<p>I'm really struggling to figure out what I want to do with my life. I have a keen interest in English, but I'm also very interested in doing biological research. </p>
<p>That being said, I don't enjoy the kinds of biology that involve enormous amounts of physics or calculus and I have always had a passion for animals. Thus, I've decided that I would rather pursue a Zoology degree rather than general Biology. </p>
<p>I plan to pursue a PhD in one or both of my intended majors.</p>
<p>As far as future careers go, I would hope to get into some sort of research position. Or, failing that, become an English teacher/professor.</p>
<p>Mostly I just wanted to hear some opinions from those of you who may be willing to give them. As a high school senior starting her first year of college this fall, I don't have much life experience to speak from.</p>
<p>Zoology has horrifically poor job prospects. It’s an interesting field, but you should be aware of that. I encourage people to think outside the box - for example, a friend of mine finished her PhD in mammalogy and is now working for the CDC as a bat expert. Most people won’t be the next Attenborough.</p>
<p>I would rethink the zoology major. Most colleges have abandoned zoology in favor of biology programs, usually with an ecology track, and rightfully so. I think biology is a better grounding for graduate study. Biology is a very interdisciplinary field these days; something like marine biomedicine is a perfect example. If you decide to major in zoology, though, be sure to load up on all the non-organismal courses (microbio, biochem, genetics, cell bio, etc.) that you would need for graduate school in biology.</p>
<p>To be honest, neither zoology/biology nor English has very good job opportunities. You can definitely get a job with either, of course, but it will be more difficult than with a degree in something like accounting or nursing. You might want to consider colleges that offer teaching certification…science teachers are very much in demand right now.</p>