If you want to find out what makes gorillas, monkeys and baboons tick,
consider a degree in primatology.
You'll need to develop many skills to succeed in this field, and not all
of them are academic.
"Thirty-five years ago, an eminent ethnologist and animal behaviorist asked
me if I hunted. It was his opinion that if I had not done so, my chances of
success in tracking primates were non-existent," says James Paterson, a professor
of anthropology. "It's not really quite that bad, but hunting skills are
among the most useful for a field primatologist."
Primatology is usually offered as a specialty within an anthropology
degree, and usually only at the graduate level. That means you'll need
to take a bachelor's degree in a related field (like anthropology) first.
You'll need at least a PhD for most research jobs. "The jobs for someone
with a graduate degree in primatology are limited to university teaching,
some museum work, or work in a zoo or conservation agency," says Frank Poirier.
He is a professor in Ohio State University's anthropology department.
While anthropology is considered a social science, primatology students
still have to take a lot of classes in things like biology and anatomy.
To prepare for fieldwork, you'll have to make yourself into practically
a jack of all trades. "Linguistic capacity in the form of a foreign language
is beneficial. A tolerance for the less familiar wildlife is necessary
-- not good if you freak out upon your first encounter with a poisonous snake
or spider!" Paterson says.
It's not easy to find relevant high school courses.
"But at least students can have a course in anthropology, if such exists
at the high school, as much biology as possible, and a psychology course,"
Poirier says.
Try camping, hiking, birdwatching and working in a zoo, adds Poirier. Paterson
recommends getting involved in sports, photography and auto mechanics.
Besides tuition and books, you may have to pay for things like a zoo membership
and a good pair of binoculars.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Social
Scientists, Other
Jane Goodall Institute
Find out about Goodall's work, and how you can help save endangered
primates
Primate Info Net
From the University of Wisconsin's Primate Research Center
Chimp Eden on Animal Planet
Meet the chimps and discover their unique personalities