevant to my interests I've had since I was a kid. I really like the outdoors despite living in a megalopolis most of my life, cherishing those few moments where I got to escape the city for a little while. Also tend to be fascinated by animals other than the pigeon, rat, or toy dog that's common here, though I can't say I documented any behavior, just observation only. I've still got an interest in CJ related topics, but the work environment and duties of field biologist and zoologists are just so tempting. Any ideas on how to reconcile two largely unrelated interests? Also a couple of questions, Do you know of and recommend any schools to attend for this field in NY/NYC? Or know any traits to a program that I should look for? How much chemistry and physics was required on top of the biology courses? Is it just enough to remain relevant or enough to hold your own for a little while with a chemist or physicist? What is the time frame to specialize in something? I'm kinda interested in everything, though to narrow it down I guess mammals and deep sea life would be up there. I'm also considering doing environmental science related work. Is it accomplishable with just one degree? What else do you think is needed in the field in terms of skill set? related or non-related like computer science. Would you be willing to do a short interview through e-mail? We can PM to exchange addresses. Thank you for sharing your experience.

HA! How d'ya think I feel? There are "kids" who saw me when I started back in 1992 that have 5th graders of their own now! Good news: I'm still feeling just as spry as I did in my college days (and a whole lot wiser too)!

what do you do wen you get bit

I love animals! ^^* I wanted to become a vet since I was a child but then I changed my mind because I kept doubting myself and I still do. Now, I’m interested in Zoology. I’m not good at science. I never was and never took chemistry in high school. What would be your advice for someone who wants to pursue this career but feels they’re not good enough or smart enough for it?

I can only take 3 subjects, and obviously one is biology, but what other two do you recommend? I enjoy psychology and chemistry but more so physics and philosophy, however I'm not sure what is best, or most appropriate to do a degree in zoology in university

There ARE scientists who get that opportunity and earn what it takes to support their families. Having said that, those opportunities are coveted and highly competitive. You can make it happen if you're willing to dig deep and work hard. I can't give you hard numbers because that's not my profession but they are, in general, working for universities so have a salary similar to other professors. Stay tuned: another video's coming this week that will be of use to you, okay?

I'm a 31 year old who has just fought cancer and is looking to get back into work. I recently found that my local community college has a Zoology course. I'm interested in it but worry about how physical it is and if I would even be able to get a position with just a degree in Applied Sciences, Any thoughts?

#Caitlin Montgomery (cant reply to you directly for some reason). My newer video about becoming a zoologist provides good info on this directly from a couple of active and successful scientists. Please take a look and let me know if you still have questions. Thanks!

hey! I am 13 years old boy from Queens, NY. I always loved animals and science. I also have a pet bird, Sandy, which is a Quaker bird. We have a wonderful connection. I'd like to know more from you.

zoology as a course is a really appealing choice for me to study at university, but im constantly being told about the lack of jobs/demand in this field which is putting me off because as much as i would enjoy the course, i can't afford to pay £9000 a yr for a course which is unlikely to secure me a job to pay it back :'( my question is, how hard would you say it is to get a decent paid job in zoology or in a similar field and is a zoology degree necessary? are there a wide range of jobs? thanks

I'm planning to go (back) to school soon for biology (doing the paperwork now) with an end goal of working in a zoo, quite simply because I love nature, (really, it just seriously knocks me on my ass, jaw agape, everytime I learn anything about nature) and a good zoo is my hands-down favorite place on the planet. If heaven isn't a combined zoo/garden/aquarium I'm not going, I wouldn't wanna hang out there for very long, let alone eternity. But I digress, I'm just curious what, if any personal advice you'd have for someone who's a 31 year old amateur naturalist with a rather intense passion for nature and a goal of having a career in a zoo before he hits forty, lol.

Hello, Im a couple weeks away from finishing my second year at local college, and I plan on transferring hopefully somewhere in Washington State and hopefully majoring in zoology. What are some good classes to take in order to major as a zoologist? I havent researched much this is just an option im interested in and was hoping to get a good answer from you that could set me in the right route

I am a kinesiology major interested in zoology (we don't have that program at my school). I'm thinking of applying to grad school for zoology, do they accept people with majors other than biology?

I completed MSc zoology.. Specialization in fisheries.. What kind of job can I do

Hey I'm from Costa Rica, I'm currently in Texas. And I am interested in becoming a zoologists! I've always wanted to be a zoologist since I was little ! Which job is the most common one ?( if you don't really like labs, I'm not planning on working in a lab lol ). Is there a job that has more close encounters to animals ? PS: I also have seen the sea Turtles come to lay their eggs :p

If I wanted to be a field zoologist what are the requirements I need like degree wise and school

One last question, I promise!! Can I go into the fields you listed ("natural resource management, forestry, veterinary medicine, law, nonprofit management, biotechnology, microbiology, health fields or genetics") with a degree in zoology and specifically can I become a vet with a degree in zoolgy?

Hi, i have a question, Im a freshman in high school and im learning French. I want to go ahead and learn French for all four years of high school. If i become a zoologist, is it a good idea to study of French? like, if i decide to travel to place (like an island)where there is french speaking people(to learn about a species) and I know French will it be useful?

I really want to be a zoologist but I don't like birds or reptiles I specifically want to work with big cats but Are there different kinds of jobs in zoology like focusing and studying one species if so would it be hard to get into the big cat focus thank you for making this video it really helped :)

Hi singing zoologist, I am currently in year 12 at high-school and need to be picking courses for University. My whole teenage life and even before I was always interested in animals (marine animals more specifically) lately I have become aware of the extremely small job market for marine biologists. Due to this I have been greatly considering studying Zoology, that being said I would love to either be working in a zoo/wildlife ranger kind of field (like every other 13 year old girl) My question for you is, is it a hard market to get into and will I be let down after completing a 3 year course only to not have any job opportunity's come my way? Please be as brutally honest as you need to be :)

hi you went to my scool and do you speck spanish???

I want to be a zoologist

Do you mean for graduate school? If so, as long as you have a reason for taking psych over some other science I'd say you're okay but that's really a question better put to you advisor. Good luck!

I have completed my M.sc in zoology specialization in wildlife. if someone guides me for higher studies in zoology it would be highly appreciable.

Would you consider the care and welfare of animals being your priority, wise then to study zoology? i do care how evolution came about and the lifestyle patterns of animals, however my dream career i see myself bonding and working alongside animals physically not so much theoretically. is there possibly a better branch i should look into Mr Lucas? I'm 25 already and need to finally pursue a career. Kind regards in advance. Troy L

I have a question for a zoologist... are lions or other big cats scared of vacuums, the same way house cats are?

Dear sir I am doing bsc from zoology want to job out of India what's we have any opportunity

Hey there! Can a student of B.sc. Agriculture pursue M.sc. In zoology???

i have been singing my whole life i’m in highschool rn for singing but i want to be a zoologist

I am 9. I would like to study zoology. My dad said i can but i have to do it online. what should i do? What do you think? how do i chose a animal? i want to be a field zoologist

cause i dont like getting bit