20 Colleges With Zoology Majors In 2024

Most people in the academic world, and scientific studies, do not largely recognize zoology as a notable study course. And as such, this makes it somewhat difficult to identify good colleges with zoology majors. 

Nevertheless, zoology cannot be ruled out as an important study course in the scientific field. It does hold relevance. Zoology ranks at number 165 out of 395 majors in colleges in the United States. 

There are a plethora of good colleges with zoology majors you may or may not know of. But this article talks about just 20 of the country’s best colleges with zoology majors. And each of them makes significant changes in their curriculum where needed to ensure the program is best suited for learning. 

List Of 20 Colleges With Zoology Majors In 2024:

  • University of Wisconsin – Madison
  • Bucknell University
  • Cornell University
  • University of California – Davis 
  • Colorado State University – Fort Collins
  • Michigan State University
  • Ohio State University-Main Campus
  • Texas A&M University – College Station
  • University of Florida
  • University of Oklahoma Norman Campus
  • Brigham Young University – Provo
  • University of North Dakota
  • Berry College
  • University of California – Santa Barbara
  • North Carolina State University
  • University of Maryland – College Park
  • University of Connecticut
  • Purdue University-Main Campus
  • University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
  • University of Wyoming

#1 University of Wisconsin – Madison

University of Wisconsin – Madison is a public university located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is listed amongst the top-ranking colleges with zoology majors in the country. It is part of the biological & biomedical sciences program.

University of Wisconsin – Madison offers a variety of available zoology degree programs:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic calendar year, 54 students received bachelor’s degrees in zoology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. 10 students earned their master’s degrees in zoology, and 13 students were awarded their doctorates in zoology. 

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin – Madison earn a median salary of $27,864.

See also: 15 Best Colleges For Zoology in the World | Ranking 2024

#2 Bucknell University

Bucknell University is a private, not-for-profit institution located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. And it is also a higher flier amongst colleges with zoology majors in America. 

Bucknell University offers only one available zoology degree program:

  •  Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic year, 5 students were awarded bachelor’s degrees in zoology from Bucknell University. And an interesting fact is that all graduates in the 2020-2024 zoology set were all women. 

#3 Cornell University

Cornell University is a large private, not-for-profit school located in Ithaca. New York. It has an excellent degree program in zoology, making it popular amongst colleges with zoology majors. 

The Biological & biomedical sciences program houses the zoology major.

Cornell University offers a variety of available zoology degree programs:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic calendar year, nine students received their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from Cornell University, 5 students earned their master’s degree in zoology, and six students were awarded their doctorates in zoology. 

#4 University of California – Davis 

University of California – Davis is a very large public university located in the small suburb of Davis, California. And has built quite a reputation as an exceptional college with zoology majors. 

Zoology is one of the majors in the biological & biomedical sciences program at the University of California – Davis.

University of California – Davis offers a variety of available zoology degree programs:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2024 academic calendar year, 62 students received their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from Colorado State University – Fort Collins. 17 students earned their master’s degree in zoology, and 12 were awarded their doctorates in zoology in 2024.

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at the University of California – Davis earn a median salary of $28,474.

#5 Colorado State University – Fort Collins

Colorado State University – Fort Collins is a public university located in the midsize city of Fort Collins, Colorado. The school is considered a great choice among eligible colleges with zoology majors. 

Colorado State University-Fort Collins’ biological and biomedical sciences program includes a major in zoology.

Colorado State University – Fort Collins offers a variety of available zoology degree programs:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2024 academic calendar year, 196 students received their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from Colorado State University – Fort Collins.

Sixteen students earned their master’s degree in zoology, and one student was awarded a doctorate in zoology in 2024.

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University – Fort Collins earn a median salary of $25,599.

Zoology students who receive their master’s degree at the University of Colorado State University – Fort Collins earn a median salary of $35,986.

#6 Michigan State University

Michigan State University is a moderately large public university located in East Lansing, Michigan. It is also a highly reputable school amongst colleges with zoology majors. 

Michigan State University offers a variety of available zoology degree programs:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic calendar year, 100 students received their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from Michigan State University. Eight students earned their master’s degrees in zoology, and six students were awarded their doctorates in zoology in 2024.

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University earn a median salary of $24,535.

#7 Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State University is a public university located in the city of Columbus. Zoology is one of the majors in the biological & biomedical sciences program at Ohio State University-Main Campus.

Ohio State University-Main Campus offers a variety of available zoology degree programs:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic calendar year, 84 students received their bachelor’s degrees from Ohio State University-Main Campus. 8 students earned their master’s degree in zoology, and 12 students were awarded their doctorates in zoology in 2024.

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at Ohio State University-Main Campus earn a median salary of $22,941.

#8 Texas A&M University – College Station

Texas A&M University – College Station is a fairly large public university located in College Station. Zoology is one of the majors in the biological & biomedical sciences program at Texas A&M University – College Station.

Texas A&M University – College Station offers a variety of available zoology degree programs:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic calendar year, 60 students received their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from Texas A&M College Station. 5 students earned their master’s degrees in zoology, and 16 students were awarded their doctorates in zoology in 2024.

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M College Station earn a median salary of $23,154.

See also: 21 Affordable Online Zoology Degree Programs

#9 University of Florida

The University of Florida is a fairly large public university located in the city of Gainesville. 

The University of Florida offers a variety of available zoology degree programs:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic calendar year, 47 students received their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from the University of Florida. Thirty students earned their master’s degree in zoology, and 25 students were awarded their doctorate in zoology in 2024.

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida earn a median salary of $24,610.

#10 University of Oklahoma Norman Campus

The University of Oklahoma is a moderately large public university located in the midsize suburb of Norman. Zoology is found in the biological & biomedical sciences program.

The available zoology degree programs are:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic calendar year, 227 students received their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from the University of Oklahoma. Eight students earned their master’s degree in zoology, and one student was awarded their doctorate in zoology in 2024.

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma earn a median salary of $24,331.

#11 Brigham Young University – Provo

Brigham Young University – Provo is a fairly large private, not-for-profit school located in the midsize city of Provo. The Zoology major is part of the biological & biomedical sciences program at Brigham Young University.

Brigham Young University – Provo offers only one available zoology degree program:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic year, 28 students were handed their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from Brigham Young University. No students graduated with a doctor’s degree in this field in 2024.

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at Brigham Young University earn a median salary of $31,142.

#12 Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue University-Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Indiana. The Zoology major is part of the biological & biomedical sciences program at Purdue University.

Purdue University-Main Campus offers a variety of available zoology degree programs.:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic calendar year, ten students received their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from Purdue University. 4 students earned their master’s degrees in zoology, and two students were awarded their doctorates in zoology in 2024.

#13 University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota is a fairly large public school located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The Zoology major is part of the biological & biomedical sciences program at the University of Dakota. 

The University of North Dakota offers only one available zoology degree program:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic year, 5 students were handed their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from the University of North Dakota. No student graduated with a doctor’s degree in this field in 2024.

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at the University of North Dakota earn a median salary of $28,778.

#14 Berry College

Berry College is a small private, not-for-profit school located in the small suburb of Mount Berry. The Zoology major is part of the biological & biomedical sciences program at Berry College. 

Berry College offers only one available zoology degree program:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic year, 45 students were handed their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from Berry College. No student graduated with a doctor’s degree in this field in 2024.

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at Berry College earn a median salary of $23,886.

See also: 13 High Paying Careers In Zoology In 2024 | Salary Ranges

#15 University of California – Santa Barbara

University of California – Santa Barbara is a fairly large public school located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, California. The Zoology major is part of the biological & biomedical sciences program at the University of California. 

University of California – Santa Barbara offers only one available zoology degree program:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic year, 24 students were handed their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from the University of California. No student graduated with a doctor’s degree in this field in 2024

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at the University of California earn a median salary of $24,510.

#16 North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Zoology is one of the majors in the biological & biomedical sciences program at North Carolina State University.

North Carolina State University offers a variety of available zoology degree programs:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic calendar year, 49 students received their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from North Carolina State University, 12 students earned their master’s degree in zoology, and 13 students were awarded their doctorate in zoology in 2024

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at North Carolina State University earn a median salary of $20,595.

#17 University of Maryland – College Park

University of Maryland – College Park is a public institution situated in College Park, Maryland. The Zoology major is part of the biological & biomedical sciences program at the University of Maryland – College Park.

University of Maryland – College Park offers a variety of available zoology degree programs:

  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic calendar year, zero students received their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from North Carolina State University, three students earned their master’s degree in zoology, and five students were awarded their doctorate in zoology in 2024.

#18 University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut is located in Storrs, Connecticut. The zoology major is part of the biological & biomedical sciences program at the University of Connecticut.

The University of Connecticut offers only one available zoology degree program:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic year, 107 students were awarded bachelor’s degrees in zoology from the University of Connecticut.

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at North Carolina State University earn a median salary of $27,868.

#19 University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities is a public institution located in Minneapolis. The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities’ biological and biomedical sciences program includes a zoology major.

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities offers a variety of available zoology degree programs:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic calendar year, six students received their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Seven students earned their master’s degree in zoology, and seven students were awarded their doctorate in zoology in 2024.

#20 University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming is a public institution situated in the Wyoming city of Laramie. The University of Wyoming’s biological and biomedical sciences program includes a zoology major.

The school has various available zoology degree programs:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology
  • Master’s Degree in Zoology
  • Doctorate Degree in Zoology

In the 2020-2024 academic calendar year, 63 students received their bachelor’s degrees in zoology from the University of Wyoming. 53 students earned their master’s degree in zoology.

Zoology students who receive their bachelor’s degree at the University of Wyoming earn a median salary of 27,868.

See also: 20 Colleges With Criminology Majors  2024

How Long Does It Take to Become a Zoologist?

While your zoology studies can take many paths, if you want to do more specialized research or advance your career, you’ll need additional degrees. A bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for entry-level zoologist jobs.

The precise number of years varies depending on the level of education desired. If you can get your dream zoology job with a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be done in four years. If you want to conduct specific research, you may need a Ph.D. and could spend up to ten years in school.

Also, if becoming an advanced zoologist is your ultimate goal, you can expect to take one of the four educational paths outlined below.

#1 Bachelor’s degree

Anyone interested in working in the field must have a four-year bachelor’s degree in zoology or a closely related field. If you don’t want to pursue a zoology degree or a similar course of study, consider an online zoology degree or a similar course of study.

You can major in biology or ecology as long as you take the prerequisite classes required for a zoologist.

You might consider taking statistics, math, or computer science courses for your bachelor’s degree in addition to the fundamental classes. Because of these courses, you can use the software you learn to analyze data when researching species.

# 2 Zoology Internships

As with any degree, employers prefer hiring candidates who have some actual experience in the field. Having an internship will help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs, whether it is during or after your bachelor’s degree.

If an internship is not possible, you can look for volunteer work with animals, a part-time job at a zoo or aquarium, or assistance with a zoology-related research project at your college.

#3 master’s degree

A master’s degree in zoology as a continuation of your bachelor’s degree gives you a significant advantage in the job market. During your master’s degree, you will most likely conduct more in-depth research, complete a thesis project, and even begin your zoology specialty. If you have a master’s degree in zoology, you will be able to teach as well.

#4 Doctorate

If zoology research is truly your passion, you may need to pursue a Ph.D. You will be able to direct various projects, manage teams, and conduct extensive research with this degree.

Remember that a Ph.D. requires years of study, so after you finish your bachelor’s degree, you can expect to be in school for a few more years. You’ll also need to do well on your exams, present original research, and give a strong defense of your thesis, but when it’s all said and done, you’ll be a subject matter expert!

Where Can Zoologists Work?

If you have a degree in zoology, consider the following jobs and careers:

  • Conservation organizations: Zoologists frequently work with conservation organizations on a variety of projects, including animal release and rehabilitation, ecotourism project planning, and policy change advocacy.
  • Museums: Some zoologists work in museums as exhibit curators, researchers, and public educators.
  • Veterinary medicine: Pharmaceutical companies that specialize in veterinary medicine hire zoologists to help with drug development.
  • Academics: After earning a master’s or doctorate in zoology, you can further your education by working as a professor. This allows zoologists to conduct important research while also passing on their knowledge to future generations.
  • Government employment: Zoology graduates may find work in government institutions or laboratories as research assistants or policy analysts for animal conservation initiatives.

What is the salary of zoologist salaries and job availability?

Currently, employment in the field of zoology and wildlife biology is expected to grow by 5% until 2024. Although an increase in employment is a good thing, it is still below the national average when compared to other professions.

A zoologist’s median pay in 2019 was $67,200, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average salary can vary depending on the state you work in—some states have a higher demand for zoologists than others.

Zoologists, for example, are most frequently employed in Washington, Florida, California, Oregon, and Alaska, while they are best compensated in the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Alaska, and Connecticut.

FAQS on Best colleges with zoology majors

How Long Does It Take to Become a Zoologist?

The precise number of years varies depending on the level of education desired. If you can get your dream zoology job with a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be done in four years. If you want to conduct specific research, you may need a Ph.D. and could spend up to ten years in school.

Which states employ the highest number of zoologists?

Zoologists, for example, are most frequently employed in Washington, Florida, California, Oregon, and Alaska, while they are best compensated in the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Alaska, and Connecticut.

Conclusion

This article lists the top 20 colleges with zoology majors in the United States. All of these are popular for their exceptional learning technique in zoology.

You can visit the school website to learn more about the school, and know which of the above listed is closer to your location, and offers the best for your preferred program. 

References

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