Updated at: 17-03-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

Attending college for a zoology degree is a great option for those who enjoy being around animals and learning about their ecology and behavior. In addition to the financial and personal benefits, a career in zoology offers the exciting opportunity to study and learn about a wide variety of fascinating animals, both marine and terrestrial.

The field of zoology seeks to ensure the safety of all animal populations. If you’re set on a career in zoology, however, this article will point you in the direction of some excellent educational institutions. A better perspective and comprehension of zoology will be yours after reading the first section.

In addition, the second part outlines the procedures and regulations one must follow to enter the field of zoology. If you’re looking to get the most out of a career in animal science, it’s in your best interest to read the third section of this article, which lists the best zoology programs worldwide.

Best Colleges For Zoology

Best colleges for zoology

University of Wisconsin – Madison

If you want to study zoology, UW–Madison is a great school to attend. Madison, Wisconsin is home to the University of Wisconsin, a large public research institution. The University of Wisconsin – Madison is an excellent school, earning a Best Colleges ranking of #33 out of 2,241 institutions of higher learning in the United States.

In the most recent year for which data is available, approximately 77 students majoring in zoology graduated from UW – Madison. Graduates with a zoology degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison earn $2,760 more than the average zoology graduate.

University of Florida

Florida State University

If you want to pursue a degree in zoology, the University of Florida is a fantastic choice. Gainesville is home to UF, a large public university. With a Best Colleges ranking of #65 out of 2,241 schools, UF is a very good institution.

In the most recent available data year, UF awarded bachelor’s degrees in zoology to around 110 students. Graduates of the University of Florida’s zoology program have a starting salary $12,253 higher than the national average for those with the same degree.

Michigan State University

Located in East Lansing, Michigan State is a sizable public institution of higher education. Michigan State University is a fantastic institution with a Best Colleges ranking of #88 out of 2,241 universities in the United States.

In the most recent year for which data is available, approximately 114 students majoring in zoology earned their degrees from Michigan State. Those who complete the zoology degree program report an average starting salary of $24,435 per year.

Texas A&M University – College Station

College Station is home to Texas A&M University, a large public institution. Texas A&M University–College Station is a fantastic college all around, as evidenced by its Best Colleges ranking of #55 out of 2,241 institutions across the country.

Texas A&M University–College Station awarded about 81 bachelor’s degrees in zoology in the most recent reporting year. Graduates of the zoology program report an average starting salary of $23,154 in their first jobs out of college.

University of Oxford

University of Oxford

Oxford, England is home to the prestigious University of Oxford, a prominent center for academic study. In its first year of operation, the school enrolled 23,975 students.

There are 1,791 workers in total.

The Department of Zoology offers both a graduate and an undergraduate degree program in zoology at this institution.

The 2015 Best Colleges For Zoology in the World | Ranking 2023 22 Indicator Rankings place UO in first place for Books and sixth place for Global research reputation.

University of Melbourne

Located in Parkville, Melbourne, Australia, the University of Melbourne is a public research institution. There were initially 48,088 students at the institution, which opened in 1853.

According to 2023 Indicator Rankings, the institution is ranked first in Regional research reputation and has a global score of 78.8.

Although it is best known as a top institution for zoology education, UM also features a robust curriculum in such diverse areas as agriculture, the arts, biomedicine, business, design, and the natural and built environments.

Furthermore, the QS Global World Ranking places the university at #38 overall.

Stanford University

To put it simply, Stanford University is a private research institution in Stanford, California. Since its founding in 1885, the institution has grown to serve a total of 7,087 students. Among National Universities, SU is ranked 6th, and among the best undergraduate education programs, SU is ranked 14th.

The average class size at the school is under 20, and the student-teacher ratio is 5:1. One of the best universities for zoology is Stanford because of its excellent research facilities.

In addition to a degree in zoology, students at SU can choose from programs in the social sciences, the physical sciences, and the computer and information sciences and support services.

Cornell University

Cornell University

Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell University is a private research institution. In its first year of operation, 1865, the institution welcomed 15,182 freshmen.

The Biological and Biomedical Science Graduate program in the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Colorado is where students can earn a zoology degree.

In the 2023 edition of the Best Colleges and National Universities, the university is ranked #17 overall and #61 for the Best Undergraduate Teachings.

Miami University

Examine Miami University–Oxford for your zoology degree needs. Since its founding in 1809, the school has grown into a prestigious public research university with an undergraduate student body of 17,326.

In the 2023 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities, MU-Oxford is ranked 91st. One of the most interesting aspects of this university is that students who major in zoology earn 15.4% more than the average college graduate with the same degree.

In addition, the schools will give you an in-depth personality test that will help you succeed by matching you with majors and careers that are a good fit for you.

University of California, Davis

There are three distinct areas of study within the field of animal biology available to students at UC Davis. Among these are Animal Science, Animal Science and Management, and Animal Biology. Graduates of each specialization will have benefited from a customized curriculum and set of experiences. Those interested in animal behavior and ecology should consider Animal Biology, while those interested in animal anatomy and physiology should consider Animal Science. As a whole, the division stresses the significance of resolving tensions between human progress and animal welfare.

Students studying animals at UC Davis can choose from a wide variety of electives, seminars, and internships. Internships are available at local animal shelters, the local School of Veterinary Medicine, and other local facilities. Each year, students in the Department of Animal Science have the opportunity to attend a career symposium to learn more about the various paths they can take.

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

The zoology program at NC State has excellent required classes that cover topics as varied as molecular biology and ecosystem ecology. Depending on their future plans, students who have completed the prerequisites for more advanced coursework may choose to further specialize or remain broadly educated. Parasitology, fish physiology, forest entomology, and marine biology are just some of the many subjects covered.

Most graduates find employment in the public or nonprofit sectors, while others enter the industrial workforce. A subset of students elect to further their education by enrolling in graduate programs in the medical and biological sciences.

The Undergraduate Honors Program in the Department of Biological Sciences is very popular among zoology majors. Following this curriculum requires students to commit to a rigorous academic schedule that includes honors-level classes and a minimum of two semesters of research or teaching. The program culminates with the student writing an honors thesis and presenting their research at a regional, state, or national conference.

SUNY College at Oswego

Students majoring in zoology at SUNY Oswego can participate in a wide range of internships, study abroad programs, and research opportunities. The Buffalo and Detroit zoos, Dolphin Quest, the National Aquarium, and Wildlands Conservancy are all great places to get internship experience.

The cutting-edge facilities connected to the SUNY Oswego campus offer a wealth of study opportunities. The Rice Creek Field Station in Oswego is a 330-acre outdoor learning facility with observational tools like telescopes and paths for exploring nature. The building is used for a variety of purposes related to the study of nature and the environment as well as for public service and instruction. Classroom knowledge can be directly applied to independent study or lab work.

The Shineman Center is one more widely-used research facility. The building’s prominence as a leader in sustainability and the college’s commitment to STEM education are both evident there. Students studying zoology often collaborate with their counterparts in other disciplines on research projects.

Ohio State University

Ohio State University

Ohio State University offers a wide variety of study abroad programs that expose students to diverse ecosystems. Students enrolled in the Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies program are given the opportunity to travel to Panama in order to conduct fieldwork in the field of tropical biology. They learn about many different types of environments, such as coral reefs and jungles.

Visit South Africa with your class to study the welfare and behavior of exotic animals in their natural habitats. Classes focus on the interplay between wildlife and their natural habitats and are held primarily in field settings like open range, sanctuaries, and zoos.

Finally, zoology majors can take summer classes without having to travel far from home, thanks to Ohio State’s new “Island Campus.” Stone Laboratory is a biological field station on Lake Erie where students can gain research experience and decide if they want to pursue a career in science. Both the introductory and advanced courses emphasize practical training in fields as diverse as ecology and animal biology.

FAQs

What is Zoology?

When it comes to studying animal behavior and ecology, zoologists focus on the wide variety of species that inhabit the planet. Studying the anatomy, physiology, and behavior of animals is also a major focus.

Scientists in the fields of zoology and wildlife biology investigate the mechanisms behind the development of novel species and the transmission of traits from one generation to the next. Students gain insight into the effects animals have on one another and on human evolution.

To that end, they go into the wild and conduct experiments on the animals there. Scientists who specialize in studying marine life, for instance, will have offices located in close proximity to bodies of water.

They put in many hours reading, listening, and watching to find the answers they seek. It’s common for some of these experts to prefer lab work to fieldwork.

Why should I study Zoology?

In order to appreciate nature for what it is, a knowledge of zoology is essential. It’s not just chaos; there are different kinds of life that interact in fascinating ways. Learning more about animal behavior is possible through research in this area.

What do the best zoology schools offer?

The typical length of a zoology degree program is three years. You can earn your zoology degree in as few as six semesters if you follow the prescribed curriculum. Biological science is taught at the undergraduate level in zoology programs. A zoology degree is available here.

The top zoology programs will give you a solid foundation in the field. In many ways, a prestigious education differs from a common one.

This is perhaps the most noticeable distinction between the school’s faculty members. Many Nobel Prize winners can be found among the best zoology school’s faculty. The ratio of students to teachers also varies. There are noticeably fewer students enrolled at prestigious institutions. The ratio of teachers to students is thus skewed in favor of the teachers.

However, there are other distinctions that can make admission challenging for a student. The minimum scores needed on the SAT and ACT have increased significantly. Since competition for admission to the top zoology school is fierce, enrollment there is likely to be limited. Therefore, the best education in zoology can be found at a selective university.

Conclusion

Learning about wildlife can be dangerous, but it pays well if you have the proper education and training. Undergraduates in some areas are those who have applied to graduate programs in health-related fields like medicine, veterinary science, and public health. On the other hand, there are those who hope to make a living in the field of zoology.

If you want to succeed in any field, however, you must attend a school that is both reputable and well-respected.