Hey, I'm a passionate junior with an unlikely love for herpetology. I've been trying to look into colleges in California that offer strong programs in this area. Could anyone help me out?
Sure, I can suggest a few places you might want to check out.
The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a great option. The Department of Integrative Biology offers an undergraduate major in Integrative Biology, with the possibility of concentrating in Organismal Biology, which covers studies of animals and plants, including herpetofauna. Professors there have interesting research areas that hook into the study of reptiles and amphibians. Notably, Berkeley is also home to the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, which has an impressive collection of herpetofauna.
Another university to consider is San Francisco State University (SFSU), which has an excellent biology department. They also have the Sierra Nevada Field Campus, offering a Herpetology Field Course, where students can get hands-on experience with the herpetofauna of the Sierra Nevada.
Lastly, the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) has their Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology. Within this program, there are several professors who focus their research on herpetology.
Keep in mind that while these universities may not have a specific major in Herpetology, they do offer many opportunities for undergraduates to delve into this field through research, courses and special programs.
Remember, in looking at any program, ensure that you're not only checking the curriculum, but also the research interests of the faculty, as they may provide the best opportunities for a deeper dive into herpetology.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.