DO ECOLOGISTS DO? Among the questions high school and college
students ask at this time of year are ones pertaining to career
choices. Having a career direction can be helpful for someone
choosing between job opportunities for the summer or classes to
take for summer school or fall. Another reason I get these kinds
of questions is because school is still not out in some regions,
so end-of-the-year reports are due. I received the following
series of questions last week from a student at Arthur L.
Johnson High School in New Jersey. Q: What does an ecologist do?
A: Ecologists study the relationships between plants, animals,
and their environments. They also teach others to understand and
appreciate the natural world we live in and depend on. Q: What
type of college degree is needed? A: No degree is needed for
someone to study the environment or to assist in programs at a
nature center, zoo, or summer camp. A college education is
typically required for teaching in K-12 schools. For
universities, a master's degree