If you aspire to become an Executive Chef at a country club, private club, hotel chain, etc. you are going to need at least a Bachelor's Degree and certification. (C.E.C. - Certified Executive...
to become a herpetologist you must have at least a masters degree which takes at least 4 years. The degree must be on biological science (which I think is much harder to get).
Cooking and food preparation are more skill-and experience-based than things learned in a classroom per se. Perhaps a home economics class will be of use, as would maths and English (these being...