Earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Zoology
Majors Overview April 28, 2014Zoology is a biology branch and academic discipline that studies the behavior, evolution, and structure of animals. Accredited schools of higher education offer several Zoology degree programs to those interested. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Zoology is offered to undergraduate students.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Zoology
Students enrolled in a Zoology bachelor’s degree are introduced to an array of concepts in physiology, genetics and animal anatomy. Classes focusing on the biological structures of numerous animal species count for credit toward a bachelor’s degree in Zoology. Coursework of a Zoology degree program generally includes math, physics and chemistry, and students can augment these by taking courses in government regulations and environmental policy.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria related to a Zoology undergraduate degree typically require students to possess a GED certificate or high school diploma; alternatively, passage of General Educational Development (GED) examinations may be considered. Schools also require submission of SAT and ACT scores in addition to an application, processing fee, and admissions essay.
Coursework
It usually takes four years to finish all necessary classes and subjects leading to a bachelor’s degree in Zoology; some students may take more time than others. The focus of most classes in undergraduate programs in Zoology is on subject areas relating to biology, including biochemistry, ecology, and physiology and anatomy.
Apart from learning technical subjects, students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in Zoology are also required to complete courses in elective areas, such as history, foreign languages and literature. Students aspiring for a Zoology bachelor’s degree can take courses in subject areas such as:
•Animal Behavior
•Evolutionary Biology
•Cellular Biology
•Statistical Research Methods
•Neurobiology
Career Choices
Graduates of Zoology bachelor’s degree programs can seek entry-level occupations in several areas such as nonprofit organizations, agriculture and government service. They can work in different work settings such as wildlife preserves, zoos and bird sanctuaries, and choose from an array of positions such as:
•Teacher
•Park ranger
•Research assistant
•Zoo caretaker
•Laboratory technician
Continuing Education Choices
After completion of an undergraduate degree in Zoology, students can seek graduate degrees in related fields, such as ecology, wildlife sciences and biology. A dissertation based on original research is required to be produced by graduate students.