Hello all. I am interested in becoming an Ichthyologist and do not really know how. What courses do I need to take? Are there any people that I can speak with to get me started?

Hi Ashley! Where are you in your school career? Are you already in college, or do you know which school you are going to? Not every school has an ichthyological program, but that need not hold you back.

I'm a herpetologist, not an ichthyologist, but the same principles apply.

To start with, you should study general biology; a good knowledge of vertebrate anatomy, physiology, cell and molecular biology, and ecology are very important; classes on statistics, chemistry, geology, hydrology, wildlife management, etc. will also be very helpful. Specialties like ichthyology are something you would concentrate on more at the graduate level, though you can certainly begin incorporating ichthyological aspects into your studies early on.

Great, thanks so much for your reply. I am currently checking the schools to see what courses are avail. after all I can transfer after the general education is complete. I have some community college under my belt but I moved recently and now have to get used to a new place before I can complete my education.

Learn how to read for meaning, how to write clearly, and how to understand math. Between that and a willingness to jump in to cold water or stinking muddy swamps, you're well on your way.

Are you interested in 8+ years of college or should we clarify the term "ichthyologist" a little better for you? There are certainly a few qualified icthyologists that are members here to talk to and quite a few of us fall under the aquatic ecologist realm. A better understanding of what you'd like to do, where you are in school, what courses you've taken, and your aspirations will get you much better answers. That may help you figure things out a bit in case you fall into that "I want to be a marine biologist when I grow up" realm that many people use as an all encompassing career. I'm not sure how I saw this add, but I recently viewed an advertisement for a graduate assistantship with a professor at LSU and his homepage had one of the greatest "Do you really want a Ph.D.?" explinations I've ever seen. If I can dig that up I will post it because I almost put it up here as a PSA anyways.

Great, I'll look forward to that. Much appreciated.