How to become a herpetologist

Is becoming a herpetologist right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do herpetologists do?

Still unsure if becoming a herpetologist is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a herpetologist or another similar career!

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How to become a Herpetologist

Becoming a herpetologist involves a combination of education, research experience, and often specialization in a herpetology subfield. Here is an overview of the pathway to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Bachelor's Degree
Obtain a relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Since many schools do not offer a distinct undergraduate degree in herpetology, many aspiring herpetologists opt for a degree in a related discipline. Options include biology, zoology, animal sciences, ecology, conservation biology, and environmental science. During your undergraduate studies, focus on coursework in herpetology, ecology, genetics, evolution, and conservation biology.

Advanced Degree (Optional)
While not always mandatory, pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in herpetology or a closely related field can significantly enhance career prospects, especially for research positions, academic positions, or leadership roles. Advanced degrees provide the opportunity to conduct in-depth research and contribute to the scientific understanding of herpetofauna.

Research / Teaching Experience
Seek opportunities for undergraduate and graduate fieldwork, laboratory research projects, or internships related to herpetology. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing observational skills, tracking methods, specimen collection techniques, and data analysis and experimental design capabilities.

Familiarize yourself with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data analysis tools, as these are key skills for research and conservation work.

As a graduate student, seek research funding through grants and fellowships to support your projects and contribute to the field.

If you are interested in academic positions, gain teaching experience during your graduate studies. This can be achieved through teaching assistantships and guest lecturer opportunities.

Specialization
Choose a specialization within herpetology based on your interests and career goals. Options include amphibian biology, reptile biology, herpetological conservation, and herpetological pathology. For a complete list of specializations in the field, please refer to the What does a Herpetologist do? section in the career overview.

Continuing Education and Research Publication
Stay informed about the latest research and advancements in herpetology. Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to present your work, and participate in professional development and networking activities to keep your knowledge current.

As you progress in your academic journey, aim to publish your research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. This enhances your visibility in the field and establishes your expertise.

Certification and Professional Organizations
There isn't a specific certification widely recognized as a standard credential for herpetologists. Instead, the qualifications and credentials of herpetologists are primarily based on their educational background, research experience, expertise in specific areas of herpetology, and contributions to the field. There are, however, professional training programs and certifications related to specific skills or methodologies that herpetologists might find useful, depending on their focus or specialization. Here’s a sampling:

  • Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR) – The SSAR is an international organization dedicated to the scientific study of amphibians and reptiles. It publishes the scientific journals Herpetologica and Journal of Herpetology, and organizes annual meetings, conferences, and field studies.
  • American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH) – The ASIH is a scientific society that includes researchers and professionals studying fish, amphibians, and reptiles. It organizes meetings, publishes the journal Copeia, and promotes the study and conservation of these organisms.
  • International Herpetological Symposium (IHS) – The IHS is an annual symposium that brings together herpetologists, enthusiasts, and professionals from around the world. It covers a broad range of topics related to amphibians and reptiles.
  • British Herpetological Society (BHS) – The BHS is a UK-based organization dedicated to the study and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. It organizes meetings, conferences, and publishes the Herpetological Journal.
  • Australian Herpetological Society (AHS) – The AHS is an organization focused on the study and conservation of Australian amphibians and reptiles. It provides a platform for researchers, professionals, and enthusiasts to share knowledge and collaborate.
  • Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA) – The HAA promotes the study, conservation, and education of African amphibians and reptiles. It encourages research and facilitates communication among herpetologists working in Africa.
  • The Wildlife Society (TWS) –TWS is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of wildlife management and conservation. It grants the Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) professional designation, which is designed to recognize individuals who have met specific education and experience requirements in the field of wildlife biology.
  • Professional Science Master's (PSM) Certification – Some herpetologists pursue a master’s degree from Professional Science Master's, which combines advanced scientific training / STEM coursework with essential business skills. While not a traditional certification, the PSM program can enhance job prospects, especially in roles that require a combination of scientific and business knowledge.
  • GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) – The GISCI is a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of proficient Geographic Information Systems (GIS) / spatial analysis professionals through its international certification program, which awards the Certified GIS Professional (GISP) designation. The Institute fosters rigorous professional and ethical standards, community engagement, and professional mentoring within the GIS industry.
  • International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS) – The ICZS was founded to encourage research, education, and communication in zoology. It includes both individual scholars and professional organizations, and particularly tries to increase the availability of research resources and enhance cooperation between different branches of zoology.
  • Project Management Institute (PMI) – The PMI offers the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which can be beneficial for herpetologists involved in research projects or conservation initiatives.
  • Research Methodology and Statistics – Herpetologists often use statistical methods and research methodologies. Courses or certifications in statistics, experimental design, or specific data analysis tools, such as R or Python, could be beneficial.
  • First Aid and CPR Certification – While not specific to herpetology, certifications in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are often required or recommended for fieldwork and research involving amphibians and reptiles.