Zoology major

Zoology: courses, careers, and where to study

Zoology is the biology major centered on animals, how their bodies are built, how they function, how they behave, and how they fit into the natural world.

Zoology examines animal life across every level, from the molecules and cells inside a single organism to the way whole species behave and fit into their ecosystems. Students study how animal bodies are structured and how their organs and tissues work, trace how species have evolved over time, and learn how populations interact with their habitats. Coursework moves between the microscope and the field: dissecting and identifying specimens, running physiology experiments, observing animal behavior, and grouping organisms across the major animal phyla. Unlike a general biology degree, zoology concentrates on animals rather than plants or microbes, and unlike environmental science it centers on the organisms themselves, their anatomy, physiology, and behavior, rather than on managing landscapes or pollution.

Entry-level roles tied to this major usually begin with a bachelor's degree that pairs lecture courses with hands-on laboratory and field components, and many programs cap the degree with a research project or a supervised field practicum where students collect, identify, and analyze specimens and behavioral data of their own. Those who want to lead independent research, teach at the university level, or specialize deeply in areas such as marine mammals, ornithology, or animal behavior typically continue to a graduate degree. Applied paths that involve handling live animals or working with protected wildlife may carry permit or certification requirements that vary by state and employer and should be verified directly. Graduates work in settings such as government wildlife and natural-resource agencies, zoos and aquariums, museums and research institutes, conservation organizations, environmental consulting firms, and university labs.

In federal data for the closely related occupation of zoologists and wildlife biologists, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median wage of $72,860 and projects employment to grow about 1.6% from 2024 to 2034; a bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for that occupation. National figures are occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages or graduate outcomes.