Which Colleges Offer Zoology as a Major?

I'm really into animals and considering majoring in zoology when I go to college. Does anyone know which schools have strong zoology programs? I'd love to hear what colleges are famous for zoology, or if there are any hidden gems that maybe aren't as well-known but offer an excellent program. Any tips on what to look for in a zoology college would be super helpful as I start to put together my list of potential schools!

You're on the right track by focusing not just on schools known for zoology, but also considering hidden gems that might offer a great education in the field. Here are some institutions to consider:

There's Ohio Wesleyan University, which is known for its strong undergraduate zoology program, and you may have heard of Ohio State University and University of Wisconsin-Madison which are recognized for their comprehensive zoology offerings. Michigan State University also has a reputable program.

And on the west coast, University of California – Davis and University of California – Santa Barbara offer a solid zoology curriculum. Humboldt State University in California might not be as well renowned as these other institutions, but it is known for having a strong zoology program and giving students hands-on experience.

Don't forget to consider smaller liberal arts colleges that may have strong science programs. Even though they may not have a designated zoology major, you might be able to chart your own path and focus on zoology within a biology major. This kind of flexibility can exist in smaller institutions with liberal arts focuses, and offer you the close faculty interaction and smaller class sizes.

When evaluating the programs, consider factors like: opportunities for research in your undergraduate years, availability and quality of labs and other facilities, professors' areas of expertise – are they experts in the area of zoology that you're interested in? – and opportunities for internships, field study, or study abroad specializations. You might also want to consider the overall student life and location of the college – if you're someone who loves nature and wants to study animals, you might be happiest at a school with easy access to natural environments.

Keep in mind, it's always a good idea to reach out to schools you're interested in, ask them to connect you with a professor or current student in the zoology department who can give you a better sense of what studying zoology at that particular school will be like. Colleges welcome these kinds of inquiries from prospective students.