Zoology Colleges: Weighing Your Options

In light of the recent economic climate some people are considering, or have already left, their professional careers. New programs are constantly being developed on campuses across the country for every concentration. Zoology colleges are becoming a popular choice for prospective students, who are interested in pursuing their career in conservation, agriculture, environmental studies, or medicine. Zoology colleges offer programs that require students to study living organisms and their internal make up. This includes everything from the skin that it sheds to the chemical compound and structure of their organs. If you’re interested in becoming a zoologist, you will need to find a zoology college or program that will suit your needs. You should also review detailed employment opportunities and trends within this field.

Studying Zoology

If you’re fascinated by animal life, zoology colleges could offer the type of program you are looking for. Zoology college or university programs include undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. There are also certification and associated degree programs available. Courses offered to students who are interested in this field, usually have to take biology, chemistry, and physics courses as a requirement. They will also have to take the required zoology courses, designated by the program, college, or university. The students will usually have to take an advanced math class, as well.

Zoology colleges and programs usually integrate a mix of classroom and lab work experience. This helps the students understand the coursework content, and allows them to apply their knowledge in the lab setting. Whether a student is dissecting a bug or reviewing the interaction between certain animals in a lecture hall, zoology colleges prepare students for the workforce.

Zoology: Under the Microscope

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 17,000 zoologists employed throughout the country. Zoologists usually work for the local, state, or federal government, a technical consulting or research firm.

Are you still unsure if you want to study zoology? It might be helpful to breakdown employment figures for particular states. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, California, Florida, Alaska, Washington, and Oregon have the highest employment rates in the field of zoology. You might want to move!

Zoologist Pay

If you end up studying at a zoology college, you can find some lucrative benefits in the long run. Though, employment rates and salaries depend on industry rates and the economy, The annual mean wage for a zoologist is promising. In California, where there were nearly 2000 zoologists employed in 2010, the annual mean wage was recorded at more than $70,000. In Alaska, however, the annual mean wage for a zoologist was $64,000.

Finding Zoology Colleges

Finding information about particular zoology colleges has become easier with growing technological resources. However, some zoology college websites might have a bias perspective. If you are serious about pursuing a career in zoology, you should find the college or university that’s right for you.

Though it may seem like an overbearing task at first, finding the right zoology college will have a direct impact on how you learn. Try jotting down some notes from the top zoology colleges of your choice. You can also write a “pros and cons” list for each individual zoology college. After your lists are completed, you can put your notes side by side to side, to help narrow down your choices for zoology colleges.

Certificates, degrees and diplomas offered by zoology colleges and universities can be completed within two to three years. The time to obtain a doctoral degree at zoology colleges, however, is longer. Students can also choose to study on campus or online. Students who choose the online route, may be able to complete their program extremely quickly.

Many zoology colleges offer students a plethora of related subjects. Financial assistance is often provided through grants, scholarships and loans. Zoology scholarships are available on both the undergraduate and graduate level. Generally speaking, the financial aid available for graduate students at zoology colleges tend to be a little higher than those available for undergraduate students.

Things to Consider

While you research zoology programs, you can also make a check list to see what each college program offers. An example zoology colleges checklist is below:

Zoology Colleges Checklist

• Are classes taught in lab or classroom?
• Is there up to date technology incorporated into the lab?
• Are there any opportunities for independent research, internships, or fellowships?
• The employment outlook for students who graduate from particular Zoology Schools.
• The focus of each school’s zoology program/courses needed to graduate
• Accessibility of Teachers
• Opportunities for extra-curricular clubs focusing on Zoology

The checklist above is just a quick example of what your Zoology College Checklist should look like. It is beneficial for each person to tailor their checklist to suit their interests and needs.

Upon graduation, Students who major in zoology will be able to choose a career based on a range of possibilities. College Zoology majors can utilize their professional knowledge to become veterinarians, working for a zoo or a museum, or using research skills in environmental or biological careers.

Top Zoology Careers

What do a Zookeeper, Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist, and Wildlife Researcher have in common? They are all zoology related careers you can study at zoology colleges! Zookeepers play various roles in the zoo. Some of their daily tasks are to interact closely with animals. This helps them remain active. Zookeepers usually give animals their food, water, and toys. A zookeeper can incorporate fun ways to interact with the animals. Some zoologists have the ability to train certain animals, which makes this job even more attractive.

Zoology careers in Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialists and Researchers are also a popular choice at many zoology colleges. Since research and rehabilitation programs are usually funded by the state, federal, and in some cases local government, you will find some zoology students perusing this option as a career path. Researchers are usually employed directly from the state through grants and other programs. However, as more and more states grappling with their budgets, funding for research projects are usually at stake.

There are many options available for zoology college students. Since zoology related careers require different skills, it is important for each individual student to assess their program and career path. Zoology and wild life jobs require background knowledge and special skills. That’s why you have taken the right step by researching zoology and zoology colleges. Your next step is to find the best zoology colleges that fits your needs!