High School

To prepare for a career in zoology, make sure to get a well-rounded high school education. A solid grounding in biology and chemistry is an absolute necessity, but facility in English will also be invaluable. Writing monographs and articles, communicating with colleagues both orally and in writing, and writing persuasive fund-raising proposals are all activities at which scientists need to excel. Also be sure to read widely, not merely relying on books on science or other subjects that are required by the school. The scientist-in-training should search the library for magazines and journals dealing with areas that are of personal interest. Developing the habit of reading will help to prepare you for the massive amounts of reading involved in research and keeping up with the latest developments in the field. Computer skills are also essential, since most zoologists not only use the computer for writing, communication, and research, but they also use various software programs to perform statistical analyses.

Postsecondary Training

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to work as a zoologist; advanced degrees are needed for research or administrative work. Courses typically include ecology, anatomy, wildlife management, and cellular biology, as well as botany, physics, chemistry, math, and statistics. Students also take classes that focus on specific animals, such as herpetology (reptiles and amphibians) or ornithology (birds). They may also study applied techniques in habitat analysis and conservation. Academic training, practical experience (via internships and externships), and the ability to work effectively with others are the most important prerequisites for a career in zoology.

Other Education or Training

Keeping up with industry developments is key to success as a zoologist. Professional associations at the national, state, and local levels often provide continuing education opportunities. Organizations that provide classes, seminars, webinars, and workshops include American Association of Zoo Keepers, American Institute of Biological Sciences, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, and the Zoological Association of America.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for zoologists.

Experience as an intern, volunteer, or part-time employee at a zoo, aquarium, or other employer of zoologists is recommended. 

Success in zoology requires tremendous effort. It would be unwise for a person who wants to work an eight-hour day to become a zoologist, since hard work and long hours (sometimes 60 to 80 hours per week) are the norm. Also, although some top scientists are paid extremely well, the field does not provide a rapid route to riches. A successful zoologist finds satisfaction in work, not in a paycheck. The personal rewards, however, can be tremendous. The typical zoologist finds their work satisfying on many levels.

A successful zoologist must be patient and flexible. A person who cannot juggle various tasks will have a difficult time in a job that requires doing research, writing articles, dealing with the public, teaching students, soliciting funds, and keeping up with the latest publications in the field. Flexibility also comes into play when funding for a particular area of study ends or is unavailable. A zoologist whose range of expertise is too narrowly focused will be at a disadvantage when there are no opportunities in that particular area. A flexible approach and a willingness to explore various areas can be crucial in such situations, and too rigid an attitude may lead a zoologist to avoid studies that they would have found rewarding.

An aptitude for reading and writing is a must for any zoologist. A person who dislikes reading would have difficulty keeping up with the literature in the field, and a person who cannot write or dislikes writing would be unable to write effective articles and books. Publishing is an important part of zoological work, especially for those who are conducting research.