How to become an ichthyologist

How to become an Ichthyologist

Becoming an ichthyologist involves a combination of education, field and research experience, and often specialization in an ichthyology 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 undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Ichthyologists usually possess a bachelor’s in marine biology, zoology, biology, or fisheries sciences and management. During undergraduate studies, they focus on coursework that covers foundational biological concepts and includes topics such as ichthyology, fish biology, ecology, genetics, aquatic ecosystems, and statistics.

Graduate Degree
A bachelor’s degree often only provides access to some entry-level positions. A master's degree, with the added benefit of work experience, enhances your chances of gaining a higher position in the field. However, most ichthyologists must obtain a doctoral degree before being considered for the best research, teaching, and leadership positions available. Graduate programs provide the opportunity to conduct in-depth original research for your master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation and contribute to the scientific understanding of ichthyology.

Research / Teaching Experience
Seek opportunities for undergraduate and graduate fieldwork, laboratory research projects, or internships that specialize in fish-related study. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing observation and sample collection skills as well as capabilities in habitat assessment, data analysis, experimental design, and scientific writing.

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 / Research Focus
Choose a research focus within ichthyology based on your interests and career goals. Options include taxonomy, ecology, physiology, behavior, and fisheries science. For a complete list of specializations in the field, please refer to the What does an Ichthyologist do? section in the career overview.

Continuing Education and Research Publication
Stay informed about emerging technologies and research methodologies in the ichthyology field. 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 certification that is universally recognized as a standard credential for ichthyologists. Instead, the qualifications and credentials of ichthyologists are primarily based on their educational background, research experience, and contributions to the field. However, ichthyologists may obtain certifications offered by professional organizations and societies related to ichthyology and conservation. Here’s a sampling:

• Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) – The Wildlife Society (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 and management.
• Certified Fisheries Professional (CFP) – The American Fisheries Society (AFS) awards the CFP certification for fisheries professionals, which may be relevant for ichthyologists involved in aquatic ecosystems and fishery management.
• Certified GIS Professional (GISP) – The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of proficient Geographic Information Systems (GIS) professionals through its international certification program, which awards the Certified GIS Professional (GISP) designation. The GISP credential can be valuable for ichthyologists working with spatial data and habitat mapping.
• Research Methodology and Statistics – Proficiency in statistical analysis software is crucial for analyzing ichthyological data. Certifications for software like R or SAS can demonstrate a strong foundation in statistical methods.
• Scuba Diving Certification – The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) awards a range of certifications, for beginners, divers, and divemasters and instructors. These credentials may be of interest to ichthyologists involved in underwater research or studying fish in their natural habitats.
• Leadership and Management Certifications – For ichthyologists involved in research project management, there are several certifications available, such as the Certified Manager (CM) certification offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) or the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

In addition to these certifying bodies, the following organizations also support the ichthyology community, providing advocacy, access to resources, and platforms for networking, information exchange and collaboration, and continuing education and professional development:

• American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH)
• Fisheries Society of the British Isles (FSBI)
• Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB)
• European Ichthyological Society (EIS)
• World Council of Fisheries Societies (WCFS)
• International Association of Astacology (IAA) ~ astacology is the investigation and analysis of crayfish