Zoologist Career Path and Education: A Comprehensive Guide

Zoologists are dedicated animal lovers who often travel far and wide to study various species in their habitats. They study animals, both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems. Their work is increasingly vital as the world's wildlife faces growing threats from human activity, habitat loss, toxic pollutants, and climate change, contributing to what scientists call the "Holocene Extinction."

What Does a Zoologist Do?

Zoologists study the physiology of animals, their behavior, and how they interact with other species and their environments. They study their physical characteristics, diets, behaviors, and the impacts humans have on them. Zoologists' and wildlife biologists' study of animals includes conducting scientific tests and experiments, such as taking blood samples to assess an animal’s health, and researching their habitats. These studies are generally aimed at investigating animal behavior, migration, interactions with other species, and reproduction, as well as the pests, diseases, toxins, and habitat changes that affect them. They use the information they gather to monitor and estimate populations, address invasive species and other threats, control disease, manage hunting programs, and develop conservation plans. Zoologists also use geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) to track the movements of animals and map their habitat ranges.

They may be involved in a wide variety of duties in various environments. For example, they may observe and study animals in their natural environments or plan and conduct experiments involving animals in nature, in zoos, or in other controlled areas. They may also collect biological specimens and measure physical characteristics.

Some zoologists work for zoos, wildlife centers, wildlife parks, and aquariums, where they manage the animals' care, their distribution, and their enclosures. As zookeepers, researchers, and trainers, they care for the animals, observe animal behavior, provide enrichment to stimulate healthy behaviors, train animals, and keep enclosures clean, safe, and comfortable. Wildlife conservation groups often hire zoologists to help them effectively rehabilitate and release animals.

Other zoologists research new vermin control drugs or veterinary medicines for pharmaceutical companies. Some work as museum curators, where they manage specimens, conduct research, and educate the public. Some wildlife biologists and zoologists become museum curators. In this role, they may manage specimens, conduct research, and share their knowledge with the public. It’s also not uncommon for a zoologist to become a teacher, professor, or another faculty member at a university. A research zoologist may be hired by a pharmaceutical company or private medical research company to test new vermin control drugs or veterinary medicines.

Specializations in Zoology

Zoologists generally specialize in either vertebrates or invertebrates for an individual species. Once they have made that decision, they can become an expert in a particular species. Other zoologists and wildlife biologists specialize in a particular field of study, such as evolution or animal behavior. Some examples of zoological specializations include:

Teuthologists: Study cephalopods like squid and octopus.
Malacologists: Study mollusks like snails, slugs, and clams.
Marine Biologists: Study fish and other wildlife that inhabit the oceans.

Work Environment and Schedule

Zoologists and wildlife biologists work in a variety of settings, including offices and laboratories. Some, like Jane Goodall or Diane Fossey, spend much of their time outdoors studying animals in their natural habitats, which may be quite remote. Fieldwork can require zoologists and wildlife biologists to travel to remote locations anywhere in the world. For a zoologist, working conditions might involve difficult terrain and harsh weather.

Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may have irregular schedules, especially when doing fieldwork. A zoologist work schedule will vary based on their role and the species being studied. A zoologist may work exclusively indoors or they could travel for fieldwork to remote locations around the world.

Essential Skills and Qualities

Dedication, patience, strong communication skills, computer experience, analytical thinking, leadership prowess, and excellent teamwork skills are vital. Since it can be a physically challenging position, the zoologist job description requires that professionals are in a healthy physical condition. The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties:

Attention to detail
Communication skills
Critical-thinking skills
Interpersonal skills
Outdoor skills
Problem-solving skills

Education Requirements and Career Path

For an entry-level position, it almost always begins with a college degree. Becoming a zoologist can start by achieving a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or Ph.D.

High School Preparation: You can begin preparing for a career in zoology when you’re still in high school by focusing on your studies. Classes in English, Writing, History, Computer Science, and Humanities will be important. Since zoologists study a broad range of topics in Natural Science, experience with both classroom and laboratory work can be a smart way to get ahead. Outside of school, volunteering at zoos, local animal shelters, kennels, or at an aquarium can look great on an application, too.
Bachelor's Degree: The majority of jobs in the field of zoology require at least a bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field. Aspiring zoologists will likely need to enroll in an undergraduate degree program such as Animal Health and Behavior, Wildlife Conservation, Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Management, Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture, or Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation. There are degree programs specific to zoology, too, which may be the most relevant training for a career in zoology. Coursework often includes classes on animal behavior and physiology, parasitology, virology, ecology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistical software. Students may also take courses in a particular area of specialty. A Zoology minor covers many aspects of animal biology including their cellular biology and genetics. A degree in Animal Health and Behavior provides the necessary skills and knowledge to care for animals in captivity and the wild, with an emphasis on animal welfare and behavior. Getting a bachelor’s in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology is also a smart way to enter the field of zoology. Animal welfare, environmental enrichment, and population management and conservation are key concepts in this Bachelor’s program.
Master's Degree: High-level scientific investigation usually requires a master’s degree. Earning a Master’s degree will usually take another 2-years and may call for an additional 30-hours of practical, field-specific work. The Master of Professional Science in Animal Science and Behavior provides students with a deep understanding of human-animal interaction, with an emphasis on animal companionship, therapy and service, behavior, rehabilitation and welfare. Coursework in undergraduate and graduate-level science programs often includes academic, laboratory, and field work.
Ph.D.: Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need at least a master’s degree for higher level positions and a Ph.D. Advanced positions may even require a Ph.D. For example, zoologists and wildlife biologists with a Ph.D. typically take on greater responsibility and independence in their work as they gain experience or have more education.
Experience: Getting experience in the field is a crucial step in becoming a zoologist. You can gain experience through completing an internship, volunteering at an organization, or by working part-time while completing your degree.
Professional Organizations: A great way to boost your career prospects and make connections in the field is to join professional organizations, such as the American Society of Zoologists or the Wildlife Society. The Wildlife Society facilitates networking of wildlife professionals through magazines and journals, an e-newsletter, an annual conference, and working groups. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a network of more than 6,000 zoo and aquarium professionals and organizations.
Job Search: Once you’ve earned your degree and gained experience, it is time to start looking for jobs. PBA’s Career Development office is ready to help you find your dream job where your faith and passions collide.

Job Outlook and Salary

As of June 2025, the median salary of a zoologist is reported to be around $72,860, and most work full-time. The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $72,860 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

At $81,530, those in the federal government earned the highest median salary. Those who worked within the federal government had the highest median salary. Federal wages reached $81,530 compared with state government employees who earned closer to $59,660. In general, the lowest 10% of zoologists earned below $41,720.

Zoologist jobs are projected to grow 5% between 2020 and 2030, which is slower than average for all occupations.* Retirements will open up some opportunities in this field. For a zoologist, career outlook will continue to grow between 2023 and 2033. In the next 10-years, the zoologist job outlook is expected to grow by 4%. That’s as fast as the average for all occupations.

Demand for zoologists will grow as human populations grow and climate change continues. Currently, there are about 18,800 zoologist and wildlife biology jobs available. Still, wildlife specialists will face strong competition when seeking the zoologist job available to them. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Some zoologists and wildlife biologists are expected to be needed to help combat the loss of biodiversity caused by human activities, as well as to research changes in ecosystems. These workers also may be needed to develop and implement conservation plans to reduce threats to animals and protect natural resources.

Career Options with a Zoology Degree

There are many career options for graduates with a zoology degree. Palm Beach Atlantic University offers a robust zoology program that gives students access to state-of-the-art facilities and research laboratories. This degree prepares you for roles in zoology, animal science and industries that rely on expertise in biodiversity, conservation and environmental awareness

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Jobs directly related to your degree include:

Academic researcher
Animal nutritionist
Ecologist
Environmental consultant
Environmental education officer
Marine biologist
Higher education lecturer
Marine scientist
Nature conservation officer
Research scientist (life sciences)
Science writer
Zookeeper
Zoologist

Jobs where your degree would be useful:

Animal physiotherapist
Animal technician
Environmental manager
Field trials officer
Fisheries officer
Palaeontologist
Scientific laboratory technician
Sustainability consultant
Toxicologist
Veterinary nurse
Veterinary surgeon

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Skills Developed Through Zoology Studies

Studying zoology provides you with in-depth knowledge in areas such as ethology (the science of animal behaviour), animal biology, physiology, animal evolution and diversity, species conservation and ecology.

You develop practical experience of modern laboratory and field research techniques, as well as an understanding of ethical working practices and an awareness of current government policy in conservationist areas.

You also gain a strong set of transferable skills, including:

analytical skills - through interpreting and manipulating complex scientific data and statistics
research and observation skills
data-handling skills - from collecting, recording, collating and analysing data using appropriate techniques and equipment
written communication skills - through producing reports and writing up research projects
presentation and oral communication skills - from presenting research findings and making presentations in a clear, succinct way
project management skills - by organising and undertaking research projects and experiments (including budgeting, contingency planning and time management)
a good understanding of information technology and specific technical skills such as GIS and genetic techniques
the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Further Study

After your zoology degree, you may choose to complete a Masters or PhD in order to specialise in a particular area of interest, for example: wildlife conservation and biology animal biology ecology and environmental sustainabilityecology and management of the natural environment.

It's also possible to do further study in a different area entirely. Many postgraduate courses are open to graduates with a degree in any subject so you can take your career in a different direction if you wish.

You may also choose to study for a postgraduate teaching qualification in preparation for a career teaching biology or general science.

Typical Employers

You can find a job in a range of organisations depending on your area of interest. Typical employers of zoology graduates include:

zoos or wildlife parks and environmental protection agencies
animal and environmental charities
aquaculture and animal nutrition companies
government agencies and research institutions
conservation and sustainable resource management organisations
medical research establishments and the health services
schools, colleges, science centres, libraries and museums
universities and research institutes
environmental consultancies
chemical, pharmaceutical and petroleum companies.

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