Undergraduate Degrees

Zoology is a branch of natural science that deals with the integrative study of animal biology. It is concerned with every level of biological organization from gene to ecosystem, and with structure, physiology, behavior, genetics, development, distribution, and evolution of animals.

This degree is for students who seek professional employment in animal biology and/or admission to graduate programs in animal biology or professional schools.

Students complete their major coursework by choosing one or more of the following transcriptable concentrations:

• Animal Behavior & Neurobiology 
• Ecology, Evolution, & Organismal Biology 
• Marine Biology**
• Zoo & Aquarium Science

** The Marine Biology concentration is no longer available to incoming students.

Our concentrations allow students to tailor their coursework to align with their individual interests and future careers. As a result, students will graduate with slightly different academic backgrounds, which may be beneficial in today’s competitive job market.

The courses in this major are a mixture of basic science courses, designed to introduce students to the concepts of environmental biology, and applied courses, where those concepts are used to unravel problems associated with the natural environment. The focus of the program is on animal-related aspects of environmental biology. The courses in the program emphasize ecology, systematics, and environmental science.

The curriculum for the Integrative Biology major combines fundamental knowledge in all major sub-disciplines of biology including biochemistry, cellular biology, morphology, physiology, microbiology, ecology, and evolution. Students supplement their knowledge and skills through laboratory experiences and experiential learning opportunities including internships, independent research, field courses, and study abroad. The curriculum further stresses the development of scientific problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills of the type needed for success in applied biology or biological research. Graduates are thus well-prepared for complex 21^st-century problems that require the integration of knowledge that spans from molecules to ecosystems.

The Bachelor of Arts in Zoology degree is designed for students pursuing careers in scientific application areas such as public policy, technical sales, law, and communications. This degree combines study in zoology with a significant amount of coursework outside the sciences. 

An option for College of Natural Science students is to pursue a dual-degree (B.S./M.S.) from departments within the College. The B.S. and the M.S. do not have to be from the same department although in most cases they are.

To apply, students must have completed a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits and have a minimum 3.0 GPA (overall and in College of Natural Science courses). Students also should have approval for admission from the department to the respective graduate program. Course credits will count toward either the undergraduate or the graduate program: they cannot count both degrees simultaneously.