Program Overview

Introduction to the Zoology Program

The University of Wyoming offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Zoology, a program that specializes in the study of animals, including their anatomy, physiology, evolution, and ecology. This flexible major provides students with a foundation in basic sciences and the opportunity to explore various related subjects, such as invertebrate zoology, cell biology, and developmental biology.

Program Overview

As a zoology major, students will develop learning and research skills, with the chance to participate in research as an undergraduate. The program utilizes Wyoming's wilderness and wildlife to inform student work, providing a unique learning experience. The zoology degree program is a springboard to zoology-related careers and graduate school.

Minors and Concentrations

The program offers two specialized concentrations:

• Aquatic Biology
• Ecology Additionally, students can choose from various minors, including:
  • Neuroscience
  • Insect Biology
  • Wildlife and Fisheries Biology and Management

Curriculum and Courses

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education in zoology, with courses that cover a wide range of topics, from animal behavior and ecology to evolution and conservation.

Zoology Minor

A minor in zoology is also available for students interested in exploring the form, function, behavior, ecology, evolution, and conservation of animals. This minor can be combined with a primary degree and is ideal for students who want to hone their analytical, writing, and research skills.

Program Highlights

The zoology program at the University of Wyoming offers several highlights, including:

• Study Abroad opportunities, such as learning about wildlife conservation in Kenya or studying ornithology in the Ecuadorian Andes
• Internships that provide professional and fieldwork skills, with past students interning at the Mpala Research Centre in Kenya and the UW Aquatic Zoology Lab
• The opportunity to study with professors who are researching topics such as why giraffes have long necks and how polar bears are adapting to faster drifting sea ice
• Undergraduate research opportunities, working with professors to study various animals, such as bumble bees, giraffes, and birds
• Access to extensive resources, including the Jenkins Microscopy Facility and the University of Wyoming-National Park Service Research Station
• Student organizations, such as the Wyoming Student Subunit of the American Fisheries Society and the University of Wyoming Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society

Career Opportunities

A zoology major from the University of Wyoming can position students for a wide range of careers, including:

• Biologists
• Museum educators
• Lab technicians/managers
• Toxicologists
• Research associates
• Zoologists
• Optometrists
• Doctors (after completing medical school requirements)
• Veterinarians
• Dentists
• College professors Zoology alumni have gone on to work at various institutions, including the Animal Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the Denver Zoo, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Why Study Zoology in Wyoming?

Wyoming's diverse and expansive natural landscape makes it an ideal place to study zoology. With access to ecosystems ranging from alpine mountains and high plains to sagebrush steppe and wetlands, students have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. The state's unique environment provides a living laboratory for studying animal behavior, ecology, and biodiversity.

Related Programs

Students interested in the zoology program may also want to consider related programs, such as:

• B.S. in Physiology
• B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology and Management
• B.S. in Biology
• B.S. in Plant Production and Protection
• B.S. or Concurrent Major in Environment and Natural Resources

Department Information

The Department of Zoology and Physiology is part of the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources. The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing it among the top research universities in the United States.