Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Zoology?
Zoology is the very large portion of the biological sciences that deals with animals, rather than plants (Botany) or bacteria and viruses (Microbiology). The curriculum includes courses in cell and molecular biology, physiology and anatomy, and ecology and environmental science. The 68 courses offered within the Department of Zoology may be supplemented by courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics. Most Zoology majors earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, but a Bachelor of Science program is available for students who have a strong interest in scientific research.
Interests
Students who major in Zoology may be interested in pursuing a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, biomedical research and development (in a private or public research facility), health delivery and health care (e.g., physical therapy, optometry, physician's assistant, etc.), neuroscience and behavior, environmental biology and education, natural history, toxicology, or many other fields. Some individuals have an interest in studying the natural history of whole organisms (e.g., mammalogists). Others are interested in life processes such as the metabolic processes of organisms (e.g., physiologists), the development of a whole organism following the fusion of gametes (e.g., developmental biologists), the structure and function of cells (e.g., cell biologists), the mechanisms of inheritance and gene expression (e.g., geneticists), or the interactions of the many kinds of molecules (DNA, RNA, proteins, etc.) synthesized by organisms (e.g., molecular biologists). Other students of Zoology are interested in the interactions of organisms with one another and with their environment (e.g., ecologists) or in issues about conservation and environmental biology.
Competencies
- Research
- Experimenting with ideas/procedures
Testing an idea/hypothesis
Organizing/analyzing
Diagnosing/dissecting
Problem solving
Gathering data
Operating knowledge of scientific equipment
Drawing conclusions from data
Reviewing/evaluating - Communication
- Writing reports/articles
Organizing/Summarizing data
Writing grant proposals
Maintaining records/tabulating data
Presenting proposals/reports to a group - Project Development
- Designing projects
Developing/generating ideas
Seeing relationships between factors
Perceiving patterns and structures
Opportunities - Careers (after undergraduate degree)
- Environmental/Ecology
- Environmental impact specialist
Park naturalist/ranger
Fishery research biologist
Range conservationist
Wildlife refuge manager
Game warden
Environmental planner
Environmental consultant
Zoo keeper/curator - Communications
- Science columnist/newspaper
Technical writer
Biological photographer
Trade magazine editor
Free-lance columnist - Business/Industry
- Environmental engineer
Animal care salesperson
Biochemist
Industrial researcher
Pharmaceutical research assistant
Technical salesperson
Insurance claims examiner
Technical writer
Industrial hygienist
Pharmaceutical sales representative
Chemical company sales representative
Textbook salesperson - Health Fields
- Biomedical researcher
Family planner
Health information specialist
Genetic counselor
Biostatistician
Health department employee
Medical illustrator
Hospital support staff - Human Services
- Educational television producer
Environmental educator
Adult educator
Peace Corp volunteer - Government
- Public health officer
Park naturalist
Drug inspector
Museum worker
Nutritionist
Consumer product researcher
Population planner
Lab technician
Medicare claim examiner
Opportunities - Careers (after graduate school and/or other professional training)
- Doctor/medical professionals
Dentist
Veterinarian
Optometrist
High school teacher
College instructor
Pharmacist
Researcher
Medical technologist
Engineer
Nurse
Podiatrist
Hospital administrator
Science librarian
Medical or environmental lawyer
Dietitian
Physical therapist
Occupational therapist
Hospital surgical assistant
Ecologist
Park manager
Toxicologist
Marine biologist
Research equipment salesperson
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Students may choose to continue their education in zoology and specialize in any one of a wide variety of areas such as molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, endocrinology, neurobiology, marine biology, forestry, and ecology or they may choose to go to professional schools in medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, and physical therapy.
Opportunities - Experiential
Volunteer, summer, or part-time work in special areas of interest (e.g. assisting a physical therapist, a veterinarian, a zoo keeper, or a park ranger; doing a summer research internship available at many institutions in the country), working for the Zoology Department performing lab duties, independent study with a faculty member, and involvement with student organizations such as the Hueston Woods Student Naturalist Club and the Zoology Club and with pre-professional organizations (Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Medicine, and Pre-Veterinary clubs).
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Zoology (212 Pearson Hall, 529-3100)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Building, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.