What is the best major to become a wildlife biologist?

What is the best major to pick when going to college or university to prepare you for a career in wildlife biology? Does your major even matter? Does it depend on where in the world you live? I will answer these questions in this video, so please be sure to watch the whole video.

Kristina Lynn's channel (another biologist with lots of great career advice):

This channel is for people of all ages who are passionate about exploring nature, viewing wildlife, and learning about the environment. My name is Eddie and I'm a 29-year-old wildlife biologist from California. I have an MSc in Ecology and have been to four continents to seek and study wildlife. I hope to inspire naturalists by providing content that everyday people can use to enhance their experience observing nature in the field. Nature activities I cover are birdwatching, herping, wildlife photography, snorkeling/scuba diving, hiking, ecotourism-travel, and much more. This includes app and gear reviews, tips for spotting and identifying wildlife, travel guides for wildlife tourism, and fun lessons about natural history, ecology, and conservation. Whether you travel across the world or step into your own backyard, exploring nature is always an adventure, so subscribe to immerse yourself in Adventure Education!

[kristina_lynn]

Thanks for the shoutout! I 100% agree with everything you said and I appreciate how you separated academia vs consulting because it’s a totally different world.

[WonderlustAdventures]

Going to second the importance of connections. The more people you meet, the more random opportunities crop up that you never would've found otherwise. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people, and even volunteer early on!

[StefanoIaniro]

Great tips bud! A lot of valuable info! From my experience here in Canada, connections and experience are quite valuable, even more so then schooling. If you're looking to be a field biologist, you also need to have a good attitude. You can have all the degrees in the world, but if you're unpleasant to work with, you won't keep a job for long lol.

[TheWildlifeBrothers]

This was incredibly helpful, especially for Evan and I as we’re in college now! Thank you for the tips, we are very lucky to be in a zoology program now so we’ll see how it goes!
- Harrison

[jrewing]

I want to be a wildlife biologist and my major is environmental science. I want to thank you for your videos because it's so hard sometimes to be positive when it looks like your not getting anywhere.

[someplacewild]

I miss your content! I hope everything is going well for you and I look forward to a new video of yours!

[annbaxter]

Thanks for the practical advice. It's always fun to see your enthusiasm and love of your subject.

[loriscapria]

I totally agree on your points. Even when applying for PhDs the title of your major isn't that relevant. In Europe works similarly in many countries (there are few exceptions though). I found out it matters a lot the practical experience you have (e.g. Internships, Census activities, Lab experience, PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE, etc) and definitely the grades you got if you look for Academia-related positions. I had classmates during my master in Conservation and Biodiversity who came from very different backgrounds as psycology, biosciences and zoology.

[JoseManuelHiniesto]

Interesting advice friend.
The title is important to get certain projects and field work is what we like most. Both things are important, they go hand in hand with each other. Although those of us who love nature and love the countryside and its fauna, the best will always be salinity in search of wildlife observation. Thanks for sharing .... A hug.

[Dizzillee]

Great information! Thank you! My degree is in aeronautics and I've been stressing about needing to get a wildlife degree. But have also thought about going straight for a Master's, which also sounds like a good route!

[pugwodo]

Hey im in San Diego too! Im currently in the Navy and i really dont want to continue doing IT work on the civilian side, i just dont like it. Im really thinking of going full steam ahead on wildlife biology and maybe even go vet who knows. Do you know any volunteer options here in san diego that could get me started? Thanks!

[kaydndoche]

Would u rather do a zoology major or wild life biology major

[chelseah]

Please make a video on how to apply for graduate school for a masters! Would love advice for getting in free like you!

[churra]

Good to hear that small liberal arts colleges are fine for such a major

[arshiyaanam]

I also want to becom a wildlife biologist

[ruthraps]

What is the best undergraduate course to pick to become a wildlife biologist ?

[rogersearcy]

Sir could you do a video on some good books for a amateur naturalist? Thank you

[BullyPanozo]

Can you still be a wildlife biologist if you study environmental science

[SireeshaVangala]

Does my major matter? I hold a STEM degree from India and have an insatiable passion for watching birds, and like connecting the dots. What would be a good way to get started in the area. For the record, I am already in the united states and live in Upstate.

[gigi]

What about Someone with a computer science major?