Zoology is the science of animals. The zoology major at WSU is built around core studies in anatomy, physiology, behavior, and animal diversity in the context of broad perspective in genetics, evolution, and ecology. Our students learn modern scientific and analytical skills in classroom, field, and research settings.

The zoology major at WSU also offers specialization tracks for pre-medicine students and pre-veterinary students.

Strengths of the program

Build a strong foundation in the sciences.
Use options to focus on depth and breadth of interest areas.
Small class sizes in advanced courses.
Opportunities for one-on-one research with biology faculty, including field and laboratory experiences.
Gain skills in research design, data analysis, DNA and cell biological techniques, physiological diagnostics, ecological and environmental assessment, phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis, global complex systems analysis, computer modeling and simulations, scientific writing, and professional communications.
Coursework and experiences designed to prepare students for graduate and professional schools.
Math, science, and engineering community residence halls provide opportunities for group study, tutoring, and computer lab access,.
Conner Museum of Natural History has animal skins, skeletons, and taxidermy mounts for research and study.

Requirements and core courses

Courses cover zoology development, comparative physiology, human physiology, comparative anatomy, human anatomy, human nutrition, organismal biology (fishes, reptiles, amphibians), birds, and mammals, conservation biology, disease biology, genetics and genomics, ecology, and evolutionary biology.

As a zoology major, you can also take courses like these that will give you a head start in veterinary school:

General Genetics
Principles of Animal Development
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
General Ecology
Comparative Physiology
Mammalian Physiology
Rights and Welfare of Animals
Adaptive Strategies of Animals
Animal Behavior
Career Experience Internship
General Microbiology
Parasitology

Careers in zoology

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A DEGREE IN ZOOLOGY

• Medicine, dentistry, and health fields

• Physical and occupational therapy

• Veterinary medicine

• Animal care and rehabilitation

• Zoo and marine park administration

• Fisheries and wildlife biology

• Conservation and resource management

• Environmental assessment

• Biotechnology and genetic engineering

• Forensics and pathology

• Public policy

• Science education

• Science writing and journalism

SKILLS YOU CAN MARKET WITH A DEGREE IN ZOOLOGY

• Intellectual curiosity and scientific creativity

• Research design and data analysis

• DNA and cell biological techniques

• Physiological diagnostics

• Ecological and environmental assessment

• Phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis

• Global complex systems analysis

• Computer modeling and simulations

• Scientific writing and professional communications