Bachelor of Arts in Zoology - Ecology

University of Maine

Zoology is the study of all aspects of the biology of animals, including human beings and the many vertebrate and invertebrate animal species that populate the earth. Zoology majors study how animals function at the cellular, tissue, organ, and organismal levels, how they have evolved, how they contribute to biodiversity, and how they interact with each other and with their physical environment. The study of zoology includes not only learning what is currently known about animals but also learning how to do research to increase our basic knowledge about animals and to solve problems in many fields including medicine, agriculture, and ecology. Students with a degree in zoology can pursue a variety of careers in human and veterinary medicine, scientific research and development, education, environmental monitoring and regulation, and private design and consulting. Both the BS and BA degrees provide a strong background in the biology of animals, but the BS degree requires more math, chemistry, and physics and is pursued by most of our students. The BS program prepares students for a career in the health professions, graduate study in zoology, or a career that requires a higher level of technical skill. In contrast, the BA degree has a stronger focus on the social sciences and humanities and is particularly well suited for students pursuing a double major or seeking an international perspective. Students pursuing a B.S. in Zoology can declare a concentration in Pre-Medical Studies and students pursuing a B.A. or a B.S. in Zoology can declare a concentration in Ecology. Students in both degrees may also declare a minor in Neuroscience.