Zoo Management

Interested in Business?  Love the thought of working with animals?  If you answered yes to both of these questions we have developed the perfect degree for you!  In a typical zoo, over half of all employees work in administrative and support functions.  Management is needed to oversee such things as daily operations, finance and accounting, human resources, fundraising, promotional activities, concessions, and development and expansion of the facility.

Major in Zoo Management

West Liberty’s Zoo Management program is designed to educate the student on the functions of Zoo Management from not only the business application but also by having the basic animal acumen necessary for success in a zoo management role.  Students will get hands-on experience during their internship working with animals at Oglebay’s Good Zoo in Wheeling, WV, which is nationally recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  They will also learn behind the scenes facets of the zoo environment.  In addition, students will develop a comprehensive knowledge base specific to policies related to the operations management aspects of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institutions.  this degree program is an interdisciplinary degree and upon completion, the student will obtain a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Zoo Management.

Required Courses – Zoo Management MajorCredit Hours
West Liberty University General Studies37
Gary E. West College of Business Core45
BIO 180 Principles of Zoo Science3
BIO 186 Introductory Zoo Biology3
BIO 280 Zoo Education3
BIO 455 Zoo Operations Internship3
GBUS 360 Public and Non-Profit Management 3
MGT 343 Zoo and Aquarium Operations3
MGT 474 Organizational Behavior3
MGT 475 Human Resource Management 3
MKT 341 Integrated Marketing Communications3
Business Minor Course11
Total 120

Click below to see detailed course requirements for the B.S.B.A. with a major in Zoo Management.  Current students can access their detailed requirements and completed courses in WINS, using DegreeWorks.

Advising Sheets Zoo Management