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Bachelor's Degrees
Preserve biodiversity. Study molecular biology. Heal and care for animals.
Our strong fundamental training and our program specializations help you follow your passions into diverse careers in the life sciences. You’ll experience a holistic, hands-on education that gives you the practical experience to prepare you for the real-world challenges in your chosen career.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
This Zoology degree program can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
- Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
- University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
- Zoology Requirements: 54-56 credit hours
- Additional Biological Sciences Requirements: 7-9 credit hours
- Electives: 16-21 credit hours
Check out the undergraduate Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years. View all related undergraduate courses.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
This Zoology degree program can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.
- Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
- University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
- Zoology Requirements: 68-72 credit hours
- Additional Biological Sciences Requirements: 7-9 credit hours
- Electives: 0-6 credit hours
Check out the undergraduate Curricular Guides Animal Biology, Environmental Biology, Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Conservation, Pre-Veterinary Science, and Wildlife Biology and Conservation , which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years. View all related undergraduate courses.
Specializations:
Choose your personal path to success with our Bachelors of Science Specializations:
- Animal Biology – This broad specialization encompasses ecology, evolution, and systematics, and allows wide flexibility in choosing courses that meet your own interests.
- Environmental Biology – This specialization focuses on environmental health, including soil and water quality, contaminants, and environmental chemistry and toxicology.
- Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Conservation – This specialization includes the ecology and management of fishes, aquatic invertebrates, and both marine and freshwater ecosystems. You can focus on the rapidly expanding field of aquaculture — growing fish and invertebrates for food and for reintroducing threatened species. There are many opportunities for hands-on experiences through the Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences.
- Pre-Veterinary – This specialization prepares you for veterinary school or a related career as a veterinary technician, providing familiarity with both wild and domestic animals.
- Wildlife Biology and Conservation – This specialization is for students interested in wildlife ecology and management. The curriculum qualifies students to become Certified Wildlife Biologists through the national organization, The Wildlife Society. We offer opportunities for hands-on involvement with research through the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, and other faculty.
Minor:
If you’re majoring in a different field but still passionate about animal life, SIU offers a zoology minor to allow you to create your own specific learning path. A Zoology minor complements a wide range of majors, and can be your stepping stone to a unique career. You can pursue animal care, conservation, research, and more. The skills and knowledge you gain can set you apart in a competitive job market for your primary major.
Marine Biology
Marine Biology in Southern Illinois? Yes! -- through our partnership with the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. In addition to working with marine animals in aquaria, this course includes a trip to the Gulf Coast during spring break. You’ll gain hands-on experience from shorelines, on a ship, and in a marine laboratory.
Research
With our strong focus on undergraduate research, you’ll receive guidance and support in conducting research projects that align with your academic objectives. We strongly encourage using your required senior project to gain valuable experience outside the classroom. Such experience can help you discover what you really like doing, and can provide important contacts and references for future employment or graduate school.
“SIU is providing amazing opportunities and many of the qualities I was looking for in my major program,” Ward said. “The program I’m in allows for a diverse range of research opportunities. There are multiple research labs to be a part of, and most with paid opportunities as well.” Read the Full Story
Internships
You can learn on the job while earning college credit with SIU Zoology internships, which bridge the gap between theory and practice. We offer credit for a variety of internship arrangements. Although most students find internships either on or off campus that are tailored to their interests, some are offered by the Zoology Program:
Student Organizations
Involvement in registered student organizations is a good way to build exciting, rewarding, and meaningful relationships in college with a diverse group of people that share your passions. Join our Zoology RSOs to participate in specialized events and create memories that will last a lifetime.
- The Wildlife Society (SIU Student Chapter)
- American Fisheries Society (SIU Student Subunit)
- Saluki Bassers
- Diversify Stem
Scholarships
Your accomplishments deserve to be celebrated. We offer numerous scholarships and awards to support your financial needs and recognize your achievements as a student.
Careers:
Our graduates are well equipped to make meaningful impacts in science, conservation, and ecology, whether it’s preserving ecosystems, conducting research, or educating the public. Possible careers include:
- Wildlife manager
- Wildlife epidemiologist
- Wildlife rehabilitation specialist
- Veterinarian
- Park Ranger
- Wetland ecologist
- Game warden
- Fisheries biologist
- Aquaculturist
- Geneticist
- University faculty
- Science writer/communicator
- Zookeeper
Contact Information
James Lovvorn
Program Coordinator
Life Science II 445
1125 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-4127
lovvorn@siu.edu
Yvonne Gramenz
Academic Advisor
Neckers 217 K
1145 Lincoln D
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-3080
yvonne12@siu.edu