Reptile & Amphibian Forums

im looking to become a herpetologist and i was wondering what college classes would someone take to get that kind of career?

Becoming a herpetologist is a long and lengthy process involving a lot of schooling.

Typically, you would first generalize in your undergraduate studies(Bachelor's Degree) in biology.

You would then proceed with graduate school, where you would specialize in certain aspects of biology and go for your PhD, perhaps even gaining a Master's Degree along the way. There really isn't any specific educational path as to becoming a herpetologist. Most 'herpetologists' are really biologists and ecologists, that have focused their studies on a herps, although their training and education is much more broad spectrumed.

I would recommmend that if you are into field research and work pertaining to reptiles, you should do a search on the internet, and ask around at various institutions, as you will see that "herpetologist" jobs are very scarce, and you would most likely have to settle for a less specific curriculum as a profession, where herps may be one of the classes that you get to study/work with.. Nevertheless, a background education in biology is a must.

I hope this helps a bit, cheers, good luck!

Bob