How does somebody become a zoologist? what type of schooling do i need and are there any suggestions on which?

Question

i want to work as a wildlife conservationalist zoologist who goes out into the field and protects animals. I don't know what i need to do to get to that career path. should i take wildlife conservation as a major and then zoology as a masters? or should i take zoology as a major and master in a specific field of zoology like ocean mamals?

Answer 1

What no one tells high school students is that it matters very little what your specific major is in college.  What matters is that you take the relevant courses and gain experience through internships and volunteering.

I would suggest that a major in wildlife conservation will serve you well.  Generally this program includes a number of botany courses (because you need a good understanding of forage type and needs) and some skills courses (like GIS and trapping) that you'll need for field work.

Then, when it comes time to add your electives, take any zoology courses that aren't necessarily required to add to it.

Answer 2

Like the others said..major may not make that much of a difference, but experience will.  While still in school try and get as much hands on experience as possible.  Help a professor on campus doing research that interests you and it appropriate to your major.  Also, try and do some seasonal work or internships as well.  

Answer 3

Either way will work. When I was at Cornell U., the Conservation Department had four possible majors. Vertebrate Zoology was one and Wildlife Conservation was another. Useful courses were spread over a number of departments in both the Ag School and the School of Arts and Sciences. You could get a very broad education in the courses that you will need in your chosen field.