Best Colleges for Zoology in USA;- Zoology is a fascinating field of study and a rewarding career choice for anyone who adore animals or being in nature. Zoologists and animal biologists frequently conduct fieldwork in woods, mountains, or even oceans all around the world. Through well thought out experiments, they investigate the interactions between animals and their ecosystem. To better comprehend various species, these researchers conduct a range of studies on certain populations or types of animals. Outside of the lab, zoologists collaborate with government representatives to create conservation strategies for threatened species and safeguard our natural resources.
Zoologists are required to investigate human-wildlife interactions and make recommendations on how to keep the disruption of wildlife and their habitats to a minimum as human development progresses. Zoology-related jobs are expected to increase 4% during the following ten years as a result. Zoologists make a median salary of $66,000 per year for their efforts preserving the environment.
The majority of entry-level zoology jobs call for a bachelor’s degree from a reputable university. To get ready for their future vocations, students enroll in classes including ecology, anatomy, wildlife management, cellular biology, statistics, and botany. Students in this rather uncommon major will have several opportunities thanks to the leading zoology colleges.
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While a university’s general standing is important for offering a decent education, several zoology programs around the country go above and above. For students interested in zoology, they provide particular hands-on learning opportunities like research, internships, and extracurricular activities. A institution will have more resources to expand the program and obtain accreditation for the major if the zoology major is well-liked there.
The Top 10 Best Colleges for Zoology in USA
Differentiating between zoology programs can be difficult, especially as it is a less popular major. Let’s look at the top zoology schools according to the rankings produced by collegeraptor.com. Be aware that we are not associated with College Raptor.
University of California, Davis (Davis, CA)
Three specialized animal biology degrees are available to students at UC 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.
UC Davis offers many options for studying outside of the classroom for students majoring in animals. They have a choice between faculty-led research projects and internships at various animal facilities, the School of Veterinary Medicine, or other organizations in the area. Each year, the department of animal science hosts a career conference where students can learn about their options.
Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware, OH)
For the study of wildlife, Ohio Wesleyan University has two departments that work closely together. Botany & Microbiology and Zoology both provide a wide range of speciality courses and one-on-one student attention for the best learning outcomes. Students studying zoology have the chance to put their skills to use with a range of companies, including aquariums, veterinary clinics, wildlife centers, research labs, hospitals, and zoos.
In order to offer students and the general public educational opportunities, the department also oversees and maintains two nature preserves. Insects, birds, mammals, and other species are included in the teaching collections at the Ohio Wesleyan Brant Museum of Zoology. This collection not only draws academics from all around the country, but it also instructs students on taxonomic and evolutionary linkages.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC)
The zoology program at NC State provides excellent core courses that offer a solid understanding of everything from molecular biology to ecosystems. Depending on the student’s career objectives, the upper-level subjects after the foundational lectures can offer more specialization or stay generic. Topics like parasitology, fish physiology, forest entomology, and marine biology are covered in the course catalog.
The majority of graduates use their specific skills to find employment with governmental organizations, nonprofits, or commercial businesses. Others continue their study by pursuing advanced degrees in biological or medical professions.
The Department of Biological Sciences’ Undergraduate Honors Program is utilized by a large number of zoology students. Students who pursue this educational path must select a demanding course load that includes honors coursework and at least two semesters of research or teaching. In the program’s conclusion, participants produce an honors thesis and deliver their research at a local, regional, or national conference.
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University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI)
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. Along with learning technical skills, students also learn the value of teamwork, flexibility, and organization.
The typical zoology student works 6–9 hours a week 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.
Through clubs like the Undergraduate Zoological Society, students can also learn about the varied field of zoology. This group facilitates networking among major-related students and offers extracurricular education through community events.
SUNY College at Oswego (Oswego, NY)
Students studying zoology at SUNY Oswego can choose from a wide range of internship possibilities, study abroad programs, and research opportunities. The Buffalo Zoo, Detroit Zoo, Dolphin Quest, National Aquarium, and Wildlands Conservancy are some well-known organizations that provide internships to students.
The SUNY Oswego campus is also home to cutting-edge facilities that offer a variety of opportunities for conducting research. A 330-acre living laboratory with classrooms, telescopes, and hiking paths is the Rice Creek Field Station in Oswego. The building provides academic instruction, research, and community service in environmental education and the natural sciences. Students might use the skills they acquire in the classroom to do field research or lab experiments.
The Shineman Center is another well-liked research facility. The building demonstrates the college’s commitment to STEM programs since it houses numerous cutting-edge labs and is a pioneer in sustainability. Students in zoology collaborate on research projects with colleagues from several fields, promoting cross-disciplinary studies.
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Michigan State University (Lansing, MI)
Students at Michigan State have the option of studying zoology or integrative biology. Compared to zoology students, who study traditional disciplines like ecology, animal behavior, and marine biology, integrative biology students receive a broader education through courses from various departments.
Additionally, zoology students in the program have the option to autonomously change their study by selecting one or more concentrations. Animal biology and neurobiology, ecology, evolution, and organismal biology, marine biology, and zoo and aquarium science are some of these concentrations. With this set up, students can customize their curriculum to match their career interests and increase their employability.
Alumni go on to work as teachers, park naturalists, cytogenetic technicians, animal caregivers, biology assistants, and museum managers using their specific skills.
In the College of Natural Science, students have the option of pursuing a dual degree, earning both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the same or distinct fields.
Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
Through study abroad opportunities, Ohio State University students can experience biodiversity. Students can travel to Panama as part of the Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies program to study tropical biology. They are exposed to a variety of environments, from tropical rainforests to undersea reefs.
Students can travel to South Africa to study more about the welfare and behavior of exotic animals in various natural conditions. To learn about the interaction between species and their surroundings, the sessions are held mostly in outdoor settings like zoos, sanctuaries, and open ranges.
Finally, by enrolling in summer classes at Ohio State’s “Island Campus,” zoology students can stay closer to home. The biological field station Stone Laboratory, which is situated on Lake Erie, gives students hands-on experience and aids them in determining whether or not research is right for them. The emphasis in the beginning and advanced courses is on practical learning of topics ranging from field ecology to animal biology.
Ohio University (Athens, OH)
There are four zoology and animal degree programs offered by Ohio University in Athens, giving students a range of alternatives. Graduates of the Wildlife & Conservation degree have completed the prerequisite courses for state and federal zoologist registration. The Biological Sciences department’s offerings also offer preparation for graduate school.
Many aspiring zoologists choose Ohio University because of the high quality education and skilled professors. 179 students received degrees in zoology or animal biology in 2019.
Student organizations at the department of Biological Sciences are another way for students to learn more about the subject of their studies. Pre-veterinary clubs, research groups, and honor societies are a few of these. The Wildlife Club is committed to introducing its members to Ohio’s native wildlife. They take part in a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, working for conservation, and watching animals. The club also organizes departmental events, such talks on wildlife.
Berry College (Mount Berry, GA)
The Berry College zoology program is praised for its practical instruction, small classes, research facilities, and successful graduation rates. A working farm with livestock and horse centers may be found on the campus’s 27,000 acres, along with a variety of habitats.
The faculty members are also skilled teachers and passionate students. They are authorities in many fascinating fields, including physiology, genetics, animal behavior, and many more. Dr. Sunday Peters, for instance, is an expert in cattle genetics and the breeder of a patented variety of chickens. He supervises a large number of zoology students, publishes academic articles, and wrote a chapter for the book “Livestock Epigenetics.”
With the help of the LifeWorks program, students are able to apply what they learn in the classroom to actual workplace situations. This is a paid internship that gives students hands-on learning opportunities to help them get ready for the future. Jobs for zoology majors can be found in veterinary clinics, animal husbandry, preventative medicine, and livestock management.
University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK)
Based on enrolment, the University of Oklahoma is the top-ranked zoology school. In 2018, 193 degrees were awarded by the institution, up 5% over the previous year. Additionally, zoology is a wise investment because graduates in the field make 5.2% more money.
For students in the department, the program’s prominence has created a multitude of opportunities. They are urged to pursue their own areas of interest in research, whether it is cell biology, evolution, or animal behavior. In order to help students publish their work or give presentations at conferences throughout the nation or even abroad, faculty will work with them.
Generally, there are lots of groups and initiatives that aid zoology students in succeeding and establishing relationships within their field. The Biology Aid Program establishes positive connections between upperclassmen tutors and younger students in Introductory Zoology.
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