To become a wildlife biologist do you need to be well educated in....?

Question

all fields of science including chemistry, I'm very interested in wildlife biology but I HATE chemistry. Probably a stupid question, I know.

Answer 1

Yes, you need physical sciences and environmental sciences in addition to biology.

Anyway, biology IS chemistry, just highly specialized.

Answer 2

pretty much yea

Answer 3

Certification        

A primary goal of The Wildlife Society is to support the education, training, and ethical practice of wildlife professionals throughout their careers. To that end, The Wildlife Society recognizes professional credentials with three distinct certificates:

Certified Wildlife Biologist – The requirements for this certificate include:

*Completion of rigorous academic requirements at a college/university

*Experience as a wildlife biologist for five years

*Agreement to comply with The Wildlife Society’s Code of *Ethics for wildlife professionals.

*The applicant’s coursework and experience are thoroughly examined by the Society’s Certification Review Board, a group of long-standing and highly-qualified members who represent a broad range of wildlife backgrounds.  Once certified, the applicant must continue enhancing his or her knowledge of the most current wildlife management principles and techniques in order to recertify in five years.

Associate Wildlife Biologist – The requirements for this certificate include:

*Completion of rigorous academic requirements at a college/university

*Agreement to comply with The Wildlife Society’s Code of *Ethics for wildlife professionals.

*The applicant’s coursework is thoroughly examined by the *Society’s Certification Review Board.  Once certified, the applicant has 10 years to complete five years of professional work experience as a wildlife biologist.  At that point, the applicant may apply for certification as a Certified Wildlife Biologist.

Professional Development – The requirement for this certificate includes:

*Commitment to life-long learning and enhanced professionalism

*Agreement to comply with The Wildlife Society’s Code of *Ethics for wildlife professionals.

*Credit towards this certificate is earned by participation in activities such as attending symposia, short courses, distance learning courses, workshops, training sessions, technical sessions at professional meetings, and regular college courses provided by public or private institutions.

Holding a certificate from The Wildlife Society places you in a category distinct from other wildlife professionals due to the integrity of the organization and the high standards of the certification process. You earn credibility and respect, which offers you an added advantage when applying for jobs, in public forums, and in legal proceedings.



On March 13, 2008, the Trademark Office’s Principal Register officially approved TWS Associate Wildlife Biologist (AWB) and Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) for trademark registration. Meaning The Wildlife Society is the ONLY organization to provide the peer-reviewed wildlife biologist certification process that bestows the title of Associate Wildlife Biologist and Certified Wildlife Biologist. This entitles all current AWBs and CWBs to place the trademark symbol ® after their title.

Answer 4

Not a stupid question.  I was the same way.  Not only did I hate it, I was no good at it either.

The problem is IF you want a degree, you must pass chemistry.  You do NOT absolutely have to have a degree, but the better jobs are waiting for those who do.

In high school and college take every Biology and Zoology course you can.  I did.  In college I took General Zoology, Biology, Vertebrate Zoology, Invertebrate Zoology, Botany, Mammalogy, Ichthyology, Entomology, Herpetology, Ornithology, Human Anatomy, and any other course I felt would help improve my knowledge of animals and wildlife.

Along with these, if you want a degree, you must take History, English, Algebra, Geometry, and Chemistry.  Even though you feel you'll never need them, you will.  And, the letters behind your name, especially PHD, will open doors for you that will make you a real success.

Answer 5

You have to take some chemistry. Sorry. However, I managed to make it through a Ph. D. taking only General Inorganic plus Agricultural Biochemistry. I wasn't fond of Chemistry either.