* Biology: A general biology degree provides a solid foundation. You would then focus on electives and potentially a thesis or research project related to mammalogy (the study of mammals), zoology (the study of animals), or ecology (the study of interactions between organisms and their environment).
* Zoology: A zoology degree with a specialization in mammalogy would be even more directly applicable.
* Wildlife Biology/Conservation Biology: These degrees often include coursework in bat ecology, behavior, and conservation.
* Ecology: An ecology degree with a focus on animal behavior or community ecology would provide a strong theoretical background for bat research.
In all these cases, you'd likely need to conduct further specialized research, potentially through internships, independent studies, or graduate-level programs (Masters or PhD) to truly become an expert in bats. Many researchers working with bats have advanced degrees. Undergraduate programs offer the foundational knowledge; graduate programs allow for more focused, in-depth study.