Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS) in Biology
Turn your passion for animal care and conservation into professional expertise. West Liberty University’s MA and MS Biology Zoo Science programs offer specialized graduate study in animal behavior, husbandry, conservation, and zoological sciences.
Advance Your Expertise
in Zoo Science and Conservation
Designed for current and aspiring professionals in zoological, wildlife, and conservation fields, the MA and MS Biology Zoo Science programs provide advanced scientific training focused on animal management, conservation, and applied zoology. Students develop specialized knowledge while gaining practical experience and professional preparation for leadership and research-focused careers.
At A
Glance
Prepare for leadership, research, and professional advancement in animal management, conservation, and zoological organizations through a specialized graduate degree tailored to the unique demands of the field.
Degrees: Master of Arts (MA) Biology Zoo Science; Master of Science (MS) Biology Zoo Science
Total Credits: 30 credit hours (MA); 34 credit hours (MS)
Format: 100% Online
Experiential Learning: Internship required for both degree options
Research Requirement: Thesis required for MS; comprehensive examination required for MA
Institutional Distinction: West Liberty University offers the nation’s only master’s degree programs in Zoo Science.
Who This
Program is For
The MA and MS Biology Zoo Science programs are designed for professionals, recent graduates, and career changers seeking advanced education in zoological sciences, animal management, conservation, and wildlife-related fields.
This program is ideal for individuals who:
- Work in zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, or animal-care facilities and want to advance professionally
- Aspire to supervisory or leadership positions within zoological organizations
- Seek specialized graduate training in animal behavior, husbandry, and conservation
- Want to strengthen their credentials for research, education, or conservation careers
- Plan to pursue doctoral study or other advanced academic opportunities
Applicants typically possess a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, or a related discipline, although applicants from other academic backgrounds may be considered if they have sufficient biology or ecology coursework.
Career &
Outcomes
Develop the expertise to address challenges in animal care, conservation, research, and wildlife management through advanced coursework, hands-on learning, and research opportunities.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Zoo Curator
- Zoo or Aquarium Manager
- Wildlife Biologist
- Zoologist
- Conservation Program Coordinator
- Animal Care Supervisor
- Conservation Educator
- Research Associate
Employment in Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Occupationss
- Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow approximately 2% from 2024-2034, with approximately 1,400 openings annually nationwide. [bls.gov]
- Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. [bls.gov]
Median Annual Wage for Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists
Why Earn Your
MA/MS Biology Zoo Science Degree at WLU?
West Liberty University combines specialized graduate education, online flexibility, faculty mentorship, and applied learning opportunities in a program designed specifically for animal management and conservation professionals. Students gain advanced credentials while preparing to make meaningful contributions to zoological and wildlife organizations.
Program highlights include:
- The nation’s only master’s degree programs dedicated specifically to Zoo Science
- Fully online coursework designed for working professionals
- Specialized curriculum focused on real-world animal management and conservation challenges
- Required internship experience that supports professional development
- Access to faculty mentorship and research opportunities
- Connection to the AZA-accredited Good Zoo at Oglebay Resort, a longtime partner supporting applied Zoo Science education
Tuition, Cost
& Value
Detailed tuition and cost information is available online.
Online delivery helps reduce travel and relocation expenses for many students
Designed to support working professionals seeking career advancement
Compatible with many employer tuition assistance and professional development programs
Provides access to a highly specialized graduate credential not widely available elsewhere
Delivers advanced preparation for leadership, conservation, education, and research careers
Program
Format
West Liberty University’s online MA and MS in Biology Zoo Science combine advanced coursework and required internships. The MS option also includes original thesis research.
Program delivery highlights include:
- 100% online coursework
- Designed for students and professionals across the United States
- Structured four-semester curriculum sequence
- Required internship experience for both MA and MS students
- Comprehensive examination required for MA students
- Thesis research and oral thesis defense required for MS students
What
You’ll Learn
Students build advanced competencies in animal management, conservation science, zoological research, and professional leadership. Graduates gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute effectively in zoological institutions, wildlife organizations, and conservation settings.
Animal Behavior & Husbandry
- Advanced zoo animal behavior
- Animal welfare and husbandry practices
- Species-specific management techniques
- Evidence-based animal care strategies
Conservation & Applied Zoology
- Zoo-based conservation initiatives
- Wildlife conservation principles
- Biodiversity protection strategies
- Applied conservation planning
Research & Scientific Methods
- Quantitative biological techniques
- Scientific research design
- Data collection and analysis
- Scholarly communication and reporting
Professional Practice & Leadership
- Decision-making in animal management settings
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Conservation program development
- Professional communication and leadership
Curriculum
Overview
The curriculum provides a structured foundation in advanced Zoo Science while allowing students to develop specialized expertise through experiential learning and graduate-level study. Both degree options share a common Zoo Science core curriculum, with the MA emphasizing coursework and comprehensive examination and the MS emphasizing thesis research.
Curriculum highlights include:
- Advanced Zoo Animal Behavior
- Quantitative Biological Techniques
- Graduate Zoo Mammalogy
- Graduate Zoo Ornithology
- Graduate Zoo Herpetology
- Zoo Conservation
- Advanced Animal Nutrition (MA pathway)
- Independent Study and Thesis Research (MS pathway)
- Required internship experience for both degree options
Program Credits:
- MA Biology Zoo Science: 30 credit hours
- MS Biology Zoo Science: 34 credit hours
Degree
Options
Students may choose the degree pathway that best aligns with their professional goals, academic interests, and career aspirations.
Master of Arts (MA) Biology Zoo Science
The MA option is designed for professionals seeking advanced expertise in zoo science, animal management, and conservation without undertaking a thesis research project. Students complete graduate coursework, an internship, and a comprehensive examination, making this pathway ideal for career advancement and professional development.
Master of Science (MS) Biology Zoo Science
The MS option is designed for students interested in research-focused careers or future doctoral study. In addition to advanced graduate coursework and an internship, students complete original thesis research and defend their work before a faculty committee.
Admissions
Requirements
Admission is based on academic preparation and readiness for graduate-level study in zoological and biological sciences. Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic foundation and commitment to professional or scholarly growth in the field.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Completed graduate application
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
- Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.6
- Minimum undergraduate science GPA of 2.8
- Degree in Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred
- Applicants from other disciplines must have at least 18 credits in biology or ecology with a minimum 3.0 GPA in those courses
- Three letters of recommendation
Provisional Admission
- Faculty may grant provisional admission to applicants who do not meet minimum admission criteria.
- Admission is subject to program review and approval.
Ready to Advance
Your Career
Whether your goal is professional advancement, conservation leadership, animal management, or graduate research, West Liberty University’s MA and MS Biology Zoo Science programs provide the specialized expertise, experiential learning, and scientific foundation needed to make a lasting impact in the zoological and conservation professions.