Bachelor of Science in Zoo Science and Applied Conservation
West Liberty, USA
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
West Liberty University’s Zoo Science Major offers students opportunities to learn from zoo specialists and conservation biologists, receiving hands-on training at partnering Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited institutions, on-site animal facilities at West Liberty University, as well as in the field.
Why ZOOsci?
Affordability + Comprehensive Curriculum + Faculty Experience + Hands-on Experience
- Prepare for careers in AZA-accredited institutions or applied conservation.
- Learn the knowledge and skills necessary for critical thinking and problem-solving in zoological and conservation facilities.
- Engage with animals in human care, while learning modern husbandry techniques.
- WLU has more than 225 individual animals from over 65 species that provide an opportunity to learn skills with increasingly more challenging species.
- Complete internships at AZA facilities in your Junior or Senior year for a greater focus on animal husbandry or work with approved conservation scientists to focus on applied conservation.
Students will learn from zoo professionals and be exposed to various animal care facilities including small and large zoos and aquariums, conservation centres, nature centres, wildlife rehabilitation centres, and fish hatcheries.
Go Further
With the only Master’s Degree program in the nation for Zoo Science, you can:
- Keep your job while you prepare for your future
- Earn your MA or MS
- Complete your thesis research at your current institution (MS only)
- Receive assistance for attending WLU in person
- Take your classes remotely
- BIO 180 – Principles of Zoo / Aquarium Science
- BIO 280 – Zoo Education
- BIO 380 – Zoo Ornithology Lecture & Lab
- BIO 382 – Zoo Herpetology Lecture & Lab
- BIO 384 – Zoo Mammalogy Lecture & Lab
- BIO 386 – Zoo Applied Conservation
- BIO 450 – Zoo Animal Behavior Management Lecture & Lab
- BIO 452 – Zoo Animal Medicine Lecture & Lab
- BIO 454 – Zoo Internship
- BIO 471 – Conservation Practicum
Freshman & Sophomore Years of Study
- Volunteer Hours: Students must volunteer with the Zoo Science animal collection and applied conservation labs for a minimum of 200 hours per year during the freshman and sophomore years of study as a pre-requisite for experience.
- Summer Internship: A ten-week summer internship between the sophomore and junior year of study at an AZA-accredited zoo is required.
Junior & Senior Years of Study
- Animal Husbandry Focus: Students focusing on animal husbandry must complete two semesters (springs and/or falls) interning at an AZA-accredited facility; suggested semester schedules: 9-12 credit hours of coursework plus 3 credit hours of internship credit for the Zoo experience.
- Applied Conservation Track: Students in the Applied Conservation track must complete two conservation practicums with either applied conservation faculty at WLU or with approved conservation specialists in the field.
Program Goals
Through the completion of WLU’s unique Zoo Science curriculum, which incorporates at least five months of full-time hands-on experience with animal husbandry at AZA-accredited facilities in team learning environments and one-on-one instruction and mentoring by zoo and conservation professionals, students will have ascertained skill sets that prepare them for employment in zoo and conservation facilities, wildlife rehabilitation and restoration, federal and state conservation agencies and graduate schools in ecological and conservation science.
Animal Trainers
- Service animal trainer
- Zoo animal trainer
- Equine industry trainer
- Animal trainer for military and law enforcement
Exotic Animal Care
- Keepers
- Managers
- Curators
- Registrars
- Administrators
at zoos, aquariums, nature centres, sanctuaries, rehabilitation centres,
and fish hatcheries
Exotic Animal Research
- Reproductive Physiologists
- Animal Nutritionist
- Endocrinologist
- Conservation Biologist
- Ecologist
at zoos, aquariums, and conservation centres
Classes will be conducted at WLU, as well as at local AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.