Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! If you have a love for learning about all types of animals, then a major in zoology might be right for you. Zoologists are scientists who study animals in the lab and in their natural habitats. They learn about different behaviors, interactions and what makes that specific animal tick.
Education
Because zoology is a form of science, a formal education is required. Depending on how far you want to take your education is up to you, however. At a minimum, you must have a bachelor’s degree for all entry-level positions. It is important you know the biology behind animals if you are going to be taking care of, and studying them.
If you would like a higher-level position in the field, a master’s degree is your next step. Students often get master’s degrees to be able to do more scientific work with the animals. Finally, a doctorate degree is required if you would like to do any form of independent scientific research on the animals.
What to know before you apply
Zoology is a science major, so a love of animals alone is not going to cut it. Make sure you have a love of science as well. Be prepared to take courses such as animal physiology, genetics, biology, and animal behavior, just to name a few. Also, you may have to travel and spend a considerable amount of time in the field gathering data, so be prepared to pack your bags.
Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, zoologists earned an average pay of $58,270 per year as of 2014. Depending on your level of education however, you could earn as much as $96,720 annually in higher-level positions.
