If you really love to be around animals, and study their behaviors and habitats, you may consider enrolling in a college for a zoology degree. Becoming a zoologist can be very lucrative and fun because you will get to interact with beautiful creatures including those that live in water and on land.
Basically, zoology focuses on the protection and preservation of animals. However, this article contains top schools you may like to enroll in if you are looking forward to a career in zoology. The first part will give you a clearer outlook and understanding of zoology.
Also, the second section has the steps and guidelines on how you can become a zoologist. You may have to read the third section of this article carefully if you want to make the best out of the animal science career because it contains the top schools for zoology in the world.
What is Zoology?
Zoology is a branch of biology that studies the behavior of different species of animals and their natural environment. It is also concerned with the structure of the animal body, its physical characteristics, and how they function.
Basically, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists study how new animals are formed and how their characteristics are transferred from one generation to another. They also study the way animals interact with one another and their impact in human development.
Therefore, these Animal scientists carry out research, they conduct experiments with the animals in their habitat. For example, those scientists who study marine animals will work in laboratories close to water.
They spend a lot of time researching and gathering data. In addition, Some of these professionals like to go for fieldwork while others preferred to work in the lab.
What Are the Branches of Zoology?
- Entomology: deals with Insects
- Invertebrate Zoology: Animals with no backbones
- Malacology: Study of Malacology
- Ornithology: The study of birds
- Herpetology: Amphibians and reptiles
- Ichthyology: Studies Fish
- Primatology: Deals with Primates
- Mammalogy: Study of Mammals
What do a Zoologist do?
The Basic responsibility of zoologists is to ensure the well-being of animals that are under their care.
However, zoologists who work for zoos, wildlife centers, wildlife parks, and aquariums manage the animals’ care, their distribution, and their enclosures. Their role may also include helping breed programs restore wild populations.
Also, the other Zoologists who work for wildlife conservation groups help rehabilitate and release animals, plan conservation and ecotourism initiatives involving local communities, or lobby governments on policy.
How Do I Get a Zoology Degree?
If you want to become a zoologist, the first career step begins from high school. You have to major in science-related courses including biology, mathematics, and chemistry.
The next step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in an accredited college because that is the minimum requirement for an entry-level position in an animal science career.
However, during your degree program, you may be exposed to a variety of coursework and practices in animal behavior, physiology, parasitology, virology, ecology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistical software.
Additionally, If you wish to go for advanced research, you may require a Ph.D. in zoology discipline.
How much Does it Cost to Become a Zoologist?
It is difficult to know the total cost to enroll in a degree program because the fees varies according to schools and may change with time.
However, for a four-year bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field, the median annual estimated cost is about $39,666 with an average four-year degree total cost of $158,664.
List of Best Colleges for Zoology
In recent times, a lot of people has developed an interest in animal science career. Therefore, we have compiled 15 top colleges that are widely known for research in zoology.
Each of these listed schools is carefully selected based on their acceptance rates, tuition, graduation rates, and recent world university rankings.
University of Cambridge
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| 21,732 GBP | 21% | 83% |
The University of Cambridge is a public research university in Cambridge, United Kingdom that was founded in 1209. The school has a total enrollment of 21,656 students.
UC has six academic Faculties including the Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology
The Zoology discipline is offered under the Biological Sciences Faculty at the University and is widely known for its world-class facilities including a well-equipped library and excellent computing facilities.
Also, the UC Museum of Zoology is one of the prominent university museums of the world and that makes the school one of the best colleges in zoology and wildlife biology.
Additionally, the school ranks the 7th position in World University according to the Qs Global world Ranking.
University of Oxford
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| 9,250 GBP | 17.5% | 75.0%. |
The University of Oxford is a research institution located in Oxford, England. The school was established in 1096 and has an enrollment of 23,975 students and
1,791 staffs.
Basically, the school offers zoology as a course in the biological sciences discipline at the undergraduate level also, the graduate program is offered by the Department of Zoology.
In addition, UO has a Global score of 87.2, first position in Books and also the 6th in Global research reputation according to 2022 Indicator Rankings.
Harvard University
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| $51,925 | 5% | 98% |
Harvard University is a private research institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. the school was founded in 1636 and has the total enrollment of 6,800 undergraduate students and about 14,000 postgraduate students.
The school is known for its widely known for its excellence in teaching and research and undergraduate programs are offered in various disciplines of Zoology.
Harvard University is ranked 34th in best undergraduate teachings, 2nd position in the National Universities ranking and Best value schools.
University of Melbourne
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| 39,168 AUD | 15% | 85% |
The University of Melbourne is a public research institution located in Parkville, Melbourne, Australia. The school was founded in 1853 and has a total enrollment of 48,088 students.
The 2022 Indicator Rankings shows that the school has 78.8 Global scores and is 1st position in Regional research reputation
UM is widely known as one of the best colleges for zoology and also offers other degree options including agriculture, arts, biomedicine, commerce, design, environments, and science.
Additionally, the school ranks the 38th position in world university ranking according to the QS Global World Ranking.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| $53,790 | 7% | 94% |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research school located in Cambridge. The institution was founded in 1861 and has a total enrollment of 11,574 students.
Basically, MIT focuses on scientific and technological research and has five sub-divisions. Zoology degree is offered under Biological science discipline.
In addition, the university ranks the 3rd position in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities and 4th position in best value schools.
University College London
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| 17,710 GBP | 13.5% | 94.8% |
University College London is a public research school located in London, United Kingdom. The school was established in 1826 and has a total of 41,539 students and 7,070 academic staff.
Basically, UCL has 11 academic Faculty including arts and humanities, brain sciences, engineering, education, laws, life sciences, mathematical and physical sciences, medical sciences among others. The school also offers a wide range of research in zoology and other disciplines.
Data from that USnews ranking shows that UCL has a global score of 82.4, ranks 3rd position in Publications, 4th position in Books and 5th position in Total citations.
Stanford University
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| $53,529 | 5% | 95% |
Stanford University is a private research college located in Stanford, California. The school was established in 1885 and currently has a total enrollment of 7,087 students. SU is ranked the 6th position in National Universities and 14th position in the best undergraduate teachings.
The school student-faculty ratio is 5:1, and 68.8 percent of its classes with less than 20 students. Stanford University is well known for research and that makes the school one of the best colleges for zoology.
Apart from the Zoology degree, SU also offers other varieties of disciplines including Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Social Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
Yale University
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| $55,500 | 6% | 96% |
Yale University is a private research college located in New Haven, Connecticut. The school was founded in 1701 and has a total enrollment of 5,964 students with a student-faculty ratio of 6:1.
Basically, the school has 12 professional schools and widely known as one of the best colleges for zoology and is offered under the Biological science major. Also, the other major courses include Social Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, History, Mathematics, and Statistics.
In addition, Yale ranks the 3rd position in National universities and the 14th position in the best undergraduate teaching.
Cornell University
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| $57,222 | 14% | 93% |
Cornell University is a private research university in Ithaca, New York. The school was established in the year 1865 and has a total enrollment of 15,182 undergraduates.
At CU, the zoology degree is offered under the Biological and Biomedical Science Graduate-program in the faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
The school ranks 17th position in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities and also 61th position in the Best Undergraduate teachings.
University of California, Los Angeles
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| 39,602 USD | 18% | 91% |
The University of California is a public research university located in Los Angeles and was founded in 1919. The school has a total enrollment of 45,930 students.
UCLA comprises the College of Sciences and a number of graduate schools and programs. The Zoology discipline is offered under the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Data from the USnews rankings shows that the school ranks the 20th position in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities, 4th position in the Best college of veterans and also 76th position in the Best undergraduate teachings.
University of Wisconsin
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| $37,785 | 53% | 84% |
The University of Wisconsin is located in Madison and is a public research university that was founded in 1848. The school is one of the largest systems of public higher education in the country with a collection of 26 campuses and has a total enrollment of 44,413 students. UW ranks 46th position in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities.
The college offers many varieties of degree programs but widely recognized as one of the best schools for zoology. The graduates of zoology boost of around 23.3% earnings above the typical income of zoology graduates.
Miami University
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| 32,555 USD | 65% | 79% |
If you want to take up a degree in Zoology has to take a look at Miami University- Oxford. The school was established in 1809 and it is a world-class public research institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 17,326.
MU—Oxford ranks 91st position in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. The unique thing about taking up a zoology degree in this college is that Students get 15.4% more than the standard college graduate with the same degree.
Additionally, the schools conduct a thorough assessment that sets you up for success by pairing you with various disciplines and careers that suits your personality.
Texas A&M University
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| $37,726 | 67% | 79% |
Texas A&M University is one of the best colleges for a zoology degree. It is a public research institution that was founded in 1876 and located in College Station of Texas. A&M-College Station is ranked 70th position in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities.
A&M is one of the oldest higher institutions in Texas and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 53,743. The school offers various programs but it is widely known as an Agricultural and Mechanical College. In addition, they also offer a degree in Zoology at both the bachelor and graduate level.
Colorado State University
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| $12,058 | 78% | 65% |
If you wish to study Zoology, Colorado State University is a good option. CSU is a public research college located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The school was founded in 1870 and has an enrollment of approximately 33,877 undergraduate students.
The school offers a variety of degree programs including bachelors and graduate degrees in zoology. In the 2022 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, the college ranked 166th position and 56 positions in Best undergraduate teachings.
North Carolina State University
| TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE | GRADUATION RATE |
| $29,220 | 48.1% | 75% |
North Carolina State University is a public research school located in Raleigh. The school was established in 1887 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 22,390.
NC State has a variety of academic Faculties and sub-departments that serve both bachelor and graduate students including a highly ranked Biological science program.
The University ranks 84th position in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 52nd in best college for veterans and 61st in best undergraduate teachings.
Zoologist Salary and Career Outlook
Data from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics show that the median annual wage for typical entry-level zoologists and wildlife biologists was $63,420 per year and $30.49 per hour in 2018.
However, the zoologists employed in research and development earn about $59,670, while those in the local government receive a payment of $57,110.
Additionally, the BLS also projects that the career opportunity of zoologists will grow 5% as fast as average.
Also, the employment opportunities for animal science graduates are projected to also increase by the same rate due to the high demand for pets and animal businesses.
These professionals may get employment in local governments, colleges, and they can be experts consulting governments or NGOs.
Conclusion
The study of Wildlife is very risky but can be very lucrative if you acquire formal training. In some locations, the undergraduates are students who applied in one of the health care professions such as, Medical laboratory, veterinary medicine, and public health while others seek a career path in the zoology discipline.
However, it is very important to enroll in an institution that is accredited and widely known if you want to make the best of any career.
FAQs on colleges for Zoology
Zoology is the study of the animal kingdom which includes the anatomy, physiology, evolution, characteristics, and classification of all living and extinct animals
The types of jobs zoology majors can obtain are numerous and can include zookeeper, animal caretaker, veterinary technologist or technician, environmental consultant, technical writer, biology teacher, and research and laboratory technician
Zoology is important because it gives you the opportunity to see nature for what it really is. Not random chaos, but various life forms that interact with one another in amazing ways. Studying the subject allows you to learn more about animal behavior.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists earned a median annual salary of $60,520 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Reference
- careerguide.com: What are the top 10 colleges for Zoology in the world?
- usnews.com: Rankings
- collegefactual.com: Best Zoology Colleges in the U.S.
- environmentalscience.org: What is a Zoologist?
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