<p>I would like to study zoology, but it seems there are poor job opportunities and low salaries. I've turned to my second choice, history. History seems like I can get a variety of career options.</p>
<p>I am worried that I might be thrown into education. I am not fully confident in my abilities as a teacher, and would actually like to have other options directly involving history.</p>
<p>Also, why would someone NOT get a teaching certificate?</p>
<p>Zoology is definatly still an option for me, but I wish it was a little more rewarding.</p>
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Zoology is definatly still an option for me, but I wish it was a little more rewarding.
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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? </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>In any case, who says you can't study both? ;)</p>
<p>Not only do the positions mentioned above exist, but if you are really devoted to animals, there is always vet school, and the top vets in the country make as much as some of the top doctors (think of the vets that are taking care of Barbaro the race horse right now). </p>
<p>Also, if you continue studying animal sciences or ecology in grad school, you would be very desirable to the top zoos and natural history museums in the country, AND in Washington D.C. there are dozens of environmental advocacy groups that are in need of people knowledgeable of animals and the environment as well as politics. </p>
<p>I intend to major in ecology and evolutionary biology at Princeton, and I'm hoping to either go to vet school/grad school or land a position at the Wildlife Conservation Society (NYC) the Smithsonian, or a major zoo as an research intern. I would have to say zoology offers some of the most fulfilling and active careers out there, many of them involving traveling overseas.</p>