Careers for undergraduates
Stepping stone 1: a Bachelor's degree
In a job posting, the first requirement many employers list is possession of a Bachelor's degree. This is because employers value the knowlege and skills accuumulated along the way to the degree. In the first few years of the curriculum, MSU Zoology students build a solid foundation in the life sciences with the basic biology, chemistry, math and physics classes. In the later years of the program, students complete one of the various Zoology curriculum options whose courses align with their individual interests. These options include: behavioral, cellular or developmental biology; environmental science; marine biology or organismal biology. Completing the counses for that more focused curriculum option provides each Zoology graduate with a slightly different academic background, which may be the advantage needed in today's competitive job market.
This academic program provides both the analytical skills and breadth of subject matter necessary for success in many diverse work environments, including research, industry, medicine, dentistry, biotechnology, veterinary science, wildlife conservation, government, zoological parks, aquaria and teaching. A broad range of career opportunities is available in each of these work environments.
Get a sense of a few of the paths our graduates follow by looking at the profiles of some MSU Zoology alumni.
The list of our alumni profiles, however, is only a small segment of possible careers. A Bachelor's degree in Zoology will open the door to many other careers than these. Zoology graduates enter a very diverse array of jobs, rather than a specific job or set of jobs.