OPTIONS FROM “A” TO “Z”
by Contributor
(Mar. 16, 2020) — Whether you’re a high school senior applying to colleges or are considering going back to school for a career change, choosing a major is no small undertaking. It’s important to combine your education with your passions, and if you are an animal lover then you are in luck! There are plenty of degree options that will allow you to turn that passion into a rewarding career.
Keep reading to discover our list of the top seven degrees for animal lovers. This list includes options to suit all skills and individual passions, from animal management to conservation to more creative areas of study.
- Zoology
If the idea of working directly with animals in a zoological setting sounds like your idea of heaven, then a zoology degree is a good option for you. Coursework often includes classes on animal behavior and physiology, parasitology, virology, ecology, chemistry, mathematics, and a focus on organisms much different than the large mammals that typically come to mind with the word “zoo.”
Additional skills needed include:
- Critical thinking
- Strong observational skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Wildlife Management
A degree in wildlife management will teach you an understanding of how wild animals exist within their habitats, environments, and ecosystems, and if you choose, prepare you for a managerial role within areas such as conservation, administration, and wildlife biology.
Careers you may decide to pursue include:
- Conservation Specialist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Teacher
- Zoo Curator
Many animal conservation professionals, like Eric Mogensen, CEO of Gulf Breeze Zoo in Florida, started their careers in wildlife and animal management, gaining invaluable experience in the care and management of exotic animals.
- Animal Science
Undertaking a degree in animal science is a great stepping stone for further specialties in animal related field studies. These can include: veterinary medicine, dairy science, equine science, farming production, poultry science and many more allowing you to decide what type of career you prefer.
Careers you can consider branching into with a degree in animal science include:
- Veterinarian
- Animal Nutritionist
- Animal Researcher
- Farming or Agricultural Manager
- Conservation Officer
- Wildlife Photography
If you appreciate animals but would prefer a more creative career rather than a science-based one, you should consider a degree in wildlife photography. Most professionals work with other photographers upon degree completion, but you have the opportunity to immediately start your own business, working as a freelance photographer, and may enjoy traveling to habitats around the globe for job opportunities.
The degree itself will teach you how to capture wildlife in their natural habitats as well as extensively educate you on animals and their natural behaviors and of course the best times to photograph them.
Skills needed to be a wildlife photographer include:
- Patience
- Physical fitness
- Willingness to travel
- Strong technical skills
- Conservation Biology
For those whose passion lies in the conservation of animals and, in particular, in protecting endangered species, a degree in conservation biology might be the perfect fit.
As a Conservation Biologist, your primary focus would be on managing biodiversity in a given location or ecosystem in order to protect at-risk wildlife and their natural habitats.
Careers you could pursue with a degree in conservation biology include:
- Field Technician/Research Partner
- Wildlife Biologist
- Restorative Biologist
- College Professor
- Biology Teacher
- Park Ranger
As you can see from the career options, undertaking a degree in conservation biology can result in a career directly in the field, working with animals, or a less hands-on approach, working in a classroom, non-profit center or lab.
- Veterinary Science
If you have your sights set on working as a veterinarian, you may want to consider studying veterinary science. Although many different bachelor degrees are applicable for those who go on to vet school, veterinary science includes a broad overview of chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biology, animal biology, and zoology. Your veterinary science program may give you additional opportunities to focus on animal care, obedience training, and kennel work to ensure that you are adequately prepared to work in the field upon graduation.
Skills recommended for Veterinary Science professionals:
- A passion for helping injured animals
- Patience and sensitivity
- Rational objectivity
- A thorough, methodical approach to problem solving
- Communication skills
- Scientific logic and reasoning
- Ability to stay calm under pressure
- Marine Biology
If you prefer aquatic and marine life, then a marine biology degree could be the best fit for you. Preparing you for working in the field of marine research and management, a marine biology degree can set you up for an exciting and varied career working with invertebrates, fish, whales, dolphins, manatees and other marine wildlife.
Careers you can expect to get into with a degree in marine biology include:
- Biological Technician
- Ichthyologist
- Fishery Biologist
- Reed Restoration Manager
- Dive Operations Manager