Zoology is the study of animals, ranging from microscopic invertebrates to the largest animals to ever live on the planet. An education in Zoology prepares you to start a career working in any of the broad levels of life, from working on the cellular level, to working on a specific species or individual animal, or all the way up to working on total ecosystems or the whole biosphere. Work can be as varied as doing research on topics such as animal behavior, cellular biology, or ecology, working in animal husbandry, being on the frontlines of conservation, or being the neighborhood veterinarian.
Common employers
- USDA
- Forest Service
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- Denver Zoo
- Greenwood Wildlife Rehab Center
- Arapahoe Animal Hospital
- City of Fort Collins
- UC Health
- Disney
Common job titles
- Veterinary Technician
- Park Ranger
- Science Teacher
- Wildlife Rehab Assistant/Keeper
- Wildlife Officer
- Animal Care Technician
- Aquarium Biologist
- Research Assistant
Factors of success
- Engagement with the CSU Career Center
- Internship or research involvement
- GPA
- On campus employment
For more information visit the Department of Biology’s website:
Career checklist
- Go to the Career Center’s drop-in hours or schedule an appointment with a Career Educator to discuss what you should be doing to develop career skills. The Career Center is located at room 120 of the Lory Student Center. See https://career.colostate.edu/ or call (970) 491-5707 to see a Career Educator or to explore the many resources available.
- Log into Handshake, the CSU Career Center’s online location for on-campus jobs, internships, and careers.
- Join a student organization relevant to Zoology:
- Learn about the concentrations available in Zoology: https://catalog.colostate.edu/general-catalog/colleges/natural-sciences/biology/zoology-major/
- Create a resume and learn how to write a cover letter based on the handouts in the Career Center and on the website. Then have your resume and cover letter reviewed in a drop-in session at the Career Center or make an appointment with a Career Educator.
- Attend an appointment or drop-in at the Career Center to discuss job/internship search strategies and tips for interviewing.
- Apply for undergraduate internship options: https://www.biology.colostate.edu/undergraduate-students/career-resources/
- Become a research assistant by applying to one of the opportunities listed here: https://www.natsci.colostate.edu/undergraduate-research/
- Run for a leadership role in a student organization.
- Update your resume and/or CV for internships or on-campus jobs.
- Attend an appointment or drop-in at the Career Center to discuss job/internship search strategies and tips for interviewing.
- Apply for undergraduate internship options: https://www.biology.colostate.edu/undergraduate-students/career-resources/
- Learn about graduate school related to Zoology: https://www.biology.colostate.edu/degree-programs/
- If planning on attending graduate school, make an appointment with a Career Educator to create a plan.
- Update your resume and/or CV.
- Present research at CSU:
- Attend a mock interview session at the Career Center to prepare for the job search or graduate school interviews.
- Attend many networking events to meet employers and increase your chances of landing a job.
- Ask three professors and/or employers to be professional references.
- You may continue to use the Career Center for guidance! All services are still available to you at no cost for one year after graduation and for a small fee after that.
