Bachelors In

Zoology Degrees

The complete guide on what you’ll learn, job prospects, university programs, and saving time and money.
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Why We Love It

  • $23,630
    Potential Avg. Salary*
  • Growing Demand
    Job Outlook

* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm for 39-2021 Nonfarm animal caretakers 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

A bachelor of science in zoology provides excellent preparation for a career working with animals as a veterinarian, zoo curator, or wildlife biologist.

Students in zoology programs study the anatomy, physiology, biology, and evolution of animals, allowing them to succeed in careers where they care for animals, conduct research, or engage in animal husbandry for breeding farm or domestic animals.

What is a Degree in Zoology?

Zoology is the study of animal life. Though Zoo is in the name, graduates of zoology bachelor’s degree programs are prepared for much more than just working with exotic animals.

They take courses in animal biology, which includes evolutionary biology, ecology, anatomy, and physiology. Additionally, students learn about the behavior and life processes of animals, allowing them to care for animals more effectively. Programs generally combine classroom education, lab work, and fieldwork components.

By earning a degree in zoology, students are well-prepared for a variety of careers working with many different types of animals, including domestic pets, farm and ranch animals, and exotic zoo animals. You may work as an animal trainer or breeder, or continue your education and earn a graduate degree to work as a veterinarian, researcher, or animal biologist.

With the skills and education gained in a zoology program, students should enjoy long careers working with and caring for many different types of animals.

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What Courses Would I Take For a Major in Zoology?

  • Animal Evolution
  • Study of Vertebrae
  • Study of Mammals
  • Behavioral Ecology
  • Endocrinology
  • Organismal Biology
  • Animal Genetics
  • Microanatomy

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Zoology?

The advantage of a degree in zoology is its flexibility. Graduates can enjoy working with and caring for animals in a variety of settings—as kennel workers, breeders, and zoo workers, on farms, in animal shelters, and as researchers or veterinarians.

There is always a constant demand for individuals to take care of animals, ensure they lead happy and healthy lives, and find comfortable places for them to thrive. Graduates can find work in many institutions, or even start their own animal care businesses.

How Long does it take?

A bachelors in Zoology will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.

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Best Jobs for Zoology Degrees

A degree in zoology will open your career path to a number of roles working with and caring for animals. You may find work caring for exotic animals in zoos, caring for sea life in aquariums, or taking care of livestock on farms.

With additional education, you may also be able to work as a veterinarian later in life or as an animal researcher or scientist. You can even start your own business as an animal trainer or breeder.

How to save time and money

Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your Zoology degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:

Create Your Free SmartPlan

There are many ways to make college affordable and accessible.

That’s why we created a helpful tool called SmartPlan.

It’s free, and helps you find potential ways to save and tons of information about each school you’re considering

Think of it as your “college blueprint”, to help you instantly craft a path to your degree:

  • Which Colleges Match Your Needs
  • Ways You Could Save Time & Money
  • Free Courses You Could Take for Credit
  • Valuable Data and Insights on Each College
  • Detailed Steps You Should Take!

See what’s possible for you and generate a free plan within just a few minutes

Create My SmartPlan

Get a Certificate in Zoology First

If you plan to work in a zoo, aquarium, pet store, shelter, or kennel, you may want to start your education by earning a certificate in zoology. A certificate will help you become more competitive for open roles in these positions, allowing you to earn money and experience while pursuing a bachelor’s degree later.

Best of all, your certificate credits may transfer to your bachelor’s degree program, allowing you to reduce the number of credit you have to take to earn a bachelor’s degree.

You Might also be Interested in

Many visitors who look for a degree in Zoology are also interested in the following degrees.

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