How a Zoology Major Prepares You for the Job Market
Zoology graduates will enter the job market with valuable knowledge of animals and specialized science skills that can be applied to many occupations. While in school, zoology students learn about the function, evolution, habitat and behaviors of animals. They study different functions and interactions of wildlife through research, experiments and observations. Zoology majors also analyze molecules, cells and ecosystems, to better understand the development and evolution of animals. Students will develop a greater understanding of biology, as they explore a range of subjects that enhance a zoological science education.

Best Career Paths for Zoology Majors
The ever-changing field of zoology needs workers who are versed in animal science and have a genuine interest in the well-being, protection and study of wildlife. The best career paths for zoology majors to follow are:

• Zoologist. Zoologists closely study animals and wildlife, including their development, interaction, behavior and evolution. They are typically identified by the species they study, such as mammalogists, who study mammals, or herpetologists, who study reptiles. To better understand these important aspects of wildlife, zoologists often conduct experiments with live animals in natural or controlled settings. Natural or controlled environments allow zoologists to interact with and observe animals from a more accurate viewpoint. Whereas, other zoologists may perform experiments on dead animals to analyze their structure, diet and other helpful information. They are also concerned with the habitation and endangerment of animals. Therefore, many zoologists collect and examine data that determines environmental effects, endangerment by humans and pollution of land and water. With this information, zoologists can attempt to protect the life of endangered animals, as well as inform the public about wildlife conditions and concerns. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, zoologists made an average salary of $55,290 in 2008.
• Zookeeper. A zookeeper is in charge of caring for wild animals in zoos and animal parks. They do everything from feeding the animals, cleaning their living areas, socializing and playing with certain animals and monitoring their safety and health. Some keepers are assigned a group of animals to work with, or they may monitor a small collection of animals. Zookeepers keep a close eye on all animals and report any illnesses, injuries or changes in behavior to veterinarians. Some keepers will train the animals for zoo attractions and to make veterinary checks easier. A strong understanding of animals and their origin, function and behavior will make zookeepers more aware of the animals they are dealing with and allow them to answer people's questions and teach them about wildlife. They may participate in research, give presentations and help protect endangered wildlife. A zoology or animal science background, combined with a genuine love for animals is necessary in this rewarding and sometime dangerous line of work. Half of all zookeepers earned more than $10.75 an hour, according to the Bureau.

How to Market Your Zoology Degree
Zoology graduates can market their degree in a number of ways, starting with their educational background. With years of science classes and classroom experiments, you have become well versed in different sciences and have legitimate lab experience. You can also promote any research you've done in school and explain how it fostered your zoology education, or enhanced your science skills. Students are challenged to answer numerous biological questions through their observations and research, which broadens their understanding of animals and their place in the animal kingdom. If you specialized in a particular species or concentrated in any other science area, talk about what you learned and how you can apply this knowledge toward professional work and research.