Posted at 4:05 AM Sunday, August 15, 2010 by Khan
Online Zoology Degree Program

What is involved in the study of zoology?

Zoology is one division of Biology that studies and seeks to understand animal life, through categorization and then through the study of individual species, their ecology and the development of specific habitats. It also involves studying the social organization and behavior among like species, as well as focusing on the interaction between dissimilar groups of animals. The study breaks down into a vast array of interesting categories, such as Taxonomy or the Classification of Animals. There are other divisions within the broader field of Zoology including Entomology or study of Insects. Ichthyology or the study of Fish needs workers in this area, and opportunities can be found in many world-wide locations. Anatomy and Physiology are also studied when pursuing a Degree in Zoology. An interest in the sciences and in math could lead to a real interest in Zoology. Courses in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physiology, Ecosystems, Life Sciences and a variety of others are required courses for a degree in Zoology. It is good to be strong in the areas of critical thinking, observation, data collection. and also enjoy working in a laboratory setting. Summarization and presentation of clinical data is frequently the end result of a Zoologist's work. If interested in further general and specific information about Zoology, a good website to look at is:
http://www.michaeltuma.com/zoology

Job opportunities with a degree in zoology

Job opportunities require a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences and/or Zoology itself. A Degree in Zoology can lead to a Teaching or Research Position in Colleges, Universities and Medical Schools.
Zoologists work in private industry, such as the chemical-pesticide industry. With this particular degree, there may be an interest in working for a Zoo or a Wildlife Reserve. There are many of each located across the United States. There is also the opportunity to work as a Park Ranger. With long-term food supplies a world-wide concern, the study of fish, fish habitat, reproduction and the long-range potential of various types of fish as a food source is a good area for practical and research possibilities. Other aquatic opportunities exist researching fish and other aquatic life.
There is also work available for Tour Guides worldwide. Government Agencies like the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) hire degreed Zoologists. Some Zoologists, as well as other environmentally oriented degreed graduates are getting very involved in the creation and production of documentaries that are aired and viewed on a growing number of educational TV Networks. Research jobs in Zoology can lead to employment across the Planet. If a student of Zoology also has an interest in photography, then jobs with National Geographic and other Nature and Wildlife publications are available. The dual interests and abilities can lead to some very high paying jobs opportunities.
If interested in reading more on jobs in Zoology, go to the following sites:

  • http://wwwwildlifeconservationsociety.com
  • http://www.thesciencejobs.com
For Careers with the Fish and Wildlife Service:

  • http://www.fws.gov/who/careers/htm
Guide to Zoo and Park Careers: Sea World and Bush Gardens:

  • http://www.seaworld.org/career-resources/index.htm
Also search Google, and Bing for Job Opportunities in Zoology, Employment in Zoology, and Careers in Zoology.

Zoology Salaries

Associate Degrees command a salary anywhere from $20k to $40k. Bachelor's Degrees offer salaries up to $63k, while a Master's Degree can add an additional $15k. A Ph.D provides the greatest opportunity for a good and solid income, with salaries ranging from $77 up to and including $120k possibilities. Studying for advanced degrees necessitates commitment, true interest and involvement, as well as time, finances, and energy. If interested, the pursuit can be well worth it in terms of higher wages.
For further Zoology salary information go to: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos047.htm

Learn Zoology Online

Most of the Colleges and Universities offer primarily "in class" instruction on their particular campus for a degree in Zoology, with only a relatively small number of classes available Online. On the other hand, there are many required science and math classes offered Online that would be transferable to a College or University for the completion of a degree in Zoology. It is much more likely that someone interested in Zoology will use both resources. ie., Online and in class study.
There is a greater possibility of obtaining a degree in Biology Online, which presents an option for those interested in Zoology. In addition, a variety of Online Zoology courses are available. If the pursuit is one of a degree in Zoology, it would be possible to combine these Online options with a on campus residency of one semester or one year to concentrate and intensify the study of Zoology and thus, receive a Bachelor's Degree. This presents itself as a good opportunity for those wishing to also acquire a Master of Arts/Science or a Ph.D in Zoology.
Being on campus would open more possibilities for the student, concerning Grants, Scholarships, Work Programs and possibly a Teaching Assistantship. Teaching Assistantships involve teaching undergraduate courses in a variety of different sciences, where tuition and books are paid, and there is a salary option ,in addition to everything else. Being on campus and acquiring the respect of College or University Professors tends to open the door for greater and more varied opportunities.

Available Zoology Programs

Certificate Programs are available, which involve less study and time than Associate Degrees. Associate Degrees generally involve two years of study. Both options can be used along the way to getting a Bachelor's Degree requiring 4 years of study, a Master's Degree, 2 years, and a Ph.D. an additional 2-4 years. Certificates frequently are pursued for the sake of adding additional credibility to other degrees and prior work experience. They also provide an opportunity for more in-depth study of specific topics.

Free Online Zoology Information

There are some free courses available in Zoology and other areas of interest at:
http://www.free-ed.net/science/default.asp
Also a free offering of 101 courses in zoology and other sciences can be found at:
http://www.about.com/od/zoology_101.htm

Find Online Degrees

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