How can I become an Ichthyologist?

Question

How can I become an Ichthyologist?

Answer 1

Some universities actually have a "fisheries" major; I know Oregon State does.

Answer 2

Don't confuse Fisheries with Ichthyology, although many of the courses taken are the same. Fisheries is the more practical aspect. You need a bachelor's degree in Zoology, then graduate work in Ichthyology. See who is publishing in the field and what universities they are affiliated with. That will point you toward a major professor.

Answer 3

http://www.asih.org/ichjobs

CAREERS IN ICHTHYOLOGY

EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION

Few careers in ichthyology are open to people who have only a high school diploma. A bachelor's degree is typically the minimum requirement for technical-support positions. Most research and teaching positions require a master's or doctoral degree, with many, particularly those at colleges, universities, and major research institutions, requiring a Ph.D.

College Training.

Most students with an interest in ichthyology will major in Zoology or Biology, but they should take courses in a broad range of subjects. Courses in anatomy, development, statistics, systematics, biochemistry, behavior, genetics, ecology, and physiology will increase chances of admission into a good graduate program. Ichthyologists use a diversity of research methods and techniques. A good background in use of computers is now almost mandatory. Many ichthyologists conduct research in foreign countries or use non-English literature in their research; consequently, familiarity with one or more foreign languages is helpful. Specialized training, such as certification as a SCUBA diver, can be also quite useful and rewarding.

Many universities have graduate programs in ichthyology, but programs and focus of research vary according to faculty interests. Some of the more active graduate programs are at universities listed in Table 1. Graduate training is also available through museums that are associated with universities (Table 2).

Students planning to pursue a career in ichthyology should, if possible, talk with several ichthyologists who work in different disciplines (e.g., systematics, behavior, or ecology). Such discussions can help students decide which specialties most interest them and choose an appropriate graduate program. If a college or university has an ichthyologist on staff, a student can gain valuable first-hand experience assisting with the professor's field and laboratory research. Often, encouragement by a professor early in a student's career has been the deciding factor in his or her decision to become an ichthyologist.

The range of ichthyological research is reflected in articles published in journals such as Copeia, Journal offish Biology, and Environmental Biology of fishes. Attending an annual meeting of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists is also an excellent way to find out about the latest directions in ichthyology. Such meetings present an opportunity to talk with potential graduate school advisors. Volunteering at a public aquarium or museum with a fish collection can provide insights into ichthyological research, may result in useful contacts, and lead to a paying job.

http://www.career-descriptions.co.uk/ich...

http://www.oceancareers.com/2.0/career_e...

http://marinebio.org/students.asp

http://www.whoi.edu/science/marinecareer...

Answer 4

Go to a university and do a Bachelor of Science in biology, preferably somewhere that has ichthyologists in the department. If you feel that research is for you, go to a graduate school in the area. A good way to find out if you want to be in it for the long haul before committing, would be to volunteer or be a summer student in a university research lab, fishery organization, or aquarium etc, you can get a feel for what the field really involves in terms of type of work, hours, and you can talk to people in the field about their experiences.