15 Cheapest online zoology degrees from $129 Tuition Per Credit

 

There is no question that a degree in zoology is not only educational but fascinating and rewarding. A zoology degree can also open up a wealth of career opportunities. According to Career Explorer, Zoologist is one of the happiest careers in the US. While the salary potential may vary depending on the specific field of zoology, the outlook for zoologists is generally favourable.

What is a zoologist?

Zoologists study animals and their behavior. They also study the different habitats that animals live in. Zoologists are often called animal scientists or animal experts. They may work in a laboratory, conduct experiments, or conduct research in the field, studying animals in their natural habitat.

Can I get a zoology degree online?

The field of zoology offers many opportunities for students who are interested in studying animals. Zoology Degrees are available online but are rare due to the hands-on nature of the program. However, there are plenty of similar educational pathways for students who want to pursue a career in Zoology. Aspiring zoology students are most likely to enroll in any of the following fields:

FieldEmphasis
  General BiologyEvolutionary biology, animal behavior, marine biology, invertebrate biology, zoology  
EcologyBiology of mammals, Animal behavior, Fisheries science, Marine ecology or biology, Ecosystem ecology
Wildlife BiologyGeneral zoology, wildlife rehabilitation, mammalogy  

 

Choosing an affordable zoology program

There are a few factors to consider when considering an online zoology degree. First, deciding what you want to study in zoology is essential. Do you want to focus on marine biology, ecology, or animal behavior? Each specialty has its own curriculum and requirements.

Next, it’s essential to consider the school’s accreditation. Accredited schools have met specific standards set by the US Department of Education and are typically better-quality schools.

Below we have listed 15 of the most affordable online zoology degrees.

#1. University Of Florida

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Biology

Tuition: $129.18/credit hour

Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by SACSCOC and ranked as the #1 college for best online undergraduate programs.

The Online B.A in Biology program at the University of Florida is a broad-based program that allows students to explore different areas of biology while providing enough flexibility to specialize in particular subdisciplines. The program’s interdisciplinary nature will enable students to develop a broader approach to biology. The degree will provide them with the skills necessary for a career as a Med/Vet Technician, Zoologist, Conservation Biologist or Marine Mammal Trainer.

Sample course topics

  • Functional Vertebrate Anatomy
  • Invertebrate Biodiversity
  • Critical Analysis of Biological Research
  • Plant Ecology

#2. Barton College

Program: Associate in Science, Emphasis in Biological Sciences

Tuition: $155/credit hour

Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by the (HLC) Higher Learning Commission and is ranked #14 of 125 Best Regional Colleges South Rankings

The Associate in Science, Emphasis in Biology degree at Barton college provides students with a comprehensive foundation of knowledge about multiple living organisms and their relationships to each other as well as their environment. This program is designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution where they can pursue a bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or another related field.

Sample course topics

  • Principles of Botany
  • Principles of Zoology
  • Principles of Biology

#3. Georgia Military College

Program:  Associate of Science degree in Biology

Tuition: $162/credit hour

Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by SACSCOC and is ranked #1 among Best Schools for Associate degrees in Georgia.

The Associate’s Degree in Biology at Georgia Military College is designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain a strong foundation in biology. Students will have the chance to develop a biological project, research biological literature, collect and interpret data, and write the results of their investigations. In addition, students will also have the opportunity to explore career options in the field of biology. This associate’s degree transfers to a bachelor’s degree program in Biology or a related biology field.

#4.Florida International University

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences

Tuition: $228.81/credit hour (resident); $345.87/credit hour (non-resident)

Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by SACSCOC and ranks at #3 of 15 Best Online Biology Bachelor’s Degree.

The Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences at the Florida International University provides students with the opportunity to develop their critical thinking skills through exposure to a wide variety of scientific research and writing projects. In addition to providing a solid foundation in the basic sciences, this program also introduces students to some of the most cutting-edge discoveries in biology today.

Sample course topics

  • Ecology
  • Genetics
  • Evolution
  • Physiology/Biochemistry
  • Organismal Diversity

#5.University Of Alaska Fairbanks

Program: Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Marine sciences

Tuition: $234/credit hour

Accreditation and Ranking: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; ranked as one of the 4 Best Value Online Schools In Alaska.

UAF’s Bachelor of Science Fisheries and Marine Sciences program provides students with a broad knowledge of biological, quantification, physical, and ecosystem sciences for students interested in ecology, fisheries biology, marine biology, and oceanography. The program offers four paths in marine biology, fisheries, oceanography, and no-concentration.

#6.Rio Salado

Program: Associate in Science, Emphasis in Biological Sciences

Tuition: $241/credit hour

Accreditation: Rio Salado Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Rio Salado College offers an online Associate in Science degree with an Emphasis on Biological Sciences. This program allows students to explore the relationship between structure and function at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and math. In addition, students have the opportunity to gain experience in laboratory research and critical thinking skills.

#7.Community College of Denver

Program:  Associate of Science degree with a designation in biology

Tuition: $247/credit hour(resident); $629.25/credit hour (non-resident)

Accreditation and Ranking: Accreditation is by the Higher Learning Commission and is ranked #9 of 23 best colleges. Best Colleges & Universities Colorado

The A.S degree with a designation in biology at the Community College of Denver provides students with a foundation in the study of animals, plants, cells, genes, and other life science topics. The program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field. Students who complete the associate’s degree will be well prepared for further study in biology and will have the skills necessary to work in a variety of scientific fields.

Students have the option to choose any of the following natural & physical sciences Courses

  • Microbiology
  • General Zoology
  • General College Ecology
  • Genetics

#8. Oregon State University

Program: B.S. Zoology

Tuition: $346/credit hour

Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and recognized as one of the best online colleges ranking at #3 of 326 Best Online Colleges In America.

Oregon State University is one of the few schools that offer a fully online zoology program. The Zoology B.S. program at OSU provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the relationships and challenges of biological issues and society. The degree in zoology Online  program trains students in the major areas of the life sciences, including genetics and physiology.

Sample course topics

  • Invertebrate and vertebrate biology
  • Animal behaviour
  • Marine biology and ecology
  • Evolution
  • Population biology
  • Environmental physiology
  • Biology and conservation of marine mammals

#9.Atlantic International University

Program: B.S. Zoology

Tuition: $470/credit hour

Accreditation: Atlantic International University is accredited by International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC)

The Bachelor of Zoology (B.S.) at Atlantic International University is an online degree program that allows students to complete their degrees without having to travel to campus. The curriculum is designed individually by the student and academic advisor so that students can have different requirements than the rest of the class. Students can choose from various subjects and courses, including Genetics Entomology, Animal ecology, Marine Ecology, Animal Physiology and Animal Behavior.

#10.Unity College

Program: B.S. in Animal Health and Behavior

Tuition: $470/credit hour

Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by the (NECHE) New England Commission of Higher Education. The college is recognized as one of the Best Colleges in the North, with a ranking of #22 of 57 schools.

The B.S. in Animal Health and Behavior at Unity College is a rigorous program that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to focus on the care and well-being of wild and captive animals worldwide. The curriculum includes animal health, behaviour, ecology, conservation biology, and more coursework. This program prepares students for careers in various fields, including Veterinary Assistants, zoo keeping, wildlife rehabilitation, and more.

Sample course topics

  • Animal behaviour
  • Animal health and disease
  • Design of captive animal environments
  • Ecological principles, and more. 

#11.Unity College

Program: B.S. in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture

Tuition: $470/credit hour

The B.S. in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture at Unity College offers a broad emphasis on both marine biology and aquaculture, with the goal of providing students with a strong foundation in both fields that can be applied to any sort of career path at all levels.

This program’s curriculum is designed to give students a deep understanding of the natural world around them in order to protect, preserve, and grow marine organisms.

Sample course topics

  • Biological Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution
  • Marine Mammal and Seabird Biology
  • Introduction to Oceanography
  • Form and Function of Unique Marine Ecosystems

#12.The University Of Arizona

Program: Bachelor of Science in Biology

Tuition: $525/credit hour

Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #7 of the Best Online Bachelor’s Degree.

The Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Arizona is a rigorous program that provides a broad overview of biological systems’ structure, evolution, and function. The program is designed for students who wish to pursue forensic science, wildlife biology, or conservation careers.

Sample course topics

  • Ecology
  • Genetics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Foundations in Biochemistry

#13.Washington State University

Program: Bachelor of Science in Biology

Tuition: $554.05/credit hour (resident); $617.65/credit hour (non-resident)

Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and ranks at #3 of 50 Best Colleges in Washington

The Bachelor of Science in Biology at Washington State University is an online program that covers molecular and cell biology, physiology, and the development of animals and plants. It is an excellent option for students who want to learn about a wide variety of biological fields, including human anatomy, taxonomy, genetics, ecology, disease biology, and evolutionary biology.

Sample course topics

  • Epigenetics and Systems Biology
  • Principles of Conservation
  • General Genetics
  • General Ecology

#14. Arizona State University

Program: Bachelor of Science in Applied Biological Sciences – Pre-veterinary Medicine

Tuition: $552/credit hour

Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks at #54 of 209 Best Public Schools in America.

The Online Bachelor of Science in Applied Biological Sciences – Pre-veterinary Medicine at Arizona State University is a program designed to help students develop the skills needed to work with animals effectively. The program provides students with a broad understanding of the biological sciences while focusing on areas related to animal behaviour and conservation or animal health care. The program provides students with an opportunity to develop the skills needed to effectively work with animals by equipping them with an understanding of the anatomy and behaviour of animals as well as their interactions with humans.

Sample course topics

  • Animal Physiology
  • General Genetics
  • Ecology and Adaptations of Vertebrates
  • Animal Nutrition

#15.Kean University

Program:  B.A in Biology

Tuition: $8,112.50 per Semester (9-12 credits per sem)

Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The B.A. in Biology at Kean University provides the foundation of biology-related career paths for students who wish to become teachers, ecologists, zoologists, or biochemists. The program offers a well-rounded curriculum that covers the fundamental principles of biology while also providing opportunities for students to specialize in an area of their choosing.

Major courses include:

  • General Biology
  • Zoology: Form & Function
  • Principles of Genetics
  • Principles of Ecology
  • Principles of Botany

Zoologist Career Overview

Education Requirements4-Year Bachelor’s Degree
Recommended Degree ProgramZoology, General Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology
Average Salary$64,650 per year
Projected Growth Rate5% (1,000 jobs added each year for the next decade)
Other Job Titleszoological field assistant, wildlife biologist, conservation biologist,  field biologist, or field assistant

 

What Education is Needed to Become a Zoologist?

To become a zoologist, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related biology field. However, to do independent research or to teach at the college level, you need a Ph.D. In order to get a Ph.D., you will need to complete a dissertation, an original research project written up and defended before a committee of experts. According to data collected by Zippia, 64.3% of zoologists achieved a bachelor’s degree, while 28.6% have pursued higher education.

What is the job outlook for a Zoologist?

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the job outlook for zoologists is expected to grow by 5% in the next decade. This means that about 1,000 new jobs will be opening up in the field each year in the next decade. To stand out in this competitive industry, eager young professionals should work to gain practical experience and develop vital skills. This may include conducting research, working with animals in a lab or sanctuary setting, or teaching others about animal biology. Possessing a degree from a well-respected program will also give applicants an advantage when competing for jobs.

How Much Does a Zoologist Make?

The median salary for zoologists is $64,650 based on the latest data by BLS. This means that half of the people working in this field earn above-average salaries. There are a variety of salaries within this field, depending on the level of experience, education, and specialization. Some zoologists may work for colleges or universities as professors, while others may conduct research for the government or a private company.

Below is an overview of the annual wages for zoologists and wildlife biologists in the top industries.

IndustryMedian Annual Wage
Federal government, excluding postal service    $81,890
Research and development in theengineering, physical, and life sciences           $64,420  
State government, excluding education and hospitals$63,580
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services$61,920
 Universities, Colleges,and professional schools; state, local, and private$61,780

Additional Certifications and Licenses

For the most part, zoologists do not require any specific certifications or licenses. However, if you want to work in a field like marine biology, you may need a SCUBA certification. Other specialties within zoology may have different requirements; for example, veterinarians may need to be licensed in order to practice. So it’s essential to research the specific requirements of the field you’re interested in before making any decisions.

Is A Degree In Zoology Worth It?

Zoology is the study of animals, so it’s essential that you have a passion for them if you want to be successful in this field. If you enjoy working with animals and have a strong interest in learning about their biology, then a zoology or online animal science degree can be worthwhile.

Zoology can lead to many different career paths, from working with zoo animals to becoming a veterinarian or wildlife biologist. There are also many opportunities for research in the field of zoology. So if you’re looking for a versatile degree that will open up many career options, zoology may be the right choice.

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