Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is there such a thing as a degree in herpetology? Does anyone know of any schools that offer it? Does anyone in this forum have one? I'm just curious because i think that would be a great field to study. Thanks for the help
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2.2 Leopard Geckos (Butch, Pete, Lucretia, and Suzie)
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If I'm not mistaken, you go thru vet school and can specialize in herps, probably through ongoing education, but I don't think there is a degree specifically just for herps.
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www.classylizard.com

Herpetology is a biologist specialising in reptiles. My guess is you will be required to go to university and get a bachelor of science decree first, then take specialist courses to get a master's decree in Herpetology. I don't think you need to ge to vet school at all, unless you want to be a veternarian specializing in herpetology, a reptile vet. If that is the case, from what i have researched on vets, you need the B.Sc decree, plus veternarian school as a general particioner, then specialize in herpetology.

A good way to find out what steps need to be taken to become a specialist in herpetology is email or write any people who have indicated they have these credentials. You should be able to find these people on any articles relating to studies on reptiles, just check the authors or specialalists quoted by the author in the articles.

You pretty much have it right. Few if any schools offer a degree in Herpetology, but biologists in many fields often identify themselves as herpetologists if they primarily work with herps. For example, I'm a doctoral student at Oklahoma State University, and I study physiological ecology. Within my department, Drs. Stan Fox and Matt Lovern are behavioral ecologists, as are several graduate students. Dr. Larry Talent is an ecological toxicologist. Despite the diverse subjects we study, we all consider ourselves herpetologists because our work focuses on lizards, snakes, turtles, salamanders, etc.

So, if you want to be a herpetologist, go get a bachelors degree in biology or zoology. Chances are that there will be some faculty member with whom you can conduct undergraduate research with herps, and get a leg up before going to graduate school.

To get an idea of the kinds of research being conducted in the field of herpetology, check out the website for the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR).

that he wanted to be a vet, specializing in herps...Ya know what they say about assuming!!
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www.classylizard.com

you certainly have their relaxing time and needs down pat!!!

Mine live on your hammocks! I don't know where poor Dayton with his gout would be without it!
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www.reptilerooms.com

Herpetology is not a Degree field, it is considered in the academic field to be a sub-section of biology.

No, a degree is not necessary to be considered a herpetologist, some of the world leading authorities that are classified herpetologist never attended a formal college or university. Their knowledge and respect comes from hands on studies and working with reptiles.

Some considered leaders in their fields, have degrees in other fields or are employed in other ones.

Peter Rankin, one of Australia's most respected herpetologist was called that when he was a just a very young student in primary school. When 12 he was considered an authority in reptiles, not only a member of the Australian Herpetological Society for over eight years, but also their secretary during his regular school years, at 16 he was employed at the Australian Museum for the summer and worked in the herpetology department part time after that. At the time of his death, he had just completed a BA in science degree(2 year) at Macquarie University. Two spieces are named after him by Dr Glen Storr a gecko {Diplodactylus rankini), and Mr Ross Sadlier named a skink (Nannoscincus rankini). Skinks were the area that Peter was most intested in at the time and planning on pursuing. Pogona Hernrylawsoni was commonly called Rankin dragons in his honor, prior to its offical name given.(an official name can not be the common name used)

Other that are not degreed:

The leading authorities on Mexican herpetology is a pharmaceuticals salesman in Louisiana.

The leading authority on Kansas reptiles is a retired man and never finished college or studied in the field he is acknowledged as a herpetologist in.

One of the world's authorities on the breeding biology of pythons is a young man in Oklahoma and he certainly qualifies as a herpetologist without a formal education or degree

Education is a good way to acquire knowledge in a field you are interested in, but not the only way as those above had proved, a desire to study, collect and keep them and learn from them, make careful observations, read a lot, and talked to others at professional meetings is also a way to accomplish this. Joining a herp society is a good way to start and also using online resources.

You can also take special courses offered at universities, I know that Elliott Jacobson has a really good course in herpetology at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
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www.reptilerooms.com

I guess I should have thought about getting into herps as a profession before i was a Business major in his junior year!!!! But you never know...
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Have You Hugged Your Reptile Today?

2.2 Leopard Geckos (Butch, Pete, Lucretia, and Suzie)
0.0.1 Baby Het Tremper Albino ready to go to a good home
1.1 Cresteds (Meiko and Layla)
1.0 Bearded Dragon (Hercules a.k.a Herc)
Drop Me an Email
kdk83@comcast.net
Or Instant Message Me on AIM: k1d8k