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What is Zoology?

Zoology is the study of the animal kingdom.  This broad-based study can include an animal's native environment, embryology, anatomy, structure, development, cellular constructs, habits, classification, distribution, and ecosystem.  The analysis performed by zoologist will include both living animals and those that are extinct.  A zoologist will not only study animals in the wild but also in controlled environments such as aquariums and zoos.

Zoology is as relevant today as any time in history given the confluence of technology, environmental science, and the flow of information.  Animals are dealing with human threats, climate changes, and various airborne pollutants.  There is a cadre of environmental scientists that believe we are immersed a phase of planetary extinction known as the Holocene Extinction.  Thus making the role of a zoologist ever-more important to analyze, document, and communicate changes that affect us all.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$64,890

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

42.88%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

17,720

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Zoology Degree

Cornell University's top ranked animal science major prepares students for study in veterinary medicine. The program offers an opportunity to apply animal biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and other life sciences to the study of animal breeding and genetics, nutrition, physiology, growth, behavior, and management. It is an extremely flexible course and can be applied to a great variety of species. Students are highly encouraged, with the help of a faculty advisor, to plan an individual curriculum that suits their interests and career goals.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Florida zoology degree deeply focuses on the study of individual organisms and populations. Providing a solid foundation of evolution and ecology. The program also emphasizes the disciplines of anatomy behavior, genetics, physiology, and other specialized fields. The undergraduate degree in Zoology will be shaped by student's coursework, laboratory experience, fieldwork, and the instructors they encounter. Through these great experiences, it will help them shape their goals as biologists with a focus on zoology.  Learn more about UF’s zoology program today via the school’s admissions team. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Maryland's Department of Zoology and Avian Sciences program provides a challenging course for academically talented students interested in the application of biology and technology to are. It explores a wide range of subjects from fundamental biology to animal nutrition, physiology, and genetics. Students receive a solid foundation in basic biological sciences. Graduates pursue a variety of careers such as research technician, sales, or marketing representatives, or animal producers.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of California-Davis's Animal Biology provides students the chance to put their theoretical knowledge into practice by working with wild and domesticated animals in hands-on situations. Students from the program will enter careers in veterinary medicine and research, governmental regulation, education, and animal husbandry and management. Helping students deepen their knowledge of biology and its application to animals. Students can also choose electives in areas of special interest to them that allow for a further specialization in this exciting field of study.

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The University of California-Santa Barbara's Zoology department prepares students for graduate studies in biology at any major university. The program is excellent preparation for professional study in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science. The institution offers an outstanding health science advisory system located in Cheadle Hall. Students interested in immediate career entry often seek employment with local, state, or federally-funded government agencies or with the private sector.  

Acceptance Rate

29.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The zoology degree at North Carolina State University educates students broadly in the biology of animals. Students gain a deep and broad understanding of zoology, from the minutiae of molecular and cellular development to the organization of ecosystems. After completing the course, students embark on a flexible slate of upper-level courses. Many of the graduates go on to careers in the government, nonprofit, or industry sectors. Others pursue advanced degrees in zoology, cell biology, ecology, wildlife and fisheries science, marine science, biomedical subdisciplines, and other fields related to biology.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Washington's highly regarded zoology degree is an integrative department taking a connective approach to the life sciences. Their research and teaching they offer spans from cellular and molecular biology to global climate change. The program is unique in its integration across organismal and organizational boundaries. The institution recognizes the diversity and diverse connections within their community and is essential for generating novel ideas and approaches.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The top rated zoology degree at Ohio State University's requires a minimum of 30 semester hours consisting of four core courses. The program satisfies the minimal requirements for the most graduate program in biology. Additional chemistry or physics may also be advisable, depending on the student's intended area. Students passionate about attending graduate school are encouraged to discuss their plans with their Zoology advisor.

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Texas A&M University's zoology degree program is uniquely designed to expose students to every aspect of the study of animals. Providing solid foundation courses on the principles of vertebrate and invertebrate zoology. Students may select from a broad range of classes in animal biology. Graduates enter into advanced studies in zoology, specialized zoological fields in agriculture and renewable resources.

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Union University's zoology degree is an academic pathway designed to help students acquire core biological principles along with a solid educational foundation in the animal sciences that will serve them in zoological careers. The program teaches the fundamentals of research. Research opportunities exist on and off-campus. Students are highly encouraged to publish their research and present their findings at a variety of meetings.

Acceptance Rate

52.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

California State Polytechnic University's biology major with sub plans in Botany, General Biology, Microbiology, and Zoology focuses a balance between the theoretical aspects of biology and experience in the field and laboratory. The variety of programs offered in a flexible curriculum provides an opportunity for a wide range of experience in biological science. Graduate courses enable students to complete requirements for the community college credential. For individuals interested in a career as a secondary school teacher a credential is required.

Acceptance Rate

54.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

SUNY College at Oswego's offers a top flight zoology degree that provides a basic understanding of zoology through a variety of laboratory experiences in combination with the study of facts and theories. Students engage in research activities through a broad range of research courses. The program helps students demonstrate critical thinking skills through experimental design. They learn about the physiology, feeding habits, and behavior of an assortment of animals.

Acceptance Rate

54.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Vermont offers qualified students an online degree in zoology that offers a mix of introductory level life sciences and mathematics courses. Earning a B.S. degree in Zoology will provide graduates a strong background that can take them wherever they want to go. The program studies from researching a particular animal and its ecosystem, to human effects on a specific species, to studying an animal at the molecular level. Students in the course can demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method and critical analysis.

Acceptance Rate

67.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Michigan State University's top rated zoology degree program help provide training for students who seek professional employment in animal biology or admission to graduate degree programs in animal biology or to health-related professional schools. The program offers courses in biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, and statistics. Students complete a concentration encompassing several branches of modern zoology while allowing focused study in any one of those fields. Students have the opportunity to choose to concentrate on animal behavior and neurobiology, cell and developmental biology, ecology, evolution and organismal biology, general zoology, genetics, marine biology, and zoo and aquarium science.

Acceptance Rate

67.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The Olivet Nazarene University zoology degree pathway is an ideal major for those who are interested to study the biology, ecology, and behavior of animals. Students are involved in animal care on campus, animal outreach in the community, and research and internship around the country and around the world. The program prepares students for success in their chosen careers. Alumni continue to report on the excellent jobs they are landing and promotions they are receiving across myriad sectors of the economy. 

Acceptance Rate

71.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Miami University's zoology professors are committed to providing diversity in curriculum and research, with areas of study ranging from animal behavior to physiology to molecular biology to ecology. Providing students hands-on experience in research, publication, and presentation. The institution emphasizes a full range of systematics courses in a variety of related fields. The department is extremely successful in placing its graduates in appropriate employment and in preparing them for career-long accomplishments.

Acceptance Rate

57.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Berry College's Animal Science provides students with knowledge from preventative medicine to animal husbandry. Students have the unique ability to perform leading-edge research in tandem with their professors. Managing livestock or working in a local veterinary clinic, students will receive professional experience while deepening their work ethic and preparing them for graduate school. The institution creates access to a wide variety of ecosystems and is home to a vast working farm with livestock and an equine center.

Acceptance Rate

80.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Indiana University-Bloomington's Animal behavior degree is an interdisciplinary study of human and non-human behavior. Students in the program receive specific training in the study of the why and how of animal behavior. The program considers the evolutionary and ecological functions of animal behavior. The curriculum includes traditional lecture and laboratory coursework. Students pursuing the degree are encouraged to meet with advisors through the Department of Biology as well as the director of the Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior.

Acceptance Rate

70.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Eastern Illinois University's Biology is for students interested in Botany, systematics,  Zoology and Ecology. Students are encouraged to complete an undergraduate research project with a faculty mentor in the department. The program is under the Department of Biological Sciences. Graduates are well-equipped with the knowledge needed to utilize in the field.   Obtain additional information about this exciting degree by reaching out to the EIU admissions staff today.

Acceptance Rate

77.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Hawaii at Manoa's biology degree program provides students with a keener insight into a deeper appreciation of the many facets of living systems. Most of the students plan to use their training as preparation for professional work. Graduates have an outstanding record of acceptance in advanced degree programs at dental, medical, pharmacy, and graduate school. Most of them become teachers after obtaining a post-baccalaureate teaching certificate at the College of Education. The mission of the Department is to provide undergraduates a solid foundation of current knowledge and skills in life science to prepare them for careers in the future.

Acceptance Rate

52.5

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Auburn University's Bachelor of Science Degrees in Biological Sciences is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in biology as well as providing the opportunity for specialization. Providing a strong preparation for further study in graduate programs or professional schools, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other allied health fields. Students interested in zoology and botany will find a wide array of elective courses on plants and animals. Upon completing the program, students are prepared to navigate the industry.

Acceptance Rate

58.47

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The San Jose State University Biological Science department eschews the mission to provide a dynamic educational experience by engaging their students in hands-on and inquiry-based learning activities. Through these experiences, their students will gain a conceptual and experiential understanding of the biological sciences spanning from molecules to ecosystems. Promoting the success of their diverse student population in an inclusive and equitable community. Students receive rigorous laboratory and field experiences within the context of their regular coursework.

Acceptance Rate

80.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

San Jose State University (SJSU) is located in downtown San Jose, California, the heart of what is known as "Silicon Valley" - a busy area for the high-technology industry. The SJSU location is halfway between San Francisco and Monterey, California.  SJSU is one of 23 campuses in the California State University system, and offers more than 134 undergraduate and graduate degrees in 110 concentrations or areas of emphasis.

SJSU boasts many famous and illustrious alumni including author Amy Tan, Olympic medallists Lee Evans and Chuck Adkins, and gorilla researcher and author Dian Fossey, among others.  SJSU is one of the top 200 research universities in the U.S.

History

San Jose State University was founded in 1857 as a frontier school that trained teachers.  Over time it matured into a metropolitan university.

Academics

San Jose State University follows the semester-format academic calendar, with a fall and spring semester.

Colleges and Schools

San Jose State University offers 69 undergraduate and 65 graduate degrees in a full range of majors, with a selection of minors, from its seven colleges and many departments, including:

  • Applied Sciences & Arts
  • Business
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Humanities & the Arts
  • Science
  • Social Sciences

SJSU also offers many certificate programs.

Student Life

San Jose State University offers its students the opportunity to participate in more than 150 clubs and organizations as well as NCAA athletics. SJSU also offers on-campus access to many student resources including student housing and dining, events, study abroad programs, student advising and learning assistance, career advising, a health center, and more.

Athletics

The SJSU athletics department competes in many intercollegiate sports with its "Spartans" teams, including:

Men's Sports:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Soccer

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming/Diving
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
  • Water Polo

Community Life

Students from San Jose State University benefit from the campus's location in the heart of "Silicon Valley" through the many research programs and internships offered at local Silicon Valley companies.  Further, San Jose is a cultural metro center with many opportunities for recreation, arts and entertainment.  It also is conveniently located to San Francisco and coastal cities like Santa Cruz and Carmel.

Acceptance Rate

63.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Ohio Wesleyan University's zoology degree program provides students two major options, the General Zoology major and the pre-professional Zoology major. General Zoology is designed for students who are passionate about the study of human beings and other animals. A Pre-Professional Zoology major is more suited for those preparing for medical school or graduate study in Zoology. Completing this major will satisfy the minimum entrance requirements of almost all graduate programs in biology or zoology.

Acceptance Rate

67.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Rutgers University-Newark zoology major consists of 35 credits in biological sciences plus cognate courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. All courses required for a major in zoology, including cognate courses, must be completed with a grade of C or better. Offering comprehensive instruction, students receive a quality education from their prolific professors. Graduates are prepared to excel and succeed in the ever-expanding field of zoology and animal science.

Acceptance Rate

71.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

What Does a Zoologist Do?

A zoologist is charged with studying animals along with their behavior, environment, and genetic composition. Students earning a degree in zoology can expect to be formally trained in environmental science, statistical analysis, biology, communications, and environmental policy. These core skills will help a zoologist perform the following types of tasks:

  • Observe animals in a controlled environment
  • Document reproduction cycles and systemic biological changes
  • Gather relevant biological specimens from animals and their habitat
  • Benchmark physical characteristics of animals at various developmental stages
  • Investigate animal migration patterns
  • Conduct a wide variety of experiments by collecting, extrapolating, and interpreting data
  • Analyze animals in their native environment
  • Assess animal behavior & associated interactions
  • Investigate diseases, illness, toxins, and environmental changes affecting individual animals or larger populations of animals

How to Become a Zoologist

Careers in zoology start by earning a college degree. Entry-level positions will typically require applicants to possess a bachelor's degree. Applicants will most often have earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. However, many individuals who start a career in zoology hold an adjacent degree in ecology, entomology, wildlife biology, environmental science, wildlife management, environmental biology, or biology.

Students in a zoology major can expect to take classes in a variety of sciences. Examples of coursework include general curriculum like biology and anatomy to specific classes like virology and parasitology. Accredited universities offering degrees in zoology can provide general curriculum or specialized tracks in zoology. In either case, you will be required to understand environmental systems, statistical analysis, biological processes, anatomy, and ecology.

Degrees in zoology can be obtained from select colleges as an associate degree up through a PhD. Students that earn a doctorate in zoology will spend copious hours performing research, writing about the findings, and communicating those findings as a faculty member or publisher. The most common degree a student will earn in zoology is a bachelor's degree. To learn more about your zoology degree options and colleges that offer zoology, check out the accredited programs below.

Educational Requirements for Zoologists

Individuals enrolled in a zoology and animal biology programs will study the various aspects of animal life. From the basic physiology of a given animal to how it operates in its natural environment. Students will be learn to utilize scientific analyses and research, manipulating actual specimens to study in the wild and in a laboratory setting.

Students will also learn how to apply the information obtained from the various sciences into applicable use. It is common for zoologists to study animals at the cellular and molecular level to understand them better. Schools with programs in zoology and animal biology typically have resources such as wildlife preserves, estuaries, or other such resources.

As part of their curriculum, students will utilize each to perform tests and experiments given the constructs of each class. These resources allow students to develop practical knowledge along with hands-on experience prior to pursuing an internships or career opportunities in zoology.

Degrees in Zoology

Earning a masters degree or PhD in zoology will help you secure a job beyond an entry-level position. An online masters degree in zoology will typically last 1-2 years and PhD programs an additional 2-4 years depending on the number of classes taken at a given time and area of concentration selected.

A graduate degree in zoology can lead graduates into a number of exciting career professions that include: research for government agencies, college professor, non-government agencies, environmental consultants, extension specialist, research biologist, wildlife manager, wildlife services administration, and conservationist.

Zoology Careers

Careers in zoology and animal biology is a relatively narrow field of study that is  predominantly occupied with research campaigns.  There are job opportunities available from a variety of public agencies and private organizations both large and small.  The job growth in zoology is expected to remain steady and keep pace with the national average of 6% growth rate over the coming decade according to the BLS.  Careers in zoology are typically defined by the field of study.

Examples of specialized degrees in zoology include a range of options for qualified candidates.  Career paths can be focused on reptiles, birds, fish, and more.  The formal name of each is listed below for reference:

  • Ornithologist (Birds)
  • Mammalogist (Mammals)
  • Herpetologist (Reptiles)
  • Paleozoologist (Extinct Animal Scientist)
  • Cetologist (Marine Animals)
  • Parasitologist (Parasites)
  • Ichthyologist (Fish)
  • Entomologist (Insects)
  • Ethologist (Animal Behavior)
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Employment Opportunities in Zoology

Given the specialized nature of zoology, the job opportunities tend to be highly competitive. Graduates may be required to start as interns before being hired as a full-time employee. Zoology graduates will typically begin their career via a defined research initiative. Research positions may be part of an existing agency or a brand new project.

Research projects and longitudinal studies may be funded by the federal government, universities, non-profit organizations, private business or a combination of these. Many individuals will work in parks, incorporating study opportunities into a preservation work, often identifying changes in patterns or behaviors in animals that may adversely affect the environment or animal populations.

Zoology Job Titles

When looking for jobs within the zoology sector, you will need to get familiar with common titles used to describe similar jobs. Below we have detailed a cross-section of the most common job titles in zoology and animal biology to help you with your quest towards a gratifying career in the field.

  • Aquatic Biologist
  • Wildlife Manager
  • Zoologist
  • Assistant Research Scientist
  • Fishery Biologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Conservationist
  • Animal Biologist
  • Fish and Wildlife Biologist
  • Research Biologist
  • Conservation Resources Management Biologist
  • Environmental Specialist
  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Wildlife Biologist

Zoologist Job Duties

A current Department of Labor survey revealed a great deal of insights from zoologists working in the United States. Digging deep into the daily activities and job responsibilities of a zoologist will help college-bound students grapple with a vocational path more efficiently. Below you will find a list of the most popular job duties of a zoologist as provided in the DOL survey. Zoologists will typically be responsible for:

  1. Studying specific animals a controlled environment or in a natural habitat via first-hand assessment and data collection. Efforts will be placed on understanding the human and environmental effects on that species along with remediation options
  2. Consulting organizational stakeholders to make policy recommendations of management systems for wildlife habitat and wildlife populations
  3. Collecting information on targeted wildlife populations and collecting data on animal inventories
  4. Organizing experiments with specific animals in controlled environment
  5. Publishing research papers, internal reports, external white papers, and articles
  6. Creating presentations for targeted trade organizations, schools, interest groups, schools, and environmental clubs

Top Employers of Zoologists

  1. State Government
  2. Federal Government
  3. Scientific & Technical Consultants
  4. Science Research & Development
  5. Local Government

States with the Highest Employment of Zoologists

  • California 2,200
  • Washington 1,990
  • Florida 1,750
  • Oregon 920
  • Alaska 730

Top Paying States for Zoologists

  1. District of Columbia $106,820
  2. Maryland $94,270
  3. Rhode Island $86,590
  4. Connecticut $85,410
  5. Massachusetts $83,340

Zoologist Salary & Job Funding

The average salary of zoologists and animal biologists is $60,520 per year. The primary employer of zoologists is the federal government via targeted research grants. Obtaining grant money can be highly competitive given the sheer number of proposals submit. This trend is likely to continue given increased focus on the environment and technological advances.

Grants are typically long-term projects with budgets allocated for the award year. Unlike other industries, zoology grants do not seem to be affected by the economy. Rather, they can swell and dip based on federal funding and administrative policy. Individuals employed by state or federal agencies that are working in non-research positions may be subject to budgetary constraints. Zoologists in the private sector typically earn higher incomes and have greater job security.

Additional Resources for Zoologists

Those interested in a degree in zoology and animal biology may also wish to consider a degree in biology, wildlife biology and animal behavior and ethology. As an additional resource, you can also read our blog post titledTop College Degrees for Animal Lovers for more information.

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