Curriculum

Gain scientific training in the major areas of the life sciences including genetics and cell biology, physiology, ecology and evolution, and conservation biology through a collection of challenging online courses. A wide range of electives allows you to explore a variety of topics in animal biology, including a diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate animals from marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.

Through rigorous and relevant coursework, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between, and challenges of, biological issues and society.

(Note: The zoology major is not suitable for students in pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy and some other health profession fields, as it does not include some key prerequisite coursework for those disciplines. Additionally, you are unable to dual or double-major in fisheries and wildlife while pursuing a zoology degree).

Degree requirements

You must earn 180 credits in this program, at the completion of which you will earn a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. View the zoology major requirements and a full list of classes on Oregon State’s official academic catalog.

The program curriculum includes:

• Core courses in introductory biology, chemistry, math, professional development and upper-division biological sciences ranging from genetics to physiology to evolution
• OSU's baccalaureate core
• The following elective areas:
  • Organismal, physiology and systematics
  • Ecology, evolution and conservation
  • Natural resource, management and policy
  • Scientific skills and experiential learning

Biology and chemistry requirements

As a zoology major, you must complete a sequence of three introductory biology courses with a C- or better grade to continue on to upper-division biology and zoology coursework. You must also complete a General Chemistry series and CH 331, Organic Chemistry with a C- or better in each course.

Study in summer on the Oregon coast

You have the option to enroll in marine biology and other marine science summer courses offered at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. These summer courses can be fully integrated with your zoology degree requirements. There are also summer research opportunities at HMSC that can be used to further your experience.

Study abroad and see the world

We are leaders in study abroad experiences that can be fully integrated into the zoology degree. Visit the Study Abroad in Biology and Zoology website for more information.

Transfer credit

Some of the degree requirements can be transferred from other colleges and universities. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement. Previously earned credits will need to be reviewed upon admittance into OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through the Single Course Search tool provided by OSU's Office of Admissions.

Add a minor

As an Oregon State Ecampus student, you can add a minor to your degree program. OSU boasts a diverse offering of minors online, giving you a great way to enhance your studies and gain a competitive advantage in the job market.

(Note: The biology minor is not available to zoology students as it is too similar to the zoology major.)