Zoology Master's Programs
at West Liberty University
Advanced education for what's next
Master’s of Art/Science (MA/MS) in Zoo Science
The Master of Art/Science in Zoo Biology program is a unique graduate program tailored for zookeepers aiming to advance their careers. This degree specializes in exotic animal husbandry, offering hands-on experience within the zoo industry. Our institution is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), ensuring high standards in education and training. Graduates of this 30-credit program are well-prepared for entry-level managerial roles in animal care and husbandry. This is a 100% online program.
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“When I started graduate school I wasn’t competitive enough to get a job in this field with the experience I had. Now I’m graduating with my master’s degree and I’ve been working my dream zoo job for months!”
– Sarah Johanson
This program is unique to the animal care industry providing one of only three animal care specific Zoology Master’s degree opportunities in the country where students are trained in exotic animal husbandry, and is the only program in the country that will offers direct hands-on applied experience to students in a zoo setting with a collaborating Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution. The nature of this program encourages participation from students at the local, state, national, and international level.
Program Options Overview
The MA in Biology, Zoo Science option is specifically for professionals in animal management fields holding 4-year degrees from accredited institutions of higher education who wish to extend their education at the graduate level. The designated 30 credit hours of coursework required is specific to the challenges within animal management fields and will be offered in an online format to facilitate program completion across the nation.
- Students who select the Master of Arts option must complete a designated 30 credit hours of graduate coursework including the 19 credit hour Zoo Science core curriculum. All credit hours are graded biology graduate courses.
- No more than 6 credit hours of “C” grades may be applied to the total hours for graduation.
- MA candidates do not conduct thesis research.
- Successful completion of the MA in Biology Zoo Science option requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a comprehensive examination score of 75% or higher. Students may take the comprehensive examination a total of two times to achieve or surpass the minimum score.
- Learn more about the MA in Biology Zoo Science program
The MS in Biology, Zoo Science option is specifically for professionals in animal management fields holding 4-year degrees from accredited institutions of higher education who wish to extend their education at the graduate level. The designated 30 credit hours of coursework required is specific to the challenges within animal management fields and will be offered in an online format to facilitate program completion across the nation.
- Students who select the Master of Arts option must complete a designated 30 credit hours of graduate coursework including the 19 credit hour Zoo Science core curriculum. All credit hours are graded biology graduate courses.
- No more than 6 credit hours of “C” grades may be applied to the total hours for graduation.
- MA candidates do not conduct thesis research.
- Successful completion of the MS in Biology Zoo Science option requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and complete a thesis.
- Learn more about the MS in Biology Zoo Science program
The MS in Biology, Zoo Science, Fellowship option provides on-campus students the opportunity to explore research questions impacting animal husbandry and conservation. MS in Biology, Zoo Science, Fellowship students will take a required 26-credit hour core curriculum, research, thesis, and additional electives as needed.
- Students must complete at least 30 credit hours of biology graduate coursework, including 3 credit hours of BIO 598 Thesis.
- Candidates for the MS degree in Biology, Zoo Science, Fellowship concentration must successfully complete, grade of “C” or higher, the 26-credit hour Zoo Science core curriculum.
- Students may take up to 9 credit hours of BIO 580 Research per semester; however, no more than 1 credit hour in Research may be used to complete the 30-credit hour graduation requirement.
- Students may take BIO 500-level electives beyond the required coursework to reach the 30-graduate credit hours requirement for graduation; students taking additional elective coursework are still required to complete a minimum of 3 credit hours of BIO 598 Thesis.
- Successful completion of the graduate program in biology requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and no more than 6 credit hours of “C” grades may be applied to the total hours for graduation. Upon completion of course requirements and the thesis, MS candidates must pass an oral thesis defense.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the MS Biology Zoo Science graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth mastery of field-specific advanced concepts in biological sciences and/or non-clinical biomedical sciences. [MSO1]
- Conduct research in a laboratory and/or field settings using appropriate basic equipment and discipline-specific techniques. [MSO2]
- Apply biometric principles to experimental design, and to the analysis and interpretation of data. [MSO3]
- Effectively communicate research and findings in a professional context (oral & written). [MSO4]
- Demonstrate independent scientific thinking. [MSO5]
- Design and implement an original research project. [MSO6]
- Effectively write papers suitable for publication and/or proposals suitable for funding. [MSO7]
Upon completion of the MA in Biology Zoo Science option graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth mastery from a range of fundamental biological concepts and subjects, including cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution and ecology, and principles of conservation biology. [MAO1]
- Critically review and analyze primary literature. [MAO2]
- Effectively communicate scientific ideas in both written and oral formats. [MAO3]
- Demonstrate independent scientific thinking. [MAO4]
Application Process
All applicants must provide a complete application file, which contains the following items to be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies:
- STEP 1 – Complete the online application for admission to the program.
- STEP 2 – Have all official transcripts and test scores sent to the Office of Graduate Studies (208 University Drive, CUB 192, West Liberty, WV 26074).
Please note: West Liberty University graduates do not need to provide transcripts. - STEP 3 – Check the status of your recommendations by emailing gradstudies@westliberty.edu.
- STEP 4 – Once you have a complete application, your file will be reviewed by the admission committee. Check on the status of your application at any time through your admissions portal.
For additional questions regarding the application process, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 304-336-8015.
Your Future in Biology with a Master's in Zoo Science
The applied knowledge and experience gained through the MS in Biology will prepare students for continued education through Biology PhD program matriculation. Obtaining the MS in Biology will significantly increase the likelihood that a student will be accepted into, and successfully complete a quality PhD program.
Students who attain a Master’s degree in biology represent the preferred pool of applicants for a multitude of careers in the environmental sciences as well. State Departments of Natural Resources, Departments of Environmental Protection, Forestry Departments in addition to environmental non-profit organizations and private environmental consulting firms all prefer to hire applicants who have completed the requirements for a Master’s degree in biology over individuals lacking a graduate degree.
A job search conducted on 15 January 2016 on the Texas A&M Environmental Jobs Board found that nationally all full-time positions (n = 26) with both leadership roles and salaries above $40K/year required an MS in Biology or related fields. Federal employment in the U. S. Forest Service, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency is ceilinged for individuals lacking a graduate degree, and limited primarily to technician positions.
Acquisition of a Master’s degree in Zoo Science enables access to higher paying positions that often deal with environmental policy, regulation, and major national decisions. Acquisition of a Master’s degree at WLU will enable our graduates to join this workforce.
Students within the MS in Biology program will also have the opportunity to prepare for entry-level and managerial positions within the animal care and husbandry industry. Training within the program will prepare students for research opportunities associated with this industry.
The United States Department of Labor reported that the rate of job growth for various positions related to animal care careers will increase at a more rapid (15%) rate than other job markets from 2012 – 2022.
Examples of potential careers within this line of work include: veterinary assistants and technicians; laboratory animal caretaker; zoo and aquarium animal keepers, curators, and research biologists; animal trainers; keepers and managers at sanctuaries, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, and nature centers; and managers within the pet care industry.
Other Potential Animal Husbandry Related Careers with a Master’s in Zoo Science:
- Animal Trainers – Service animal trainer; Zoo animal trainer; Equine industry trainer; Animal trainer for military and law enforcement
- Exotic Animal Care – Keepers, managers, curators, registrars, and administrators at zoos, aquariums, nature centers, sanctuaries, rehabilitation centers, and fish hatcheries
- Exotic Animal Research – Reproductive physiologists, animal nutritionist, endocrinologist, conservation biologist, and ecologist positions at zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers
As graduation rates increase, students will need to further their education to compete for research and management positions in a market of individuals who have successfully completed Bachelor degree training.