A zoology degree can help you build a career as a zoologist. It also prepares you for other jobs where you can work with animals.
Most people have at least some level of affection for animals, while others obsess about their four-legged friends. Are you among the animal-obsessed? Do you want a career where you care for and nurture your furry friends?
Featured Programs
With the right schooling, such as a zoology degree, you can land your dream job. Online college programs, like those found at Oregon State University, offer an online zoology degree. They also offer animal science-related online degrees. You can study everything from animal health and behavior to veterinary medicine.
Read on to find out how to turn your love for animals into a dream career.
#25 – Online Bachelor of Science in Biomedicine
A biomedical degree can act as a gateway to veterinarian school or other fields of medicine. If you’re interested in attending vet school, a biomedicine degree can help.
This degree gives you a background in biology. Most courses relate studies to animals and humans. Courses also cover basic sciences, but emphasize anatomy. This is helpful for graduate studies in animal health or veterinary medicine. Biomedicine is a top animal science degree for aspiring vet students because of the general science classes you take.
Basic science classes in a biomed program include:
- Anatomy
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Physiology
Schools offering online degrees: National University
#24 – Online Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Pre-veterinary medicine is a standalone pre-professional degree. But it can also be a series of courses you take to meet requirements for admission to vet school.
As an undergraduate student, you take many science classes. They cover animal health and behavior topics. You also take general science classes such as:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
Most schools do not offer a stand-alone degree in pre-veterinary medicine. But they do let you major in a science and meet the requirements of a pre-vet program. A pre-vet program can also help you earn other graduate animal degrees.
Schools offering this type of online zoology degree program: Arizona State University, Purdue University
#23 – Online BS in Aquatic Biology
A major in aquatic biology focuses on marine life. It also covers information about life found in all aquatic environments such as:
- Lakes
- Ponds
- Rivers
- Other bodies of water
At the core of this science degree is the life sciences and how the environment impacts life. You study topics like:
- Aquatic ecology
- Aquatic evolutionary biology
- Conservation and management of aquatic systems
The degree is ideal for animal enthusiasts with a penchant for oceanography. It is one of the best online animal degrees on our list.
Schools offering this type of online zoology degree program: UC Santa Barbara
#22 – Online BS in Animal Health
An online degree in animal health can help you get a job in areas that focus on animals and their well-being. You can work at:
- Animal welfare offices
- Aquariums
- Veterinarian facilities
- Zoos
This online animal degree prepares students to care for wild and captive animals. These skills can also help you go to vet school or work in veterinarian medicine.
But few online degree programs exist. Those that do exist offer concentrations in special areas of study. These include:
- Emergency disaster management
- Wildlife biology
- Wildlife ecology
Coursework is very hands-on. It prepares you for internships and field experience. It also helps you get into graduate school where you can earn a master’s degree in another online animal science degree.
Schools offering this type of online zoology degree program: Unity College
#21 – Online BS in Coastal Science
This degree has many names. At some schools it goes by the name coastal science. Other schools call it coastal management or marine management. But the major is for students interested in marine life.
This program is new. It emerged in the last decade. But some of the topics you study have been around for years.
In a coastal science program, you study coastal and marine ecosystems. You learn how to manage marine environments. With a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you can work in related jobs. NOAA Coastal Management hires students with coastal science degrees. You can also go to work in national and marine parks.
If you’re interested in marine life and don’t want an online zoology degree, this program can benefit you.
Schools offering these online degrees: Middlebury Institute of International Studies
#20 – Online Bachelor of Science in Zoology
Zoology isn’t only about zoos. Students majoring in zoology contribute to the scientific world by making an impact. They study and research special topics in biology such as:
- Animal anatomy
- Behavior
- Evolution
- Physiology of both animals and humans
A zoology degree online also covers general science courses, but it prepares graduates for work with animals.
Possible jobs for graduates of this animal science degree online program include:
- Animal nutritionists
- Biologists
- Conservation activists
- Veterinary technicians
Majoring in zoology can also open doors to graduate and pre-professional programs. Programs include veterinary medicine or medical school. An online zoology degree is versatile and flexible. It offers broad studies in many different areas of biology.
Schools offering an accredited online zoology degree: Atlantic International University, Oregon State University, University of New England
#19 – Online BS or BA in Biology
Biology is the study of the scientific processes behind living organisms. An undergraduate degree in biology is comprehensive. It provides a fundamental understanding of all forms of life within the context of:
- Characteristics
- Functions
- Habitats
- Processes
When you major in biology, you take a range of courses. Some include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Marine biology
- Molecular biology
Since biology is the basis for many scientific principles, it can lead to many different jobs. Your advanced studies prepare you to work in environmental science and wildlife management. Biology majors might work as:
- Animal behavior researchers
- Park rangers
- Zoo-animal experts
Schools offering this online degree: Arizona State University, University of Florida
#18 – Online BS in Marine Biology
Interested in marine habitats? Want to study oceans or different bodies of water? A degree in marine biology prepares you for jobs in this field.
As a marine biology major, you learn how creatures are able to survive and thrive in various bodies of water. You study everything from microorganisms to large mammals found in the sea. You become knowledgeable through:
- Coursework
- Fieldwork
- Lab work
Unlike other majors, you spend a lot of time out of the classroom. Your fieldwork and studies allow you to:
- Earn scuba certification
- Intern at aquariums and marine research institutes
- Spend a semester at sea
Schools offering these online degrees: Florida Tech, Unity College
#17 – Online BS in Ecology
Ecology is a branch of biology that deals with how organisms relate to their environment. In an ecology program, you study farming and water management. You also cover topics in renewable energy. Your courses cover topics such as:
- Crop science
- Horticulture
- Soil science
- Watershed management
Ecology majors work in different sectors because the degree covers a range of topics. Careers for ecology majors include:
- Agricultural science teachers and professors
- Conservation scientists
- Forestry workers
- Soil and plant scientists
Schools offering an online zoology program in ecology include Oregon State University and SNHU. Southern New Hampshire University, Oregon State University
#16 – Online BS in Wildlife Management
Wildlife management majors study many topics found in an online zoology degree program. You study principles of vertebrate wildlife and their related ecosystems and habitats. But the goal of this program is to help you gain knowledge so you know how to manage and conserve wildlife.
Wildlife programs offer many hands-on opportunities outside of the classroom. The program is for students who enjoy spending time in nature and want to work with a variety of animals. Your courses focus on topics such as:
- Conservation biology
- Large mammals
- Waterfowl
- Wildlife biology
Your career options include:
- Field biologists
- Game wardens
- Wildlife educators
Schools offering this degree: American Public University, Colorado State University, Oregon State University
#15 – Online BS in Veterinary Science
Veterinary science is a good degree for animal lovers. Curriculum focuses on learning to meet the healthcare needs of animals, including:
- Domestic pets
- Livestock
- Zoo animals
- Wildlife
The major prepares you for veterinary school. It covers topics found in online degree zoology animal biology programs. It also gives you comprehensive biology training.
In this program, you take classes like:
- Mammalian physiology
- Microbiology
- Zoology
- Wildlife biology
You also spend a time in the field gaining hands-on experience and working with animals.
And if you don’t want to become a veterinarian, you can pursue other jobs with this bachelor’s degree. You can go to work as a:
- Veterinary hospital manager
- Veterinary researcher
- Veterinary technician
To work as a vet tech, some employers require a veterinary technology online degree.
Schools offering this type of zoology degree: Oregon State University, Purdue University
#14 – Online BS in Cellular Biology
Cellular or cell biology majors study the processes that govern the basic unit of life – the cell. Cell biology draws from various scientific disciplines, such as:
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Genetics
- Physics
- Physiology
Studies give you a deeper understanding of how the cell impacts life. But you also take college-level mathematics. You spend a lot of time in laboratories gaining hands-on experience. When you graduate, you’re prepared for graduate school. You also qualify for jobs in healthcare, research, and teaching.
Schools offering this degree: Bellevue University, University of Florida
#13 – Online BS in Genetics
In a zoology degree program, you study genetics. But you can also major in it. Genetics teaches you about inheritable traits. It also teaches you about mutations passed through genetic information and DNA.
Genetics majors learn about cellular growth. They also learn about cell reproduction. You learn different research techniques used in the fight of diseases such as cancer.
You take courses such as:
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Developmental genetics
- Human genetics
- Molecular genetics
You can also specialize in a subfield of genetics and earn a concentration. Popular concentrations include:
- Animal genetics
- Genome sciences
- Molecular genetics
- Plant genetics
With this degree, you can go to graduate or medical school. You can also find work in animal and human research.
Schools offering this type of zoology degree: University of Maryland Global Campus
#12 – Online BS in Neurobiology
Neurobiology is the study of the brain and its development. But if you want to understand how an animal’s brain works, you can earn a major in this subject. It’s also a good major if you want to go into research because courses are research-heavy.
Your courses cover topics such as:
- Cognitive biology
- Molecular biology
- Psychology
You also take classes found in animal behavior degree online programs. During your last two years of school, you spend much of your time doing research. Some programs offer internship opportunities. Internships give you experience that can lead to employment opportunities.
Internships also prepare you for graduate school. You can also earn another zoology degree.
Schools offering this type of zoology degree: University of Pennsylvania
#11 – Online BS in Anatomy
Anatomy majors learn about tissue structures and organ systems in the body. You spend time understanding how these interconnected systems and structures work together. You study how systems and structures impact:
- Function
- Health
- Human capacity
You take courses that explore topics like:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Endocrinology
- Neuroanatomy
Your courses meet pre-professional requirements for vet schools. You can leverage the degree to prepare you for graduate school. In grad school, you might study animal health, behavior, or earn another online zoology degree.
Schools offering this zoology degree: Oregon Institute of Technology, Parker University
#10 – Online BS in Animal Behavior
Animal behavior deals with the brain and nervous system. When you study this subject, you learn about the behavior in animals. You answer questions such as:
- How do animals learn new behaviors?
- How do they adapt to their environment?
- How do they solve problems?
This major prepares students with knowledge needed to get into graduate school. You can also qualify for jobs as animal trainers and animal researchers. You can also work in sanctuaries and zoos.
Schools offering this type of online animal behavior degree: University of New England
#9 – Online BS in Equine Studies
Equine studies is the perfect major for horse lovers. In this unique type of zoology degree program, you learn how to become horse experts. You study:
- Anatomy
- Behavior
- Breeding patterns
- Effective training techniques
- Interaction with humans
You also learn about the equine industry and how to run a horse-related business. You learn about farms and stables. You also learn how to operate a riding school.
The courses you take cover topics such as:
- Equine anatomy and physiology
- Equine breeds
- Equine nutrition
- Stable management
Outside of the classroom, you spend a lot of time in the field. You work with horses in stables and on farms. You also work in labs where you conduct research based on your fieldwork experience. Equine studies is a good option for an animal behaviorist degree online.
Schools offering this type of online zoology degree: Midway University
#8 – Online BS in Fish and Wildlife
Do you love working outdoors? Want to know more about fish and wildlife? This program gives you the knowledge you need to work in a fish and wildlife career.
Graduates work in roles that:
- Enforce conservation laws
- Manage conservation areas
- Oversee fish and wildlife farms and fisheries
To do well in this program, you should have a strong math and natural science background. You should also love working in labs and in nature. Students partake in internships near the end of their program. Internships help you show experience to graduate school admission boards and potential employers.
When you graduate, you qualify for work as:
- Fisheries biologists
- Wildlife biologists
- Wildlife program managers
Schools offering these types of online zoology degree programs: Oregon State University
#7 – Online BS in Poultry Science
Poultry science is the study of chicken, eggs, turkey, and other poultry products. You study animals and learn about their behavior. You also learn about the industries that deliver one of the most used commodities in the world.
The curriculum is as wide-reaching as the industry. You learn about the poultry species through courses in:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Genetics
You also study about the processing and production of poultry. You learn about regulation efforts and how production works.
Graduates with a poultry science degree can go to work in many different areas. These include:
- Business
- Education
- Research
Schools offering this unique type of zoology degree online: Stephen F. Austin State University
#6 – Online BS in Dairy Science
Dairy science prepares you for a wide range of careers in agribusiness and dairy farming. When you finish the program, you have a strong background in applied animal biology. You also gain business sense for the dairy industry.
You take courses that cover a range of topics often seen in online zoology degree programs. You courses include:
- Agriculture economics
- Animal nutrition
- Animal reproduction
- Dairy farm management
As with other animal degrees, dairy science programs offer real-world learning opportunities. These include observations, research, and internships. These experiences help students gain hands-on skills and prepare them for jobs. Dairy science works for students who are passionate about agriculture and farming.
Graduates move into a variety of roles. From education and consulting to government and the private sector.
Schools offering these online zoology degree programs: University of Massachusetts
#5 – Online BS in Wildlife Conservation
This major covers ecology and conservation of animals and their associated habitats. You study all types of animals, including:
- Amphibians
- Birds
- Mammals
- Reptiles
You also explore how public policy and climate change impact animals and their habitats. Wildlife conservation prepares you for graduate school. You can also land a job in conservation if you choose to go that route.
Your career options include:
- Game warden
- Fishing and hunting guide
- Wildlife biologist
- Wildlife technician
- Zookeeper
You take a wide range of classes that cover different natural sciences topics. You study:
- Chemistry
- Evolutionary biology
- Natural resources management
- Statistics
This major is available at post-secondary colleges and universities. But some schools, such as Oregon State University, offer it as a concentration within a biology program.
Schools offering this type of online zoology degree: Southern New Hampshire University, Oregon State University
#4 – Online BS in Agricultural Science
Agriculture science continues to be a popular major for animal lovers. Agriculture is pervasive in society and impacts people in different ways. The major reflects those areas of influence.
You can choose one of several curriculum paths in the major, such as:
- Animal science
- Business management
- Policy and education
- Sustainable farming
An ag science program offers hands-on training that bridges the real world and the classroom. The major prepares you for an agriculture career.
During your career you might discuss agricultural issues with local and state politicians. You might also engage in sustainable farming research to improve crop production.
Schools offering this type of online zoology degree program: Iowa State University, Oregon State University
#3 – Online Bachelor’s in Oceanography
Oceanography uses scientific concepts and applications to study the ocean and its inhabitants. The major is interdisciplinary. It covers coursework in many different life sciences. These include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Geography
- Math
- Physics
You learn about the varying topographies of the earth’s oceans. You also study the plant and animal species that call the ocean home.
In this program, you learn how oceanic health impacts the world. You also learn how to stop environmental threats to the oceans. You learn how to stop threats through innovation, policy, and science.
But you don’t spend all your time in the classroom. You get opportunities to spend time on the water. You conduct research through field experiences and internships.
Schools offering this type of online degree: University of Washington
#2 – Online Bachelor’s in Forestry and Wildlife
The forestry and wildlife major has one main goal. To empower you to create sustainable ecosystems for animal and plant species. To do this, you need to know basic biological principles.
With a love for the outdoors and knowledge in the field, you can work in many different careers. The major offers specializations that help you find niche areas of interest. These include:
- Fisheries
- Forestry
- Wildlife conservation
Specializations ensure that you have a broad foundation in forestry and wildlife. They also provide skills in a deeper area of forestry.
Schools offering this type of online zoology degree program: Oregon State University
#1 – Online Bachelor’s in Animal Science
Animal science applies natural and life science principles to the study of animals. Online degree programs in this subject cover topics like:
- Animal biochemistry
- Animal biology
- Animal physiology and anatomy
This major prepares you for graduate school where you can enroll in a graduate zoology program. You can also work in:
- Biomedical research
- Dairy management
- Farm management
- Wildlife conservation
- Wildlife education
You find these programs at accredited schools like NCSU and Oregon State University.
North Carolina State University, Oregon State University
BDP Staff
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