Zoology

B.S.
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online.*
delivery
$384 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
4
start terms/year

Zoology is the scientific study of animals — from the smallest insects to the largest mammals. If you’re interested in understanding animal behaviors, preserving endangered species or exploring the genetic makeup of different creatures, then earning your bachelor’s degree in zoology online from Oregon State University will give you the knowledge and tools to build a career in animal biology.

Through comprehensive course content and opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning, you’ll be able to apply a wealth of knowledge to real-life situations as you develop a solid foundation in the life sciences. This interdisciplinary biological sciences program focuses on all aspects of animal biology — from genes to ecosystems — and will enable you to study and protect the incredible diversity of life on Earth.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online zoology degree program

As a student in Oregon State’s online zoology degree program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out in the job market and level up your career. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty who have real-world experience in the field.

  • Invertebrate and vertebrate biology
  • Animal behavior
  • Population biology
  • Environmental physiology
  • Genetics and cell biology
  • Ecology and evolution
  • Conservation biology
Fuzzy brown beaver wading into shallow water next to green leaves and branches
Best Online Bachelor's Programs 2025 - U.S. News & World Report

Program details

Receive scientific training in the major areas of the life sciences including genetics and cell biology, physiology, ecology and evolution, and conservation biology in your zoology courses. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between — and challenges of — biological issues and society.

The online zoology program is offered by Oregon State’s College of Science.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits are required to graduate with your degree in zoology, including:

TBD

Additional program features

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– grade or better in each course.

The zoology major is not suitable for students in pre-veterinary medicine, 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 biohealth sciences or fisheries, wildlife, and conservation sciences while pursuing a zoology degree.

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.

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online with Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.

Zoology careers

The knowledge you acquire in Oregon State’s online zoology degree program will help you fill in-demand jobs in the global marketplace. As a leader in this area, you’ll enter the workforce ready to provide insights in fields that need natural sciences and conservation experts.

Job market outlook

Use the interactive tool on this page to discover employment trends, top occupations and salary details for professionals who have skills related to zoology. Please be aware that completing a program related to the job market information shown here does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.