<p>Alright here's my dillema. For a while now I have been thinking I wanted to go to college and then after attend medical school. After my first college visit though at the University of Maine at Orono, I am having some doubts. I started remembering trips I have taken with my family and seeing ecologists and zoologists and some of the work they do and some of the study abroad programs they did-- these were all quite fond memories. </p>
<p>However I need to think about what I will do after college I guess before I can decide for sure, one way or the other. I mean what can one do with a "zoology" or "biology" major out of college? Seems like I would have trouble finding a job and what not. While I have always been interested in wildlife (I always used to read animal encyclopedias and field guides front to back just for fun), it needs to pay the bills I will someday have.</p>
<p>Now don't get me wrong I think I would enjoy going through the pre-med procedures and eventually (hopefully) getting into medical school, it's just that wildlife has always been a passion of mine. </p>
<p>So in conclusion, is there anything I should consider when I am deciding what to major in. I need help making up my mind. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks to all in advance!</p>
<p>It's generally not adivisable to actually major in pre-med anyway. Biology and Zoology are both majors that lend themselves well to completing the required courses for entry into med school, so I would recommend majoring in bio or zoology, but also making sure you complete what you need to for premed, and then you can figure out somehwhere along the way whether you want to apply to med school, or grad school, or enter the work force.</p>
<p>Alright, thanks for that information. It is at least helpful to know that either way both majors will suit me fine until I make up my final decision.</p>
<p>Now that we have that out of the way, is there anything that might convince me one way or the other career-wise in either category? Salaries, job availability, benefits, etc.?</p>
<p>I'm a senior in college and I majored in microbiology. There are a limited number of jobs for people with majors like microbio, bio, and zoology. You could look into working as a lab technician in a basic science lab, for the state parks, for wildlife conversation groups or other nonprofits... From what I've found, those jobs dont pay much. </p>
<p>All the people I know who have graduated with degrees in biology or related fields have gone on to graduate school because they were unable to find a job that paid well. Most job opportunities had salaries ranging from $30,000-$45,000/year. The benefits weren't that great. </p>
<p>I dont mean to dissuade you from your path, but if you want to go into biology and wildlife, I think you should consider going to graduate school in order to get more money and a more prestigious job.</p>
<p>Well, I'm majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and it looks like almost certainly I will apply to veterinary school and/or graduate school. Then I will likely go on to pursue either a Ph.D, DVM or Ph.D/DVM. I've deduced this to be pretty much the standard for high ranking researchers in conservation biology, especially at places like the National Zoological Park, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the San Diego Zoo. However, many also get M.A's and M.Sc's, and other Master's level degrees. </p>
<p>If you are really into medicine and wildlife, looking at graduate programs in animal sciences or veterinary school may be something to research further. The field of conservation biology is growing more than it had in the past because of the intervention of technology and more financial support (most outfits are non-profit or government), so now is the time to consider it.</p>
<p>The jobs in Zoology [and other disciplines within Biological Science] are likely most prevalent for folks with graduate degrees, typically PhDs. With a B.S. you likely won't have the research experience necessary to satisfy a potential employer. An M.S. degree may get you a decent job, but remember you'll be competing with doctorates.</p>
<p>Incidentally, the demand for graduates in Environmental Biology, Ecology, and even Marine Sciences is growing.</p>
<p>CCGUY, there's a HUGE difference. I'm guessing that a B.S. holder has to be beyond exceptional to have an advantage over an M.S. in Biology. Remember, on the graduate level you are specializing and concentrating in a specific area, particularly within a broad field like Biology. Typically, Biology undergrads don't get a chance to specialize, particularly if the school has a relatively broad core requirement for the major.</p>