History...Zoology?

warblersrule
Sun, 14 Jan 2007 21:29:16 +0000

Zoology is definatly still an option for me, but I wish it was a little more rewarding.

Well, I suppose it depends on what you mean by “rewarding.” During school breaks I work in the kennels at an animal hospital. It’s hard work with hazards and low pay, but I find it very rewarding. You’re right that you won’t become rich going into zoology- or almost any field of science, for that matter. On the other hand, do you really want to be stuck in a job you don’t particularly like?

There are very few colleges left who have free-standing zoology departments left; the vast majority have combined their programs into a biology major. Biology is a very practical major with a decent job outlook. You might not be bringing in the big bucks like an i-banker, but you’ll be working reasonable hours making ~$50-80,000 a year, which isn’t bad at all. There are plenty of fields open to a biology/zoology major, especially one with a strong background in math, computer science, and the other sciences. For example, the government hires zoologists to work with public health officials to track down disease outbreaks (like the Avian Flu). Zoologists are also in demand to research and write environmental impact statements, which are required for almost any major construction project. Oil and electric companies, which also hire environmental and biological scientists, pay quite well. Some zoology majors go to law school and pursue environmental law.

Zoology isn’t likely to limit your career options. Check out the “What Can I Do With A Major In…” websites that many colleges have; you’d be surprised with what some students do with their majors.

In any case, who says you can’t study both? ;)