Studying zoology in the USA will equip you with the knowledge and skills to study animal behaviour effectively. With the knowledge you gain, you will be able to observe and measure the physical characteristics of various species, monitor their diet, track migration patterns and reproduction rates, and address any threats they may be facing. As a zoologist, you can work in places such as offices, laboratories, museums and universities.

In this piece, I will guide you through the qualifications and requirements that are needed for studying zoology in the USA.

Requirements for Studying Zoology in the USA

  1. Complete your Secondary Education

    You must have completed your secondary education before you can study zoology in the USA. Additionally, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for an undergraduate degree in zoology in the USA.

  2. Transcripts and GPA

    You must provide official transcripts from your high school. This transcript should include grades from all classes taken. Additionally, you should submit your transcript in English.

  3. Standardized Test Scores

    Most universities in the USA require students to take either the SAT or ACT exam. Additionally, you may be required to write the GRE. However, this is not compulsory for all universities. These exams are used by universities to determine a student’s eligibility for admission.

  4. English language proficiency

    You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. The minimum score for the IELTS is 7.0 with no sub-band lower than 6.5. Additionally, the minimum score for TOEFL iBT is 80 to 100.

  5. Letters of Recommendation

    You must submit a recommendation letter while making your application. Some universities may require one or more letters of recommendation from professionals such as teachers, guidance counsellors, or other individuals who can attest to your academic ability and potential. Therefore, you should not use a recommendation letter from a friend or family.

  6. Personal Statement

    Some universities might require you to write a personal statement. This personal statement or essay will explain why you want to study zoology and how your academic and personal background has prepared you for this field of study. Additionally, each school will have a required number of words that you should. Therefore, you need to verify from the school’s website before you apply.

Requirements to Obtain a Master’s Degree in Zoology in the USA

  1. Bachelor’s Degree

    You must have a bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field from an accredited institution. Additionally, some universities may also accept applicants with degrees in other fields. However, you must complete additional coursework or prerequisites before starting the master’s program.

  2. Transcripts

    You must submit official academic transcripts of your bachelor’s degree. This transcript must contain all your courses and grades that you have studied. Additionally, this transcript must be an official one and it must be written in English. Furthermore, most universities require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, but the requirements may vary depending on the specific university and program.

  3. Standardized Test Scores

    As part of their application, some universities may ask applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Additionally, this test is used by universities to determine a student’s eligibility for admission and to assess a student’s readiness for graduate-level study.

  4. Letters of Recommendation

    You need to have at least three recommendation letters. It should consist of 2 academic and 1 professional letter. These letters must be obtained from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, you should not use a recommendation letter from a friend or family.

  5. Personal Statement

    You must submit a personal statement or essay outlining why you want to pursue graduate studies in zoology. Additionally, you should explain what your career aspirations are, and how your academic and personal history has prepared them for this field of study.

  6. English Language Proficiency

    You need to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. You can use tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score for the IELTS is 6.0 while the minimum score for TOEFL is 80.

How to Apply

You can apply to the school of your choice through the school’s website. Most schools in the US will require you to pay for an application fee before submitting your application. The application fee varies between 50 -100USD. You can apply for an undergraduate program as well as a postgraduate program. Additionally, you need to verify each school’s requirements before filling out the application form.

Duration

The duration for studying zoology in the USA varies based on the type of program and the University. A bachelor’s degree in zoology lasts for four years. However, a master’s degree lasts for 1-2 years.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for studying zoology varies for international students as well as the particular university. The average amount for an undergraduate degree ranges from $26,000 to $50,000 annually. Additionally, the average amount for a master’s degree ranges from $14,000 to $65,000.

Universities in the USA to study Zoology

  1. Cornell University, New York
  2. Harvard University, Massachusetts
  3. University of Florida, Florida
  4. University of California – Davis, California
  5. University of California – Berkeley, California
  6. University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
  7. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan
  8. University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin
  9. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
  10. University of Georgia, Georgia
  11. Yale University, Connecticut
  12. University of California – Los Angeles, California
  13. University of California – Riverside, California
  14. Michigan State University, Michigan
  15. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Minnesota
  16. Duke University, North Carolina
  17. University of Texas at Austin, Texas
  18. Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas
  19. University of Arizona, Arizona
  20. Ohio State University, Ohio
  21. Oregon State University, Oregon
  22. Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania
  23. Stanford University, California
  24. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, North Carolina
  25. Rutgers University – New Brunswick, New Jersey
  26. University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
  27. University of Maryland – College Park, Maryland
  28. University of California – San Diego, California
  29. Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
  30. Princeton University, New Jersey
  31. Johns Hopkins University, Maryland
  32. University of Kansas, Kansas
  33. University of Chicago, Illinois
  34. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts
  35. Iowa State University, Iowa
  36. Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado
  37. University of California – Santa Barbara, California
  38. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  39. University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado
  40. Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri

In Conclusion, studying zoology in the USA can add greatly to your career pursuit. Most schools in the US can train professional zoologists. Therefore, if you are interested in studying this course, you need to make your preparations early. Additionally, you need to verify from the school’s website before you complete your application form. Feel free to reach out to us for further inquiries or assistance.

Good luck!

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