A major in zoology prepares students for rewarding careers in a wide array of fields. Below are just some of the fields that zoology students commonly go into.
- Environmental management: Biologists apply their knowledge of the living world to enrich biodiversity, solve environmental problems, and preserve natural resources. They work toward achieving these goals in many capacities, from protecting threatened wildlife with government agencies, to constructing nature reserves with conservation groups, to providing landowners advice on managing resources through extension services.
- Healthcare: Biology is absolutely fundamental to all healthcare fields, from veterinary medicine to physical therapy. Biologists apply their broad and sophisticated knowledge of life systems to care for and treat the ill, and to maintain the general health of their patients. Biologists also conduct research that aims to improve the well-being of humans and other animals.
- Research: Working in laboratories and the outdoors, biologists conduct applied and basic research on living systems – from human cells to wetland ecosystems – to understand how they work. Biological research is carried out at universities, but also through positions at museums, hospitals, government agencies, and private businesses, where biological research skills are highly prized.
- Science education: Biologists play an essential role in an educated society by enriching public understanding of life systems through teaching and disseminating research findings. This includes educating the public within traditional institutions of learning, like universities, community colleges, and K-12 schools, but also by contributing to museums, nature centers, zoos, parks, and aquariums.
- New directions: Demand for biologists is high in many exciting fields not always associated with bioscience. In the realm of politics, biologists are crucial to providing sound scientific evidence that informs legislation dealing with life, such as biomedicine. Biologists are increasingly fixtures in science communication as media outlets depend on trained biologists for making science accessible to the public. In the art world, biologists create scientific illustrations that appear in textbooks and popular media. And biologists are advancing knowledge in biotechnology fields, such as food science, as they develop and enhance products.
In September 2018 we surveyed zoology major alumni who graduated within the past five years, and 110 respondents shared their current job titles with us. We have organized these job titles into employment sectors. To give you a better sense of how zoology major alumni are using their degree, check out these sample real-world positions.
Internships, jobs and other opportunities
Whether it be a pre-vet path, careers in research, or more hands on careers with animals and the environment. Gaining experience can be very helpful as you work on your career goals. Below are various resources for internships, jobs, research opportunities and more.
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Job Boards
- Nelson Job Board
- Ecojobs
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Texas A&M University
- Chicago Wilderness Board
- Marine Careers
- National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
- Primate Info Net
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums
- Native American Fish and Wildlife Society
- North American Association for Environmental Education
- Wetlands Job Board