First online zoology bachelor's degree ensures access for all

The country's first online zoology degree is taught by nationally renowned biologists at the College of Science. It features a wide range of courses on the biology of animals and opens opportunities to jobs in conservation, animal research and more.

The College of Science proudly announced the launch of the nation’s first online bachelor’s degree in zoology. One of Oregon State University’s longest-running and popular majors, the bachelor’s degree in zoology is the only one offered throughout the state of Oregon. Now the distinctive program provides online students across the country access to a zoology major at Oregon State studying the same robust curriculum as on-campus students.

The fully online program combines the university’s industry-leading online education and the department of integrative biology’s deep expertise in zoology and the life sciences. OSU has been teaching life sciences courses, including zoology, for more than 100 years.

“Oregon State is developing a strong life sciences presence online,” said Sally Hacker, professor of integrative biology in the College of Science. “Students in the online zoology program learn from faculty who are nationally recognized in their teaching and research from any location while also being able to tailor their studies to meet their interests in animal biology through a series of required and elective courses.”

Side view of a rhinoceros hornbill flying through the air

Oregon State zoology majors have traveled to Borneo to study exotic birds like the rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) and other species.

Why choose Oregon State’s online zoology degree program?

Launched in the summer of 2019, the program initially admitted 35 students, and the program is continuing to grow with more online exposure and presence. This is a strong start for a new online degree program offered through OSU Ecampus, the university’s online learning unit. OSU Ecampus online bachelor’s programs were ranked No. 3 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in January 2019, making it Ecampus’ fifth straight year in the top 10.

“Growing online learning programs in the College of Science is a means for fulfilling our land grant mission, fundamentally making education accessible to people who might not otherwise have that access,” explained Brock McLeod, lead academic advisor in the Department of Integrative Biology. “Not only do online courses create greater access, they also help on-campus students across all majors with degree completion by allowing greater flexibility for those who need more scheduling options.”

Learn more about the online zoology program on the OSU Ecampus website.

Camrie poses in front of a brown bear's enclosure at Wildlife Images Rehabilitation Center. She wears a Wildlife Images Tshirt and smiles broadly.

Zoology major Camrie Smith ('24) first volunteered then interned at Wildlife Images Rehabilitation Center in Grants Pass, Oregon.

What is Oregon State's online zoology program like?

Students in the online zoology program study all aspects of the biology of animals – from genes to ecosystems. In particular, the zoology coursework covers major areas of the life sciences including genetics, physiology, ecology, evolution and conservation biology.

And as with on-campus zoology majors, students enrolled in the online zoology program are strongly encouraged to participate in undergraduate internships and study abroad experiences. One experiential learning option enables students to enroll in marine science summer courses offered at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center Center in Newport, Oregon.

“Students in the online zoology program learn from faculty who are nationally recognized in their teaching and research from any location while also being able to tailor their studies to meet their interests in animal biology.”

The College of Science expects to make further strides in the online learning space in the next couple of years. It currently offers nearly 70 online courses with courses in biology, chemistry courses and labs, mathematics, physics and statistics.

The Department of Integrative Biology has had notable success with its online introductory biology course series and a first-of-its-kind 3-D Virtual Microscope – winning a WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies Outstanding Work (WOW) award two years ago. The award recognizes innovative, technology-based solutions that transform the college learning experience.

A woman in a blue sweatshirt holds a bird.

Samantha Crockett ('24), an OSU Ecampus zoology student, holds a bird at the Hatfield Marine Science Center during summer term.

What does a zoologist do?

An OSU zoology degree has led graduates to career opportunities in various fields that include animal care and husbandry, curatorial and museum management, laboratory animal research, field biology and conservation and environmental management and policy.

Here are some examples from Oregon State zoology alumni:

Zoology graduate thrives with Oregon State's Ecampus

Samantha Crockett's journey from a struggling college student to a thriving zoology graduate is a testament to the transformative power of online education. Faced with isolation and academic disillusionment, she found her stride at Oregon State University's Ecampus program, where supportive professors and flexible learning opportunities reignited her passion for zoology.

Zoology grad turned emergency vet saves animals in California

When it comes to healing cats and dogs in a sunny California beach town, emergency veterinarian Karianna Crowder ‘17 is up to the task.

“I was drawn to the sciences and less so to agriculture my whole life. When it comes to wanting to be a small animal veterinarian, I wanted to focus more on the science behind it,” Crowder said.

Zoology graduate and conservationist engages people through art

Graduating this year with an online degree in zoology, Zoey Vagner hopes to use her education from Oregon State University to help raise public awareness about science to preserve the world we live in.