Herpetology is not offered at all schools or institutions. One of the conditions for such an offering appears to be the presence of the faculty of biology or zoology professors who have a long-standing interest in reptiles and/or amphibians and so develop some of their lectures in that direction.
Sometimes the old methods are still the best. Take a look at the list of websites offering this course.
List of Websites Offering Online Herpetology Degree
- Herpetology Online
- The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
- ACS Distance Education
- Animal Courses Direct
- The Amphibian Foundation
- Academy for Distance Learning
Herpetology is the study of reptiles and creatures of land and water like snakes, turtles, and iguanas, and is a part of zoology. It covers their habits, habitats, physiologies, development, genetics, and more.
A zoologist who studies reptiles and amphibians like frogs and salamanders is known as a herpetologist. Many herpetologists are concerned about the protection of these animals. Others use them to analyze the general state of the ecosystem in a certain location.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Herpetologist
A herpetologist spends their time conducting research in one of several fields. Studies on behavior, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, health, and reproduction might be included.
- Herpetologists may publish their results in scholarly publications after finishing a research project and evaluating the data acquired. This allows others in the field to evaluate them.
- In the outdoors or in a controlled laboratory setting, research can be done.
Preserved museum examples are studied by certain herpetologists, particularly those interested in anatomy and physiology.
- If they do not have a laboratory assistant to undertake such responsibilities, herpetologists may be involved in the actual care of the animals they utilize for study. Many hopeful herpetologists start their vocations as lab collaborators while seeking after their advanced educations.
- Many researchers are also college professors, and they have teaching responsibilities while they are not conducting field research.
- College-level herpetologists are responsible for planning lectures, writing and grading exams, designing laboratory activities, and overseeing student workers who assist with research investigations.
- Herpetologists may be required to travel to several countries in order to explore research possibilities with other experts in their field.
Salary of a Herpetologist
Herpetologists’ salaries vary depending on criteria such as their degree of education, years of experience in the profession, and the specific sort of job they are needed to do. Doctorate-level herpetologists, those with substantial field experience, and those with a specific understanding of a particular species will be able to fetch the greatest salaries.
The following are the wage data for the bigger category of wildlife biologists according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017.
- More than $102,830 ($49.44/hour) is the median annual salary.
- Annual Salary in the Top 10%: More than $63,420 ($30.49/hour)
- Annual Salary in the Bottom 10%: More than $40,290 ($19.37/hour)
Certification, Education, and Training
Herpetology demands at least a bachelor’s degree, with many going on to pursue doctoral degrees.
- A four-year degree in biology or a related discipline is required for entry into the field of herpetology (herpetology is not offered as an undergraduate major in and of itself).
Anatomy, physiology, biology, ecology, animal science, genetics, statistics, computer-based technology, laboratory science, and foreign language are only a few of the topics covered in class (as research may involve travel abroad).
- Graduate degrees, such as a Masters or Ph.D., are necessary for people pursuing research careers.
While many graduate institutions do not offer graduate degrees in herpetology, related subjects in zoology or biology can be pursued while participating in herpetology research with a faculty adviser.
Many professors provide students the opportunity to obtain significant experience in the field of herpetology by supporting them with their ongoing research projects.