Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
Double Majors/Minors | Advanced Degrees | NCSU Orgs | Prof. Orgs | Links | Next Steps

Description of Major

Zoology is the study of animals, and zoology majors are broadly educated in the biology of animals. Required courses are designed to develop breadth and depth in core areas, providing a strong base for all Zoology majors. Students acquire a knowledge of zoology from the organizational level of molecules and cells to the organizational level of ecosystems, with flexibility in the selection of upper level courses to then specialize or remain generalized, according to individual interests and career goals. The B.S. in Zoology differs from the B. S. in Biological Sciences primarily in its emphasis on animals, including a course requirement in animal anatomy and physiology and a course requirement in animal phylogeny. The zoology curriculum prepares students for graduate school, for medical, dental or optometry school, and for veterinary schools. Graduates also are well prepared for employment in various government agencies, private industries, or nonprofit organizations. Graduates may continue their education with studies leading to advanced degrees in many areas of biology such as zoology, cell biology, ecology, wildlife and fisheries science, marine science, and biomedical subdisciplines. Many choose to seek degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health-related areas.

Courses include:

Required core courses include introductory biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, and calculus. More advanced course requirements in Zoology include Animal Anatomy & Physiology, Ecology, and Animal Diversity & Phylogeny. Students can select electives from a wide range of courses, including Animal Behavior, Cell Biology, Advanced Human Anatomy & Physiology, Limnology, Neurobiology, Endocrinology, Comparative Nutrition, Invertebrate Zoology, and Functional Histology. More details can be found at the Department of Biology website under the Academic Programs for Undergraduates as well as through the Curricula Comparison Tool.

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of Zoology courses, and the degree audit shows the curricula requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

Return to top

Skills You Develop In This Major

• Communication
• Operate scientific equipment
• Information handling & organization
• Biology theory & practical knowledge
• Statistical awareness
• Critical thinking skills
• Problem solving
• Technical skills
• Teamwork

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Course credit is available for this experience through the College of Agriculture and Sciences. You may or may not expect compensation from the employer.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The CALS Career Services office provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

Return to top

Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles	Sample Work Settings
Medical Technician	Hospitals
Environmental Consultant	Private Industry
Laboratory Technician	Medical Laboratories
Biology Teacher	Education
Wildlife Biologist	Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers
Technical Writer	Scientific Magazines

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

• Medical Doctor
• Dentist
• Physical Therapist
• Professor
• Veterinarian

Return to top

Salary

Baccalaureate - $ 30,850
From CALS Career Survey-check in 111 Patterson Hall for more information about salaries

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

Health PAC
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Anita Flick, MD, Health_PAC@ncsu.edu

Zoology Club

Biology Club
Faculty Adviser: Dr. William Grant, 513-3928, bill_grant@ncsu.edu

Leopold Wildlife Club
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Phil Doerr, 515-7588, phil_doer@ncsu.edu

Student Fishery Society
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Jim Rice, 515-4592, jim_rice@ncsu.edu

[ What Can I Do With A Major In...? | How Do I Decide On A Major? |
Degree Requirements | How Do I Change My Major? | Minors | Pre-Professional & Grad School ]

[ University Career Center | Advising Central | CALS Career Services | Textiles Career Services ]

[NC State Home]

Site last modified March 9, 2010
Copyright ©2004-2009, University Career Center and OASIS, North Carolina State University