Zoology is the study of animals and animal life. Getting a a Ph.D. in zoology requires a lot of time, dedication and effort. Understanding what you have to do to get a doctorate in zoology involves learning about a few key activities and developing a strategy to accomplish them.
Be clear about the process
The first step to understanding what you have to do to get a doctorate in zoology is grasping the academic process involved. All doctorate programs in the sciences follow a similar path; visiting with an academic counselor or college advisor is a good idea so you can map out what you have to do.
Obtain a bachelor's degree
Completing your bachelor's degree, preferably in one of the biological sciences, is another critical activity. Although graduates of non-science programs have applied to postgraduate programs in the sciences, extra steps are necessary to ensure you have the foundation and understanding to complete the work. It is not possible to get a doctorate in zoology without first obtaining a bachelor's degree from an accredited school.
Complete a master's degree program
Entering and finishing a master's degree program in zoology is another key activity. Not only does a master's program in zoology serve as a type of bridge between your undergraduate coursework and understanding of zoology and the advanced research of a doctorate, but it also demonstrates that you have the capacity, interest and endurance to complete additional multi-year training in one very focused topic. According to the University of California at Berkeley, it also tests whether you can initiate and complete independent research projects.
Doctoral program activities
Upon entering a doctoral program in zoology, you will have multiple activities on which to focus. Doctoral-level coursework is a given. You will have undergraduate biology or zoology courses to teach, or you will assist a faculty member in teaching them. You will also need to identify a research project to complete, author a thesis or summary of your research and defend the thesis and research project before a group of department faculty members.
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