Zoology and Animal Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program explore the biological principles governing animal life across diverse species and ecosystems. The curriculum emphasizes the structure, function, behavior, evolution, and ecological roles of animals, preparing learners for advanced study or careers in biological research, conservation, and environmental management.
- Vertebrate and Invertebrate Biology: In-depth examination of animal anatomy, physiology, and classification, covering both vertebrate and invertebrate lineages from a comparative perspective.
- Animal Behavior (Ethology): Analysis of instinctual and learned behaviors, including mating systems, social structures, communication, and survival strategies in natural environments.
- Evolutionary Biology: Study of genetic change over time, speciation processes, phylogenetic relationships, and mechanisms driving adaptation in animal populations.
- Ecological Interactions: Investigation of how animals interact with their environments, including predator-prey dynamics, niche specialization, and ecosystem-level impacts.
- Conservation Biology: Focus on threats to biodiversity, habitat degradation, species preservation strategies, and the role of science in sustainable wildlife management.
- Cellular and Molecular Biology: Foundational understanding of genetic material, cellular processes, and molecular mechanisms underlying animal development and function.
Zoology and Animal Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Zoology and Animal Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Zoology and Animal Biology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary and Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 171,040 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 19-1023 | $72,860 | $48,240 - $113,350 | 16,920 | $35.03 |
Zoology and Animal Biology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $74,243 in Oklahoma to $137,463 in California—a 85% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 171,040 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Zoology and Animal Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Zoology and Animal Biology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Zoology and Animal Biology is found at Mississippi State University (MSU) (19 graduates), Davidson-Davie Community College (9 graduates), Boise State University (BBU) (5 graduates), and Drake University (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 34 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| Davidson-Davie Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | Thomasville, North Carolina | Public | davidsondavie.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Master's
|
5 | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| Drake University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Des Moines, Iowa | Private | drake.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Zoology and Animal Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Zoology and Animal Biology degree?
Salaries for Zoology and Animal Biology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $83,460. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $137,463 compared to $74,243 in Oklahoma. Approximately 171,040 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Zoology and Animal Biology programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Zoology and Animal Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Mississippi State University (MSU) (19 graduates), Davidson-Davie Community College (9 graduates), and Boise State University (BBU) (5 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Zoology and Animal Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 10 in 2010 to 34 in 2023-24. This represents a 240% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Zoology and Animal Biology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary, and Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists. Related occupations employ approximately 171,040 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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