Herpetology Schooling Help

[judgementalshoelace]

Hello,
I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask but I just wanted some advice. I just recently decided that I want to pursue a career in Herpetology with the ultimate goal of becoming a professor. I am in my 3rd year of school with just a general biology degree because there is no major in zoology at my university. I am going to be researching Cane Toads with a professor over the summer so I will have a little bit of research under my belt before graduating. Does anyone know any good Universities that have good programs that would help me reach my goal of becoming a Herpetologist? Or know the steps of getting there? I am honestly overwhelmed and any feedback would be great. I just don't know what the next steps are that I need to take.

 

[JoshsAussieReptiles]

This one may be a good starting point. There’s a few Unis in NSW and QLD with reptile focused programs. None that I am aware of in Victoria. In saying that if you can find an honours project and more with a focus on reptiles that’s a good starting point.

 

[dragonlover1]

hello Judgementalshoelace, I'm not in USA so I can't advise on Uni. etc. But a good starting point is to volunteer at local zoo's or reptile parks. These might point you in the right direction (as well as giving you some experience). Do as many short courses as you can. Things like small animal handling,first aid,venomous reptile handling etc. all lead to the ultimate goal. As well as proving your commitment , Good luck with your journey

 

[JoshsAussieReptiles]

hello Judgementalshoelace, I'm not in USA so I can't advise on Uni. etc. But a good starting point is to volunteer at local zoo's or reptile parks. These might point you in the right direction (as well as giving you some experience). Do as many short courses as you can. Things like small animal handling,first aid,venomous reptile handling etc. all lead to the ultimate goal. As well as proving your commitment , Good luck with your journey

Venomous snake and crocodilian experience are both often highly recommended experiences to get if you can.

I’d also ask yourself what do you view a herpetologist is?
Is it the textbook definition of someone who studies reptiles or is it something a little different to that.

 

[HadesPanther]

Hello,
I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask but I just wanted some advice. I just recently decided that I want to pursue a career in Herpetology with the ultimate goal of becoming a professor. I am in my 3rd year of school with just a general biology degree because there is no major in zoology at my university. I am going to be researching Cane Toads with a professor over the summer so I will have a little bit of research under my belt before graduating. Does anyone know any good Universities that have good programs that would help me reach my goal of becoming a Herpetologist? Or know the steps of getting there? I am honestly overwhelmed and any feedback would be great. I just don't know what the next steps are that I need to take.

Go talk to Rick shine at shine labs at USYD. He's the gold standard in cane toad research and he's also an incredible herpetologist. If he can't point you in the right direction, not sure any of us can.

 

[dragonlover1]

Venomous snake and crocodilian experience are both often highly recommended experiences to get if you can.

I’d also ask yourself what do you view a herpetologist is?
Is it the textbook definition of someone who studies reptiles or is it something a little different to that.

I'd class myself as an amateur herpetologist, I study reptiles and read as much as possible. I keep multiple species and breed some of them. I'm definitley not a professional and have no formal training