Top colleges for biology and zoology?

I've always loved animals and I'm interested in studying biology and zoology in college. What are some of the best programs out there? Any schools known for strong research opportunities in these areas?

There are several universities known for having excellent programs in biology and zoology, each with their own unique strengths and research opportunities.

For general biology, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Stanford University are consistently ranked among the top institutions in the U.S., largely due to their robust research facilities, faculty expertise, and comprehensive coursework.

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) also has a strong biology program and offers an emphasis in animal biology within their Integrative Biology major. University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is another option well-known for its work in the biological sciences, particularly in the field of animal science.

For specifically zoological studies, consider Ohio State University (OSU) and University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW Madison). Both have distinct zoology departments and offer undergraduate majors in zoology, which is slightly rarer as many schools typically offer zoology as a concentration or track within a broader biology or life sciences degree. They provide robust coursework and numerous research and fieldwork opportunities in areas such as animal behavior, evolutionary biology, and conservation.

Notable mention goes to Cornell University as well. While not having an undergraduate zoology major, Cornell does a significant amount of research in the life sciences and its College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has programs in animal science, biological sciences, and entomology.

All these universities have strong opportunities for undergraduate research, which would be crucial for you to gain hands-on experience in the field. Do check out each university's program specifics to see which matches your interests and career goals the best!