Biology / Conservation / Ecology

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>Helloooo!!!</p>

<p>Before you pounce on me for reinventing the wheel, let me say that I have been using the search feature and reading old threads for the past two hours!! I have learned a lot, but not as much as I would like.</p>

<p>The short(-ish) version of my story is that I got a BA in Criminal Justice mostly while in high school, graduated at 19 with no marketable skills from the degree, and have not been able to get a job in the field (barring police officer, which I'm not interested in.) My call center experience is of more use. After several years of thought I have realized that science is the place for me. So I started researching grad schools in the sciences (initially in biological anthropology, which morphed into conservation biology.) Naturally they (quite reasonably) require prereqs that I just don't have, so I decided to bite the bullet and get a second bachelors - taking the time to do it right this time. I am fortunate enough to not have student loans and am currently paying out of pocket for community college courses. I have a 4.0 in these, but they are only prereqs.</p>

<p>My plan has been to major in Biology with a minor in German and possibly a second minor in something environmental-ish, to prepare for a specialized grad program. While researching biology programs, so many tantalizingly interesting Conservation Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, etc. programs have cropped up. I understand the importance of a hard science foundation, so I am not at all interested in Environmental Science programs or anything offering a "broad, interdisciplinary approach," but biology is so very broad itself.</p>

<p>So my questions (finally):</p>

<ul>
<li><p>Is there a major that would be better than biology? Geology? I'm not just crazy about the prospect of taking chemistry/math/physics beyond the foundation sets, so Biochem or Env Engineering are not super desirable.</p></li>
<li><p>Is there a program or an add-on (minor, certificate, etc) that could make me marketable to gain practical experience while saving for grad school? A possibility that seemed promising to me was a minor in GSS or GIS (with some kind of certification?). Earth Sciences / Geology? Sustainable Agriculture? </p></li>
<li><p>Just for kicks, recommendations of schools/programs are always welcome. My priorities are #1) quality of programs, obviously - professional connections, undergraduate research, etc. #2) study abroad options. In an ideal world, I would like to do a semester in Africa related to ecology/wildlife and a semester or year in Germany. #3) cost - being a second bachelors, I'm counting on scholarships and working while in school to keep me out of outrageous debt</p></li>
</ul>

<p>The bottom line is that I don't need to make a lot of money (I'm a skimper and saver by nature,) but I'm done being stuck in mind-numbing retail and customer service. I don't mind wading around in swamps or manure to escape it.</p>

2

<p>A few comments:
-Some of the fields of your stated interests (e.g., conservation biology, wildlife, sustainable ag) are most likely to be offered at land grant public universities. From a cost perspective, the least expensive might be the land grant university in your home state. If that is the case, the options for majors, certificates, etc. will be those offered by that university. (Consider Canadian universities, too.)
-A field related to conservation biology that you might consider is restoration ecology. Some universities offer programs in this more applied subfield of conservation biology. Another field to consider is landscape architecture.
-Geology is worth considering in terms of employment prospects, though some employers might not be the most environment-friendly. Depending on the program, you might not need more than the foundation courses in supporting math and math. Sustainable agriculture is relatively new, but would be worth considering, too. I would recommend contacting faculty at schools that interests you to find out about future prospects in that field. A minor or certificate in GIS is good for your stated interests. Such programs are often offered in both geology and geography depts.
-French or an African language would be more useful if you have an interest in Africa. German is fine, though, if you just happen to be interested in it for personal or cultural reasons—there is no rule that a minor needs to be directly related to your other interests.</p>

3

<p>Thanks so much, zapfino!</p>

<p>I am looking at my local land-grant university, but it’s notoriously stingy with scholarships and research opportunities. It’s definitely an option, but I’m also looking at the SUNY system and other OOS uni’s that are supposed to be generous with scholarships. More than open to Canadian/other International as well.</p>

<p>I love the look of restoration ecology, thanks for the suggestion! I’m a little skeptical of how much I would like geology as a career field, I guess I will see how I feel after a few classes.</p>

<p>German is just a personal interest, I’m definitely interested in pursuing other languages as well. Maybe French or Swahili?</p>

<p>I’m potentially interested in going into the Peace Corps after undergraduate as well.</p>

4

<p>Bumping.</p>

<p>Some programs I’m very interested in:</p>

<p>SUNY ESF - Conservation Biology or Wildlife Science
Stony Brook University - Biology (focus in Ecology or Environmental Biology)
University of Minnesota at Morris - Biology (environmental focus)
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Biology</p>

<p>Also Ohio State is my in-state land grant option. Obviously a well-respected option if I don’t get scholarships elsewhere.</p>