A zoology degree can help you build a career as a zoologist. It also prepares you for jobs where you can work with animals.
But is an online animal degree right for you? Most people have at least some level of affection for animals, while others obsess over their four-legged friends. Are you among the animal-obsessed? Do you want a career where you care for and nurture your furry friends?
With the right schooling, such as getting an online zoology degree, you can land your dream job. Colleges and universities offer zoology online degree programs. They also offer other online animal degrees. You can study everything from:
- Animal behavior
- Animal biology
- Animal husbandry
- Conservation biology
- Marine biology
- Veterinary medicine
Read on to find out how to turn your love for animals into a dream career. Below you will find some top degrees for aspiring zoology students.
#25 – Online Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedicine
A biomedical degree can act as a gateway to veterinarian school. It can also get you into other fields of medicine. If you’re interested in attending vet school, a biomedicine degree can help.
This degree gives students a background in biology. Biomed courses focus on both animals and humans. Courses cover basic sciences, but emphasize anatomy. This is helpful for graduate studies (master’s degree) in animal health or veterinary medicine.
Basic science classes in a biomed program include:
- Anatomy
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Physiology
Schools offering online degrees: National University
#24 – Online Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Pre-veterinary medicine is a standalone pre-professional degree. It can also be a series of courses you take to meet requirements for admission to veterinary school.
As an undergraduate student, you take many science classes. They cover animal behavior and health topics. You also take general science classes such as:
- Biology
- Cell biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
Most schools do not offer a stand-alone degree in pre-veterinary medicine. But they do let you major in a science and meet the requirements of veterinary programs. A pre-vet program can also help you earn other animal degrees in graduate programs.
Schools offering this type of degree program: Arizona State University, Purdue University
#23 – Online BS in Aquatic Biology
Another type of degree in zoology that focuses on marine and aquatic life is aquatic biology. This major focuses on marine life. It also covers information about life found in all aquatic environments such as:
- Lakes
- Ponds
- Rivers
- Other bodies of water
At the core of this science degree is the life sciences and how the environment impacts life. You study topics like:
- Aquatic ecology
- Aquatic evolutionary biology
- Conservation and management of aquatic systems
The degree is for animal enthusiasts with a penchant for oceanography. It is one of the top online animal degrees on our list.
Schools offering this type of online program: UC Santa Barbara
#22 – Online BS in Animal Health
An online degree in animal health can help you get jobs in areas that focus on animals and their well-being. You can work at:
- Animal welfare offices
- Aquariums
- Veterinarian facilities
- Zoos
This type of zoology degree online program prepares students to care for wild and captive animals. These skills can also help you enter veterinarian school or work in veterinarian medicine.
Few online degree programs exist. Those offered have concentrations in special areas of study. These include:
- Animal husbandry
- Emergency disaster management
- Wildlife biology
- Wildlife ecology
Coursework is very hands-on. It prepares you for internships and field experience. It also helps you get into graduate school where you can earn a master’s degree in other animal degrees online. One such degree is the animal behavior degree online.
Schools offering a bachelor’s degree in this field: Unity College
#21 – Online BS in Coastal Science
A bachelor’s degree in coastal science is a relatively new program. It goes by many names. Some schools call it coastal management or marine management. The major is for students interested in marine life.
In a coastal science or management program, you study coastal and marine ecosystems. You learn how to manage marine environments. With a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, you can work in related jobs. NOAA Coastal Management hires zoology students with coastal science degrees. You can also go to work in national and marine parks.
If you’re interested in marine life and want to study something more niche than some of the common degrees with animals, this program can help.
Schools offering these online degrees: Middlebury Institute of International Studies
#20 – Online BS in Zoology
Zoology isn’t only about zoos. Zoology students contribute to the scientific world by making an impact. A zoology major studies and researches special topics in biology such as:
- Animal anatomy
- Animal behavior
- Animal biology
- Evolution
- Physiology of both animals and humans
A bachelor’s degree in zoology also covers general science courses, but it prepares graduates for work with animals. Possible jobs for graduates of this animal science online degree program include:
- Animal nutritionists
- Biologists
- Conservation activists
- Veterinary technicians
Majoring in zoology can also open doors to master’s degree and pre-professional programs. Zoology major programs include veterinary medicine or medical school. As a zoology major, you explore broad studies in many different areas of biology. A degree in zoology is versatile.
Schools offering zoology bachelor’s degree programs: Atlantic International University, Oregon State University, University of New England
#19 – Online Bachelor’s Degree in Biology
Biology is the study of the scientific processes behind living organisms. A bachelor’s degree in biology is comprehensive. It provides a fundamental understanding of all forms of life within the context of:
- Characteristics
- Functions
- Habitats
- Processes
When you major in biology, you take a range of courses. Some include anatomy and physiology. You also study molecular and cell biology. Like some zoology major program, many courses in biology focus on animals. An online education in biology opens doors to master’s degree programs. Some students get teaching credentials or a graduate degree like a PhD in Biology. They teach in schools or academia.
Since biology is the basis for many scientific principles, it can lead to many different jobs. Your advanced studies prepare you to work in environmental science and wildlife management. Biology majors might work as:
- Animal behavior researchers
- Park rangers
- Zoo-animal experts
Schools offering online programs: Arizona State University, University of Florida
#18 – Online BS in Marine Biology
Interested in marine habitats? Want to study oceans or different bodies of water? A degree in marine biology prepares biology and zoology students for jobs in this field.
As a marine biology major, you learn how creatures survive and thrive in various bodies of water. You study everything from microorganisms to large mammals found in the sea. You become knowledgeable through labs and coursework. You also spend time doing fieldwork.
Unlike other zoology bachelor’s degree programs, you spend a lot of time out of the classroom. Your fieldwork and studies allow you to:
- Earn scuba certification
- Intern at aquariums and marine research institutes
- Spend a semester at sea
Schools offering these online degrees: Florida Tech, Unity College
#17 – Online BS in Ecology
Ecology is a branch of biology that deals with how organisms relate to their environment. In an ecology program, you study farming and water management. Ecology and zoology students also cover topics in renewable energy. Your courses can include:
- Crop science
- Horticulture
- Soil science
- Watershed management
Ecology majors work in different sectors because the degree covers a range of topics. Careers for ecology majors include:
- Agricultural science teachers and professors
- Conservation scientists
- Forestry workers
- Soil and plant scientists
Schools offering online ecology programs include: Southern New Hampshire University, Oregon State University
#16 – Online BS in Wildlife Management
Wildlife management majors study many topics found in online animal science degree or zoology programs. In these online programs, you study principles of vertebrate wildlife and their related ecosystems and habitats. The goal of the program is to help you gain knowledge so you know how to manage and conserve wildlife.
Wildlife programs offer hands-on opportunities outside the classroom. The program is for students who enjoy spending time in nature and want to work with a variety of animals. Courses focus on topics such as:
- Conservation biology
- Large mammals
- Waterfowl
- Wildlife biology
Graduates find work as field biologists and game wardens. They also work as wildlife educators. After the undergraduate degree, you can earn a master’s degree in a related field and further develop your critical thinking skills.
Schools offering this degree: American Public University, Colorado State University, Oregon State University
#15 – Online BS in Veterinary Science
Veterinary science is a good undergraduate degree for animal lovers. Curriculum focuses on learning to meet the healthcare needs of all animals. You work with domestic pets, livestock, wildlife, and zoo animals.
The veterinary science degree in zoology program prepares you for veterinary school. It covers topics found in a zoology online bachelor’s degree program. It also gives you comprehensive biology training.
In this program, you take classes like:
- Mammalian physiology
- Microbiology
- Zoology
- Wildlife biology
You also spend a time in the field gaining hands-on experience and working with animals. But if you find out along the way you don’t want to become a veterinarian, you can pursue other jobs with this bachelor’s degree. You can go to work as a:
- Veterinary hospital manager
- Veterinary researcher
- Veterinary technician
To work as a vet tech, some employers require a veterinary technology online degree.
Schools offering this type of zoology major degree program: Oregon State University, Purdue University
#14 – Online BS in Cellular Biology
Cellular or cell biology majors study the processes that govern the basic unit of life – the cell. Cell biology draws from various scientific disciplines, such as:
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Genetics
- Physics
- Physiology
Studies give you a deeper understanding of how the cell impacts life. As a cell biology major you also take college-level mathematics. You spend a lot of time in laboratories gaining hands-on experience. When you graduate, you’re prepared for graduate school and a master’s degree. You also qualify for jobs in healthcare, research, and teaching.
Schools offering this degree: Bellevue University, University of Florida
#13 – Online BS in Genetics
In a zoology degree program, you study genetics. But you can also major in it. Genetics teaches you about inheritable traits. Students learn about mutations passed through genetic information and DNA.
Genetics majors study cellular growth. They also learn about cell reproduction. You study everything from research techniques used in the fight of diseases such as cancer to how to map genes.
Courses offered in this type of online education field include:
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Developmental genetics
- Human genetics
- Molecular genetics
You can also specialize in a subfield of genetics and earn a concentration. Popular concentrations include:
- Animal genetics
- Genome sciences
- Molecular genetics
- Plant genetics
With a degree in zoology or genetics, you can go to graduate or medical school. You can earn a master’s degree and find work in animal and human research.
Schools offering this type of undergraduate degree: University of Maryland Global Campus
#12 – Online BS in Neurobiology
Neurobiology is the study of the brain and its development. If you want to understand how an animal’s brain works, you can earn a degree in this subject. It’s also a good major if you want to go into research because courses are research-heavy.
Your courses cover topics such as:
- Cognitive biology
- Molecular biology
- Psychology
You also take classes found in an online animal behavior degree program. During your last two years of school, you spend most of your time doing research. Some programs offer internship opportunities. Internships give you experience that can lead to employment opportunities. Internships also prepare you for graduate school where you can earn a master’s degree in zoology or another field.
Schools offering this type of program: University of Pennsylvania
#11 – Online BS in Anatomy
Anatomy majors learn about tissue structures and organ systems in the body. These online programs give students an understanding of how these interconnected systems and structures work together. You learn how systems and structures impact function and health.
In this bachelor’s degree program, you take courses that explore topics such as:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Endocrinology
- Neuroanatomy
Your courses meet pre-professional requirements for vet schools. You can leverage the undergraduate degree to prepare you for graduate school. In a master’s degree program, you might study animal health, behavior, or enroll in another zoology program.
Schools offering this undergraduate degree: Oregon Institute of Technology, Parker University
#10 – Online BS in Animal Behavior
Looking for a degree in zoology that focuses on animal behavior? In this major, students focus on the study of the brain and nervous system. You answer questions such as:
- How do animals learn new behaviors?
- How do they adapt to their environment?
- How do they solve problems?
This major prepares students with knowledge needed to get into graduate school and earn a master’s degree in zoology or another field. You can also qualify for jobs as animal trainers and animal researchers or work in sanctuaries and zoos.
Schools offering this type of online degree: University of New England
#9 – Online BS in Equine Studies
Equine studies is the perfect major for horse lovers. In this unique degree in zoology program, you learn how to become horse experts. You study:
- Anatomy
- Behavior
- Breeding patterns
- Effective training techniques
- Interaction with humans
You also learn about the equine industry and how to run a horse-related business. You learn about farms and stables. You also learn how to operate a riding school.
Courses explore topics such as:
- Equine anatomy and physiology
- Equine breeds
- Equine nutrition
- Stable management
Outside of the classroom, you spend time in the field. You work with horses in stables and on farms. You also work in labs where you conduct research based on your fieldwork experience. Equine studies is a good option for an animal behaviorist degree online.
Schools offering this type of online zoology degree: Midway University
#8 – Online BS in Fish and Wildlife
Do you love working outdoors? Want to learn about fish and wildlife? This program gives you the knowledge you need to work in a fish and wildlife career.
Graduates of this bachelor’s degree program work in roles that:
- Enforce conservation laws
- Manage conservation areas
- Oversee fish and wildlife farms and fisheries
They have a strong math and natural science background. They also love working in labs and in nature. Students partake in internships near the end of their program. Internships help you show off your experience to graduate school admission boards and potential employers.
When you graduate, you qualify for work as:
- Fisheries biologists
- Wildlife biologists
- Wildlife program managers
Oregon State University offers these types of degree in zoology programs: Oregon State University
#7 – Online BS in Poultry Science
Poultry science is the study of chicken, eggs, turkey, and other poultry products. You study animals and learn about their behavior. You also learn about the industries that deliver one of the most used commodities in the world.
Curriculum is as wide-reaching as the industry. These special degree in zoology students learn about the poultry species through courses in:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Genetics
You also study about the processing and production of poultry. You learn about regulation efforts and how production works. Graduates with a poultry science degree can go to work in many different areas. They work in business, education, and research.
Schools offering this unique type of degree in zoology program: Stephen F. Austin State University
#6 – Online BS in Dairy Science
Dairy science prepares you for a wide range of careers in agribusiness and dairy farming. When you finish this unique degree in zoology program, you gain a strong background in applied animal biology. You also gain business sense for the dairy industry.
Courses cover a range of topics common in degree in zoology programs. Courses include:
- Agriculture economics
- Animal nutrition
- Animal reproduction
- Dairy farm management
As with other animal science degree online programs, dairy science offers real-world learning opportunities. These include observations, research, and internships. Experiences help students gain hands-on skills and prepare them for jobs. Dairy science works for students who are passionate about agriculture and farming.
Schools offering degree in zoology (dairy science) programs: University of Massachusetts
#5 – Online BS in Wildlife Conservation
One zoology degree that covers conservation of animals and their associated habitats is wildlife conservation. In this unique zoology degree program, you study all types of animals, from birds to mammals.
You also explore how public policy and climate change impact animals and their habitats. This degree in zoology type of program prepares you for graduate school. You can also land a job in conservation. Possible careers include:
- Game warden
- Fishing and hunting guide
- Wildlife biologist
- Wildlife technician
- Zookeeper
In this program, you take a wide range of classes that cover different natural sciences topics. You study everything from chemistry and evolutionary biology to natural resources management and statistics.
This major is available at post-secondary colleges and universities. But some schools, such as Oregon State University, offer it as a concentration within a biology program.
Schools offering this type of online zoology degree: Southern New Hampshire University, Oregon State University
#4 – Online BS in Agricultural Science
Agriculture science is a popular major for animal lovers. Agriculture is pervasive in society and impacts people in different ways. In this type of zoology degree, you can choose different curriculum paths. These include:
- Animal science
- Business management
- Policy and education
- Sustainable farming
An ag science program offers hands-on training that bridges the real world and the classroom. The major prepares students for an agriculture career. During your career you might discuss agricultural issues with local and state politicians. You might also engage in sustainable farming research to improve crop production. The range of duties are broad.
Schools offering this type of online zoology degree program: Iowa State University, Oregon State University
#3 – Online Bachelor’s in Oceanography
Oceanography uses scientific concepts and applications to study the ocean and its inhabitants. The major is interdisciplinary. It covers coursework in many different life sciences. In this undergraduate degree program, plan on taking courses in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Geography
- Math
- Physics
Students learn about the varying topographies of the earth’s oceans. They also study the plant and animal species that call the ocean home.
In this degree in zoology (oceanography) program, you learn how oceanic health impacts the world. You also learn how to stop environmental threats to the oceans. You focus on how to stop threats through innovation, policy, and science. But you don’t spend all your time in the classroom. You get opportunities to be on the water. You conduct research through field experiences and internships.
Schools offering this type of online degree: University of Washington
#2 – Online Bachelor’s in Forestry and Wildlife
The forestry and wildlife major has one main goal. To empower you to create sustainable ecosystems for animal and plant species. To do this, you need to know basic biological principles. With a love for the outdoors and knowledge in the field, you can work in many different careers. The major offers specializations that help you find niche areas of interest, including:
- Fisheries
- Forestry
- Wildlife conservation
Specializations ensure that students gain a broad foundation in forestry and wildlife. They also provide skills in a deeper area of forestry.
Schools offering this type of online zoology degree program: Oregon State University
#1 – Online Bachelor’s in Animal Science
Animal science applies natural and life science principles to the study of animals. Online degree programs in this subject cover topics like:
- Animal biochemistry
- Animal biology
- Animal physiology and anatomy
This major prepares you for graduate school where you can enroll in a master’s degree zoology program. When you graduate, you can find work in:
- Biomedical research
- Dairy management
- Farm management
- Wildlife conservation
- Wildlife education
You find these programs at accredited schools like NCSU and Oregon State University. North Carolina State University, Oregon State University
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