Best institutions to study Zoology/Animal Biology
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the biology of animal species and phyla, with reference to their molecular and cellular systems, anatomy, physiology, and behavior.
48 U.S. institutions graduated 1,722 Zoology/Animal Biology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 26.0701, a specialization of Zoology/Animal Biology (CIP 26.07), and leads most directly to the Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists occupation (BLS SOC 19-1023).
About Zoology/Animal Biology programs
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the biology of animal species and phyla, with reference to their molecular and cellular systems, anatomy, physiology, and behavior. Includes instruction in molecular and cell biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, ecology and behavior, evolutionary biology, and applications to specific species and phyla.
See also: 01.0901 - Animal Sciences, General.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Zoology/Animal Biology program offers students a comprehensive understanding of the biological sciences as they relate to animal species and their ecosystems. This program is ideal for those passionate about wildlife, conservation, and the intricate biological systems that govern animal life. Students will explore various aspects of animal biology, including anatomy, physiology, and behavior, preparing them for a range of careers in the field.
In this program, students will develop critical skills in areas such as molecular and cell biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Coursework emphasizes practical knowledge in wildlife management, conservation, and the scientific study of animal behavior, equipping graduates with a well-rounded foundation in biological sciences.
Credentials awarded
What Zoology/Animal Biology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree1,552 graduates / yr · 43 institutions90%
- Master's degree72 graduates / yr · 11 institutions4.2%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship60 graduates / yr · 12 institutions3.5%
- Associate's degree24 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.4%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years8 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.5%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year6 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.3%
Graduates over time
Zoology/Animal Biology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,878 |
| 2013 | 1,942 |
| 2014 | 1,929 |
| 2015 | 1,841 |
| 2016 | 1,892 |
| 2017 | 1,735 |
| 2018 | 1,751 |
| 2019 | 1,654 |
| 2020 | 1,742 |
| 2021 | 1,653 |
| 2022 | 1,669 |
| 2023 | 1,707 |
| 2024 | 1,880 |
| 2025 | 1,722 |
Top 48 institutions for Zoology/Animal Biology, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 136 | 65% | — | $29,303 |
| 2 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, COPublicBachelor's | 135 | 67% | — | $27,741 |
| 3 | Oregon State University Corvallis, ORPublicBachelor's | 134 | 70% | — | $27,491 |
| 4 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicBachelor'sDoctoral | 107 | 81% | — | $26,801 |
| 5 | Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OHPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 105 | 88% | — | $29,996 |
| 6 | University of California - Davis Davis, CAPublicBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 89 | 86% | — | — |
| 7 | Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OHPublicBachelor's | 70 | 80% | — | $28,071 |
| 8 | Oklahoma State University - Main Campus Stillwater, OKPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 69 | 68% | — | $23,031 |
| 9 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NCPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 68 | 85% | — | $25,069 |
| 10 | Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Carbondale, ILPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 61 | 62% | — | $23,366 |
| 11 | Berry College Mount Berry, GAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 58 | 69% | $20,108 | $33,258 |
| 12 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicBachelor's | 57 | 90% | — | — |
| 13 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WIPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 51 | 90% | — | $23,888 |
| 14 | University of Florida Gainesville, FLPublicBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 49 | 91% | — | $23,809 |
| 15 | Weber State University Ogden, UTPublicBachelor's | 45 | 46% | — | $28,461 |
| 16 | California State Polytechnic University - Humboldt Arcata, CAPublicBachelor's | 40 | 49% | — | $28,565 |
| 17 | Washington State University Pullman, WAPublicBachelor's | 39 | 60% | — | $28,469 |
| 18 | University of California - Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CAPublicBachelor's | 37 | 83% | — | $37,633 |
| 19 | State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, NYPublicBachelor's | 35 | 60% | — | $27,922 |
| 20 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicBachelor's | 34 | 64% | — | $25,491 |
| 21 | Pikes Peak State College Colorado Springs, COPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 27 | 21% | — | — |
| 22 | University of Maine Orono, MEPublicBachelor's | 26 | 55% | — | $35,130 |
| 23 | University of Wyoming Laramie, WYPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 23 | 59% | — | $29,359 |
| 24 | University of New Hampshire - Main Campus Durham, NHPublicBachelor's | 21 | 76% | — | $22,268 |
| 25 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TXPublicBachelor's | 21 | 84% | — | $31,485 |
| 26 | Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 20 | 61% | $20,903 | — |
| 27 | Delaware Valley University Doylestown, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 19 | 56% | $25,402 | $27,287 |
| 28 | Friends University Wichita, KSPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 18 | 43% | $24,084 | $24,692 |
| 29 | Ohio Wesleyan University Delaware, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 18 | 59% | $18,325 | $29,547 |
| 30 | University of Vermont Burlington, VTPublicBachelor's | 16 | 79% | — | $22,321 |
| 31 | Malone University Canton, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 14 | 45% | $21,492 | — |
| 32 | Mars Hill University Mars Hill, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 45% | $20,402 | — |
| 33 | University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus Norman, OKPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 9 | 75% | — | $30,931 |
| 34 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 9 | 65% | $28,911 | $23,988 |
| 35 | University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HIPublicDoctoralMaster's | 8 | 64% | — | — |
| 36 | Kentucky Wesleyan College Owensboro, KYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 47% | $36,525 | $17,085 |
| 37 | Muskingum University New Concord, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 56% | $19,372 | — |
| 38 | West Texas A & M University Canyon, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 55% | — | — |
| 39 | Cerritos College Norwalk, CAPublicAssociate's | 5 | 31% | — | — |
| 40 | Mercy University Dobbs Ferry, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 46% | $17,604 | — |
| 41 | Union University Jackson, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 66% | $25,882 | — |
| 42 | Utah Valley University Orem, UTPublicBachelor's | 3 | 45% | — | — |
| 43 | Western New Mexico University Silver City, NMPublicBachelor's | 2 | 32% | — | — |
| 44 | North Dakota State University - Main Campus Fargo, NDPublicDoctoral | 2 | 64% | — | $33,115 |
| 45 | Ohio University - Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville, OHPublicBachelor's | 2 | 21% | — | $29,303 |
| 46 | Northwest Nazarene University Nampa, IDPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 71% | $24,681 | — |
| 47 | Ohio State University - Lima Campus Lima, OHPublicBachelor's | 1 | 23% | — | — |
| 48 | Ohio University - Zanesville Campus Zanesville, OHPublicBachelor's | 1 | 22% | — | $29,303 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Zoology/Animal Biology field (CIP 26.07) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 28 states
Where Zoology/Animal Biology graduates come from. Each state links to all Zoology/Animal Biology programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-1023, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Zoology/Animal Biology program can pursue careers as zoologists, wildlife biologists, and biological technicians, among others. The job outlook for these roles shows little to no change, with an estimated 1,400 annual openings and a median wage of $72,860. A bachelor's degree is typically required for entry into these professions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 26.0701
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistsprimary SOC 19-1023 | $76,780 | +1.6% Little or no change | ~1,400 | Bachelor's degree |
Biological Technicians SOC 19-4021 | $57,510 | +3.5% About as fast as average | ~9,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Natural Sciences Managers SOC 11-9121 | $167,220 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~8,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1042 | $84,620 | +7.3% Faster than average | ~5,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Zoology/Animal Biology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
Tools and technology used
Other Zoology/Animal Biology specializations
The 5 other 6-digit CIP codes under Zoology/Animal Biology (CIP 26.07).
- Wildlife BiologyCIP 26.0709646 graduates / yr26 institutions
- EntomologyCIP 26.0702447 graduates / yr36 institutions
- Animal Behavior and EthologyCIP 26.0708269 graduates / yr12 institutions
- Animal PhysiologyCIP 26.0707partial data235 graduates / yr9 institutions
- Zoology/CIP 26.0799
Animal Biology partial data25 graduates / yr4 institutions
Common questions
What degree can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, with options for Master's and Doctor's degrees as well.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop critical thinking, active listening, and scientific writing skills.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a zoologist, wildlife biologist, or biological technician, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for zoologists?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with approximately 1,400 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Zoology/Animal Biology?+
Zoology/Animal Biology is CIP 26.0701 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Zoology/Animal Biology (CIP 26.07). NCES defines it as: A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the biology of animal species and phyla, with reference to their molecular and cellular systems, anatomy, physiology, and behavior. Includes instruction in molecular and cell biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, ecology and behavior, evolutionary biology, and applications to specific species and phyla.
How many institutions offer Zoology/Animal Biology programs?+
48 U.S. institutions reported Zoology/Animal Biology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 28 states, awarding 1,722 credentials in the year. That is 51.5% of all Zoology/Animal Biology graduates.
How much do Zoology/Animal Biology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists occupation, which Zoology/Animal Biology most directly leads to, pays a median of $76,780 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Zoology/Animal Biology field report median earnings of $28,071 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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