Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Zoo Science
Turn your passion for animals into a career through hands-on learning, conservation, and professional internships. West Liberty University’s B.S. in Zoo Science prepares students for careers in zoos, aquariums, wildlife conservation, and animal care.
Learn by doing.
Lead through conservation.
The Zoo Science program combines classroom learning with extensive animal husbandry training, conservation experiences, and internships at accredited zoological institutions. Students graduate with the scientific knowledge, practical skills, and professional experience needed to thrive in animal care, conservation, and wildlife-focused careers.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Total Credits: 120 credit hours
Outcome: Preparation for careers in zoological institutions, aquariums, wildlife facilities, conservation organizations, and graduate study
Format: Primarily on-campus with laboratories, field experiences, husbandry training, conservation experiences, and required internships
Program
Overview
The Zoo Science program was created to address the growing demand for professionals who understand animal care, conservation biology, wildlife management, and zoological operations. Students learn directly from zoo specialists and conservation biologists while gaining extensive hands-on experience working with animals and conservation projects.
Unique among many biology programs, Zoo Science integrates animal husbandry training, field experiences, conservation-based learning, and internships at partnering Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facilities, preparing graduates to enter the profession with meaningful experience already on their resumes.
Who This
Program Is For
Aspiring Zoo Professionals
Students who dream of working in zoos, wildlife parks, animal sanctuaries, or aquariums and want extensive hands-on experience caring for animals in professional settings.
Future Conservation Leaders
Students passionate about protecting wildlife, preserving biodiversity, and developing solutions to conservation challenges around the world.
Animal Behavior Enthusiasts
Students interested in understanding animal behavior, enrichment, training, welfare, and modern husbandry practices.
Marine & Aquarium Science Explorers
Students who want to pursue careers involving marine life, aquariums, aquatic conservation, and ocean ecosystems through specialized coursework and internships.
Wildlife & Field Research Students
Students interested in ecological research, wildlife management, field biology, and applied conservation science.
What
You’ll Learn
Students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to care for animals, support conservation initiatives, manage zoological collections, and contribute to wildlife research. Through experiential learning, graduates gain professional competencies valued throughout the animal care and conservation industries.
Animal Care & Husbandry
- Animal health monitoring and welfare practices
- Species-specific husbandry techniques
- Animal enrichment and behavior management,
Conservation & Wildlife Management
- Conservation biology principles
- Biodiversity and ecosystem management
- Applied conservation strategies and field techniques,
Professional Zoological Skills
- Zoo and aquarium operations
- Public education and interpretation
- Professional field and internship experience,
Curriculum
Overview
The curriculum balances biology foundations, zoological science, conservation coursework, field experiences, animal husbandry training, and professional internships. Students spend their first two years building scientific fundamentals before selecting one of three specialized career tracks.
Program Structure
Foundational Biology & Science Courses
- Biological Principles
- Zoology
- Botany
- Ecology & Biodiversity
- Statistics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Core Zoo Science Courses
- Principles of Zoo & Aquarium Science
- Zoo Science Training
- Zoo Education
- Zoo Ornithology
- Zoo Mammalogy
- Zoo Herpetology
- Conservation Biology
- Zoo Animal Behavior
- Biology Capstone
Specialized Career Tracks
- Zoo Sciences Track
- Applied Conservation Track
- Marine & Aquarium Sciences Track,
Experiential Learning
- Animal husbandry hours
- Conservation hours
- Internships
- Conservation practicums
- Field biology experiences,
Required Prerequisites Include:
- BIO 124/125 Biological Principles & Lab
- BIO 200 Botany
- BIO 202/203 Zoology
- BIO 207 Fundamentals of Ecology & Biodiversity
- Introductory chemistry coursework
- College-level mathematics or statistics
Admission Requirements
Students enter the program as Pre-Zoo Science students and must maintain academic progress and experiential requirements during their first four semesters. Students complete required husbandry and conservation hours before advancing into specialized tracks.
Career &
Outcomes
Zoo Science graduates are prepared for careers across zoological institutions, aquariums, wildlife conservation organizations, government agencies, research settings, and environmental education programs. The program’s extensive experiential learning emphasis provides graduates with industry-relevant experience before graduation.
Examples of career pathways include:
- Zoo Keeper or Animal Care Specialist
- Aquarium Animal Care Professional
- Wildlife Conservation Technician
- Conservation Program Coordinator
- Animal Behavior Specialist
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Professional
- Environmental Educator
- Zoological Collections Manager
- Field Research Technician
- Conservation Biologist,
Graduates leave with a combination of scientific knowledge, professional skills, animal husbandry experience, and internship-based learning that make them competitive candidates for careers throughout the zoological and conservation sectors.
Admission
Requirements
Admission requirements help ensure students are academically prepared and committed to the rigorous experiential learning that distinguishes the Zoo Science program. Because students work directly with animals and participate in professional internships, maintaining academic and experiential benchmarks is essential.
Requirements
- Admission to West Liberty University
- Program-specific Zoo Science application
- Enrollment as a Pre-Zoo Science student
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Completion of 50 animal care/conservation hours per semester during the first four semesters
- Completion of a minimum of 200 husbandry or conservation hours before advanced internship experiences
- Continued good academic standing within science and mathematics coursework,
Application Deadline:
Verify current deadlines with the Office of Admissions prior to publication.
Applicants are evaluated on academic readiness, program requirements, and ability to successfully participate in hands-on training and professional experiences. Students who fail to meet required GPA or experiential standards may be placed on probation or removed from the program.
Advisors are available to help students plan prerequisites and prepare strong applications.
Cost, Aid
& Affordability
West Liberty University is committed to delivering a high-quality professional education that remains accessible and affordable.
Students may be eligible for:
- Federal and state financial aid
- Institutional scholarships
- Program-specific or need-based assistance
Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.
Steps to
Enrollment
Step 1: Apply to West Liberty University
Step 2: Submit your Zoo Science program application
Step 3: Review the Zoo Science advising guide and degree checklist
Step 4: Begin completing required husbandry and conservation hours
Step 5: Work with your advisor to prepare for track selection and future internships
Admissions counselors and program advisors are here to support you at every step.
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.