Are there any Myrmecologist or Entomologist here?

Question

I've always had an interest in insects and ants in particular.

Is getting a major in this hard or easy in your opinion?

Would it be better to get a degree in Entomology and then possibly diverse later into Myrmecology?

Answer 1

I would say that interest is a good thing, but that doesn't always land you a good job. I took classes in botany and chemistry that led to a BS degree in botany with a minor in chemistry. I loved the classes, got excellent grades, but came out of college to end up taking a job I didn't like to make ends meet.

This isn't meant to discourage you, but to help you think about the end motivation for going to college. For most people that is finding a good paying job they really like. For this reason, I'd encourage you to study more general subjects, like Biology, which with the right classes, prepares you for what you want to do, while having a more general knowledge of the biological sciences that may help you in other ways beside helping you to get a job more easily.

The classes in Entomology or Myrmecology are much the same for Biology majors as they are for Entomology majors, and if you like the subject are easy.

If you need to get more specialization and have the background learned well (and can afford it), you can specialize in those subjects beyond the level of the Bio BS degree by earning a Masters or Doctorate in them to help you really specialize.

Good luck! Just think 20 years from now where you want to be. Cut out the things that won't help you accomplish that, and embrace the things that will.

Incidentally, I now have a job I like, but it is as a chemist. The chemistry minor ended up landing me a Field Chemist/Engineer position that I love and pays well too.