What can I do with a major in zoology?

Fact Box: Common job titles Salary Information

Zoologists study life at the level of the organism, population, community, and/or ecosystem. Ecologists, marine biologists, taxonomists, wildlife and fisheries biologists, and others are examples of zoologists.

What kinds of jobs do zoologists get? What do they do?
County, state, and federal agencies employ zoologists in a wide range of positions. Sometimes the agency may not seem to be directly related to zoology, but actually hires a lot of field biologists—the US Energy Department and the US Geological Survey are two good examples. Many of these types of careers involve research, and some may be involved in the regulation and enforcement of environmental laws.

Zoologists may also find careers in industry and private business. For example, some industries employ field biologists to monitor and manage effluent production and land use around a factory, and to measure environmental health.

Examples of some typical duties of zoologists are:

Monitor wildlife health and create recovery plans
Communicate with the public by conducting field trips to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of a park.
Set up equipment to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment.
Conduct experimental studies indoors and outdoors, using chemicals and various types of equipment.
Study origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories and diseases, development, genetics, and distribution of organisms in basic research. (Modified from O*NET, 2001)

What do I need to learn to prepare for a career in zoology?
Students planning careers as field biologists need strong mathematical skills, and should like working with computers. Perseverance, curiosity, and the ability to concentrate on detail and to work independently are essential.

In addition to basic biological knowledge, try to find opportunities to demonstrate that you can work well with a wide variety of people. Good oral and written communication skills are critical; many scientists work as part of a team, write research papers or proposals, and have contact with clients or customers with non-science backgrounds.

Experience through internships, undergraduate research, or co-op programs is highly valued by employers and graduate schools.

Although there are career opportunities for zoologists with only a baccalaureate degree, many professional field biologists hold either a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. For this reason, individuals interested in careers in zoology should give careful consideration to graduate study. Research the different jobs available at the BS, MS, and PhD levels as a part of choosing your major.

About 25% of recent MSU zoology graduates went on to graduate or professional school, 30% work in a science field, and the remaining 55% work in fields not directly related to field biology.

At MSU, students interested in field biology and zoology often choose these majors:
Zoology (BS) (Adobe Acrobat required)
Environmental Biology--Zoology
Entomology

You may also want to investigate some of the majors available in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Resources for further exploration:
Environmental Science Careers
Careers in Animal Behavior
Careers in Entomology
Careers in Oceanography, Marine Science & Marine Biology (links)
Careers in Marine Biology & Oceanography (links)
Marine Mammal careers

At MSU:
MSU Department of Zoology
MSU Department of Entomology

Typical job titles for zoology graduates with a bachelors degree are:
Animal caretaker
Biology assistant
Computer specialist
Cytogenetic technician
Electron microscope technician
Energy analyst
Environmental educator
Laboratory technician
Maintenance technician
Museum collections manager
Parasitology specialist
Parks naturalist
Research technician
Sales representative
Veterinary technician
Zookeeper

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