• Build a strong foundation in the sciences.
• Use options to focus on depth and breadth of interest areas.
• Small class sizes in advanced courses.
• Opportunities for one-on-one research with biology faculty, including field and laboratory experiences.
• Gain skills in research design, data analysis, DNA and cell biological techniques, physiological diagnostics, ecological and environmental assessment, phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis, global complex systems analysis, computer modeling and simulations, scientific writing, and professional communications.
• Coursework and experiences designed to prepare students for graduate and professional schools.
• Math, science, and engineering community residence halls provide opportunities for group study, tutoring, and computer lab access,.
• Conner Museum of Natural History has animal skins, skeletons, and taxidermy mounts for research and study.

Zoology students have access to outstanding lab facilities:

• Owen Science and Engineering Library, the largest of its kind in the Northwest
• The highly regarded Conner Museum of Natural History, which has more than 56,000 specimens in research and display collections
• The Science Learning and Instruction Center (SLIC), a resource center for science majors that provides computer access, science software and videos, old tests, and other study aids
• The 800-acre Hudson Biological Preserve at Smoot Hill, 15 miles from Pullman, that serves as a biological field station
• The James Entomological Collection, comprising more than a million specimens of insects
• Grizzly bear research unit—the only university facility in the world to house adult grizzlies for research
• Prominent laboratories researching fish genetics, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and animal behavior

• A good preparation in science, mathematics, and communication
• At least three years of sciences and math in high school recommended
• Strong reading, writing, reasoning, and computer skills

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.

For all students at WSU

Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:

• Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration, including departmental awards.
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need. Get started here.

Click here for more info about WSU scholarships and financial aid

For students in zoology

Students are eligible for scholarships from the School of Biological Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Biology club

Zoology Club

Raptor Club and Rehabilitation Program

Pre-Health Professions:

• Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS)
• Pre-Dental Club
• Pre-Health Club
• Pre-Nursing Club: Rho Nu
• Pre-Pharmacy Club
• Pre-Physician Assistant Club
• Pre-PT/OT Club
• Pre-Vet Club (AKA Organization of Future Veterinarians)

What you can do with a degree in zoology

• Medicine, dentistry, and health fields

• Physical and occupational therapy

• Veterinary medicine

• Animal care and rehabilitation

• Zoo and marine park administration

• Fisheries and wildlife biology

• Conservation and resource management

• Environmental assessment

• Biotechnology and genetic engineering

• Forensics and pathology

• Public policy

• Science education

• Science writing and journalism

Skills you can market with a degree in zoology

• Intellectual curiosity and scientific creativity

• Research design and data analysis

• DNA and cell biological techniques

• Physiological diagnostics

• Ecological and environmental assessment

• Phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis

• Global complex systems analysis

• Computer modeling and simulations

• Scientific writing and professional communications