WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., April 4, 2022 — West Liberty University’s undergraduate Zoo Science Program is attracting students from all over the world. For example, international student Danielle Keller Vieira traveled all the way from Brazil to enroll.
When it came to decide where Keller Vieira wanted to pursue her higher education, universities all over the United States, from Florida to New York were on her list, but in the end, only WLU’s unique Zoo Science Program could fully convince her.
“I chose West Liberty because of the amazing zoo science they have here that is nothing like other universities. We have a collection of over 200 animals right here on campus where we are able to learn firsthand how to take care of them, preparing us for our future,” said Keller Vieira.
Nevertheless, her university experience started off in a different way than expected.
Keller Vieira, now a second year zoo science major, with a sports management minor, had to take her freshman semester fully online while being stuck back in Brazil due to the pandemic and travel ban.
“Starting college online was definitely a different experience than I was looking for, especially when your major requires a lot of hands-on experience. In some of my classes I was the only person online and I had to watch my peers do all the activities I was missing out on,” she said.
After the borders opened, she was finally able to move on campus and take advantage of not only the hands-on teaching but also the various campus activities put together by WLU’s numerous clubs and organizations.
“Because of their support I was able to come here and pick up on everything so quickly and feel like I haven’t missed anything.”
“West Liberty also offers multiple events, like sports for example, that are not only fun to watch and be there, but also makes sure everyone feels at home by offering a variety of options where people can identify with.”
Keller Vieira was a volleyball player back home in Brazil.
The zoo science major at WLU offers students opportunities to learn from zoo specialists and conservation biologists, receiving hands-on training at partnering Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited institutions, on-site animal facilities at West Liberty University, as well as in the field.
Furthermore, West Liberty provides the only master’s degree program for biology zoo science either as an MA or MS in the nation.
WLU’s College of Sciences includes the departments of Health Sciences, Natural Science and Mathematics and the Physician Assistant master’s program.
For complete information on the new zoo science major, please visit westliberty.edu/zoosci or email Dr. Loughman at zloughman@westliberty.edu.
West Liberty University is West Virginia’s oldest public institution of higher learning and offers more than 70 undergraduate majors, plus a growing number of graduate programs, both online and on campus. For more information, please call 1.866.937.8542 (WESTLIB) or follow WLU on social media. To view more about WLU, please visit westliberty.edu/youtube.
