Zoology, or animal science, is a field of biology that focuses on the study of animals. Hence, it is also known as animal science.
The study of animal behavior and its relationship to its environment is known as zoology, and it is a subfield of biology. Additionally, it is interested in the physical makeup, features, and physiological processes of animals.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists research the processes by which new creatures are created and how traits are passed down from one generation to the next. Additionally, they study the relationships between animals and how they affect human growth.
As a result, these animal scientists perform studies and tests with the animals in their natural environment.
Branches of zoology
- Entomology: deals with Insects
- Invertebrate Zoology: Animals with no backbones
- Malacology: Study of Malacology
- Ornithology: The study of birds
- Herpetology: Amphibians and reptiles
- Ichthyology: Studies Fish
- Primatology: Deals with Primates
- Mammalogy: Study of Mammals
Many institutions offer zoology majors, but not all zoology schools educate the same way. Some provide a considerably better education than others.
First, let’s take a look at what they offer exactly.
Services the Top Colleges provide?
The best zoology schools will guarantee a thorough understanding of the subject. There are numerous distinctions between learning at a prestigious school and learning at a regular school.
Typically, zoology programs last three years. Six semesters are allocated to the entire course, which leads to zoology degrees. Biology undergraduate programs are offered by zoology schools. You have the option of majoring in zoology here.
The top zoology school will make sure you are knowledgeable in the field.
One of the most noticeable contrasts is the school’s faculty. The finest zoology college boasts world-class faculty, which are Nobel laureates.
Another distinction is the student-to-teacher ratio. When compared to ordinary colleges, prestigious colleges have much fewer students. As a result, the number of faculty outnumbers the number of students.
However, other differences make it difficult for a student to be admitted. The needed SAT and ACT exam scores are significantly higher.
The finest colleges will be more selective, resulting in a low acceptance rate. Thus, a top zoology institution would provide you with the best education; yet, admission is competitive.
What to Expect?
Though course requirements vary per college, students can expect to study several of the following topics:
- Cellular Biology
- Biology of Invertebrates and Vertebrates
- Physiology and Anatomy
- Chemistry of Organic Compounds
- Advanced Math and Physics
After completing the core prerequisites, you will take a few electives and maybe specialize in a field such as pre-veterinary science or animal conservation. Furthermore, some colleges will provide or require you to conduct research, fieldwork, or an internship.
You can choose from all of the top schools, colleges, and universities in the United States that specialize in the best Zoology programs to obtain your degree or certificate.
Here’s a list of institutions that provide Zoology, along with information on admissions, price, rankings, and more.
1. Harvard University, USA
Harvard University, founded in 1636, is the world’s most distinguished college. Harvard has 113 Nobel laureates in natural science.
This college has a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. A pupil at this school receives highly customized care. Harvard University is a highly selective institution, with an admittance rate of under 5%. As a result, you must make significant efforts to gain admission to this college.
The brightest minds surround students studying here. As a result, they can only improve and advance in their careers.
Before you major in Zoology, you must first complete a fundamental course. The courses are divided into nine concentrations investigating the diversity of biological sciences and systems.
The courses offered here are:
- Chemical and Physical Biology
- Human Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Organism and Evolutionary Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology
- Chemistry You will also hone much-needed problem-solving skills.
Tuition for one year of study at this college is estimated to be $49,653. Scholarships are awarded to 55% of students, and students can learn without incurring debt. International students can apply for need-based financial help.
More information about Harvard University
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
MIT is one of the most regarded and renowned universities in the world. It is well-known for its rigorous curriculum, outstanding research, and faculty. There is one teacher for every three students, ensuring that each receives customized attention. However, this college’s acceptance rate is only 8%, making it highly selective.
The Life science program can help you get started on your path to a zoology degree at this college.
- Course 7 – A Bachelor of Science in Biology program. Students who desire to work in the biological sciences as researchers should enroll in this course.
- Courses 5-7 – A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology program. Students who desire to study both topics should take this course.
- Course 6-7 – A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Molecular Biology program. Students who want to study computational biology should take this course.
The minor in biology will give you biology expertise to complement your main.
A year of undergraduate studies will cost around $53,790. International students with demonstrated financial need are eligible for need-based financial assistance. However, students should explore other sources of financial aid. In 2018-19, 59 percent of students got need-based scholarships, while 31 percent paid no tuition.
More information about Massachusetts Institute of Technology
3. University of Wisconsin Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an excellent choice for those interested in getting a degree in zoology. It is a prominent public university in Madison, Wisconsin. UW-Madison is one of the best colleges in the USA, with a Best Schools ranking of #69 out of 2,576 colleges nationwide.
Research is frequently mentioned as one of the most fulfilling components of a degree by alumni from the Department of Integrative Biology at UW-Madison.
Together with faculty members, zoology students define a challenge for a research project. After that, students are in charge of planning experiments and analyzing the results, which gives them crucial real-world experience for their future employment.
The typical zoology student works 6–9 hours weekly on research projects for 2-3 credits each semester. However, the student is only permitted to work up to 18 hours per week, depending on their availability and dedication.
Along with learning technical skills, students also learn the value of teamwork, flexibility, and organization. Students can also get involved in clubs like the Undergraduate Zoological Society to learn more about the broad topic of zoology.
This association facilitates networking among primary students and provides supplemental education through community events.
In the most recent year for which data is available, around 85 zoology students graduated with this degree from UW-Madison.
The typical pay for zoology students earning a bachelor’s degree at UW-Madison is $25,800. This is more than the national median for all zoology bachelor’s degree recipients, $22,500.
More information about the University of Wisconsin
4. University of Connecticut-Storrs, CT
Every student interested in zoology should look into the University of Connecticut. UCONN is a prominent public university located in the Storrs suburbs. This university is ranked sixth out of 32 in Connecticut in terms of overall quality.
The UConn Nation community is a top-tier research institution with campuses and staff located throughout Connecticut. The gifted kids at UConn go above and beyond. For a brighter tomorrow, Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is driven by its eminent researchers, faculty, and alumni.
Each year, the Department of Animal Science hosts a career conference where students can learn about their options.
In the most recent year for which data is available, around 105 zoology students graduated with this degree from UCONN. When they enter the workforce, graduates of the University of Connecticut’s zoology degree program earn $3,975 more than the average college graduate in this field.
More information about the University of Connecticut
5. Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Colorado State Institution is a public university in the midsize city of Fort Collins with a sizable student body. This university is ranked fifth out of 39 institutes in Colorado in terms of overall quality.
Animal behavior, development, aquatic biology, ecology (the study of how animals adapt to their environments), genetics and evolution, invertebrate organisms, cellular/molecular biology and physiology, systematics, and the morphology of vertebrate organisms are among the concentrations available to students at CSU. They can also focus on general training in animal biology.
Through a variety of laboratory activities, together with the study of fundamental theories and defining concepts, the curriculum is created to give students a basic understanding of zoology. The program promotes depth, strength, and flexibility.
The course content consists of an introductory biology series that spans two semesters, as well as courses on evolution, and ecology, and one course each on invertebrates and vertebrates. One year of basic chemistry, at least one course in organic chemistry, two physics courses (both with labs), and one course in biochemistry are all prerequisites for the physical sciences.
Additionally, a calculus and statistics course is needed. Students must also choose at least 15 credits of zoology coursework in their chosen areas of focus.
In the most recent year for which data are available, around 216 zoology students graduated from Colorado State. Colorado State University-Fort Collins zoology graduates make around $7,925 more than the national average.
More information about Colorado State University
6. University of California – Santa Barbara
UCSB is a large public university in Santa Barbara’s midsize suburb. UCSB is a fantastic university overall, with a Best Schools ranking of #93 out of 2,576 universities nationally.
The location of UCSB is excellent for zoological study. Few facilities in the world can compare to Santa Barbara’s chances for first-hand observation and study of a diverse range of animals.
Students can investigate a huge diversity of live aquatic and terrestrial animals both in the field and the lab thanks to the closeness of the Pacific Ocean and the variety of nearby inland ecosystems.
Up to 60 different bird species can be seen by students inside the campus area in a single day. Students can see a rare species of miniature fox in its natural habitat on an island that serves as a “laboratory” and is a part of the Santa Barbara Channel Islands.
Additionally, students can examine the shifting day-night activity patterns of fish in the Santa Barbara waterway itself.
In the most recent data year, approximately 24 zoology students graduated with this degree from UCSB. Graduates of the zoology program earn an average of $20,200 in their first year of employment.
More information about the University of California
7. Ohio Wesleyan University -Delaware, OH
Ohio Wesleyan University has two departments dedicated to the study of wildlife. Botany & Microbiology and Zoology. Both provide a wide range of specialty courses and individualized student attention for effective learning.
Zoology students can apply their knowledge in various settings, such as zoos, veterinary clinics, wildlife centers, research laboratories, hospitals, and aquariums.
In addition, the department administers and maintains a research museum and two natural preserves to provide learning opportunities for students and the general public.
Teaching collections of insects, birds, mammals, and other species are available at the Brant Museum of Zoology at Ohio Wesleyan University.
In addition to attracting scholars from throughout the United States, this collection teaches children about taxonomic and evolutionary links.
More information about Ohio Wesleyan University
8. University of California, Davis
UC Davis is a large public institution located in the Davis suburbs. UC Davis is among the best colleges with a Best Schools ranking of #112 out of 2,576 schools nationally.
Outside of the classroom, animal majors at UC Davis have numerous opportunities to learn. They can pick between faculty-led research programs and internships at various animal facilities, the School of Veterinary Medicine, or other institutions in adjacent communities.
Three specialized animal biology degrees are available to students at the University of Chicago, Davis. These include animal biology, animal science, and animal science and management. To prepare graduates for their chosen job path, each track offers a variety of classes and activities.
Animal Biology is more suited to students looking for careers in research, whereas Animal Science concentrates on the anatomy and physiology of animals. The department as a whole places a strong emphasis on the necessity of finding solutions to issues that arise between animal demands and human development.
Every year, the Department of Animal Science hosts a career symposium for students to learn about the various prospects.
In the most recent data year, roughly 95 zoology students graduated from UC Davis.
More information about the University of California
9. University of Oklahoma-Norman, OK
Based on enrollment, the University of Oklahoma is the most popular zoology college. In 2018, the school awarded 193 degrees, a 5% increase over the previous year. Furthermore, zoology students make 5.2 percent more than the average graduate, indicating a wise investment.
The program’s success has created many opportunities for students in the department. They are encouraged to explore their scientific interests, whether in evolutionary biology, animal behavior, or cell biology. Faculty will assist students in publishing their work or presenting at national and even international conferences.
There are also several groups and initiatives available to assist zoology students in succeeding and making connections within their field. The Biology Aid Program pairs upperclassmen tutors with younger students enrolled in Introductory Zoology, resulting in a mutually beneficial partnership.
More information about the University of Oklahoma
10. Michigan State University-Lansing, MI
Students at Michigan State University can major in integrative biology or zoology. Integrative biology students receive a broader education by taking classes from various disciplines, whereas zoology students study classic areas like ecology, animal behavior, and marine biology.
Furthermore, students in the zoology major can customize their studies by selecting one or more concentrations. Animal biology and neurobiology, ecology, evolution, organismal biology, marine biology, zoo, and aquarium science are among the available concentrations.
This configuration enables students to personalize the curriculum to their professional interests, making them more competitive in the job market.
Alumni work as animal caregivers, biology assistants, cytogenetic technicians, teachers, park naturalists, and museum managers, utilizing their specific skills.
Students at the College of Natural Science can also pursue a dual degree, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in the same or distinct areas.
More information about Michigan State University
Conclusion
Wildlife research is dangerous, but it can be rewarding if professional training is. Undergraduates are applied to health care professions such as medical laboratory, veterinary medicine, and public health in various regions.
With so many alternatives, choosing a program to enroll in is not an easy decision. A growing number of schools now offer online degrees, so you are no longer restricted to nearby institutions. Or you might decide that a trade school’s courses are a better fit for you.
On the other hand, others wish to pursue advanced degrees and a profession in zoology. However, if you want to make the most of your job, you must enroll in an accredited and well-known university.
Last Updated on by Pragya Chakrapani
