Among the most comprehensive biology-based degrees offered is an online zoology degree. A zoology education provides you with various career options that can change the world for the better. Few people can match the sense of accomplishment that zoologists have, whether they’re defending animals from natural or artificial threats, researching cures, or fighting extinction. In this ranking, we’ll talk about some of the best affordable online zoology programs in the country—plus a few surprises!
Our editors first reviewed online zoology bachelor’s degree programs in July 2023. This ranking was last updated in December 2023.
Featured Programs
Methodology for Rating the Top Online Zoology Programs
The programs listed below are ordered from the highest to the lowest score based on the program’s affordability. Rates shown are in-state undergraduate tuition fees. These rates can vary depending on your location, and the online version of a program can (and often does) have a different cost. Additionally, financial aid, grants, or scholarships can change the overall tuition fees. With that in mind, students should consider each of these excellent schools and programs before making a final decision.
| School | Tuition | Score |
| St. Petersburg College | $2,682 | 100 |
| Penn Foster College | $5,800 | 97.5 |
| Atlantic International University | $9,300 | 95 |
| Texas A&M University | $9,820 | 92.5 |
| Kansas State University | $10,466 | 90 |
| Arizona State University | $10,818 | 87.5 |
| Oregon State University | $11,858 | 85 |
| American College of Applied Science | $22,500 | 82.5 |
| New England Institute of Technology | $31,827 | 80 |
| Unity College | $56,400 | 75.5 |
Top 10 Cheapest Zoology Degree Online Programs
#1 St. Petersburg College
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
Veterinary Technology, Bachelor of Applied Science
Score: 100 Tuition: $2,682 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
Florida’s St. Petersburg College (SPC) is a public college located in Pinellas County, and it is the least expensive program on our list of online zoology and veterinary colleges. This large college, with a total enrollment of over 43,000 students, has a mission statement focused on empowering students to achieve success. It offers a VETTC-BAS degree that provides veterinary technicians with a terminal degree program in veterinary technology.
This 120-credit program is entirely online and is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. Students may choose from a clinical track, a hospital management track, or a combined track. A few of the courses offered are:
- Finance for the Veterinary Manager
- Introduction to Veterinary Technology Research
- Small Animal Nutrition
- Veterinary Pharmacology
#2 Penn Foster College
SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA
Veterinary Technology Bachelor’s Degree
Score: 97.5 Tuition: $5,800 Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Penn Foster College is an online for-profit college. It was initially known as International Corresponding Schools, but it later became the Center for Degree Studies. Penn Foster College offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, as well as undergraduate certificates, that are delivered online through asynchronous courses. There are no government or state aid programs at the college, which boasts tuition rates under $6,000.
The school’s veterinary technology bachelor’s degree is online and explicitly designed for students with an associate degree accredited by the AVMA. Students in this program learn the fundamentals of veterinary pharmacology, nursing of domesticated animal species, anesthesia for animals, surgical nursing and laboratory procedures, research in veterinary medicine, preventative health care, veterinary emergencies, critical care, and other veterinary basics. The coursework can be completed in two years and includes classes such as:
- Advanced Veterinary Pharmacology
- Essentials of Biochemistry
- Introduction to Research in Veterinary Technology
- Understanding the Human-Animal Bond
#3 Atlantic International University
HONOLULU, HAWAII
Bachelor of Zoology
Score: 95 Tuition: $9,300 Accreditation: U.K. Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC)
The Atlantic International University, Inc. (AIU) is based in Honolulu, Hawaii, and it has the cheapest online zoology degree program on our list. Through a sustainable approach to learning and an open curriculum design, AIU provides a unique alternative to traditional colleges. Instead of following a predetermined course list, the university’s online programs follow an open curriculum. Students and academic departments work as a team to construct a course of study that is tailored to students’ individual needs, interests, opportunities, and demands.
The Bachelor of Science in zoology program at the university is more tailored to the student than any other on our list. While outlining the curriculum, the online program identifies students’ strengths and weaknesses with respect to the market opportunities in their area of major and field of employment. Academic advisors help students design an individual program based on their specific needs. Some course offering examples are:
- Animal Ecology
- Animal Physiology
- Entomology
- Organic Chemistry
#4 Texas A&M University
COMMERCE, TEXAS
Veterinary Biomedical Technology, BS
Score: 92.5 Tuition: $9,820 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
Texas A&M University (TAMU) is a public land-grant research (R1) university located in Texas. The school was founded in 1876 as the first public higher-education institution in Texas and it is the only one in the state with simultaneous land-, sea-, and space-grant designations. With 72,982 students enrolled, Texas A&M has one of the largest student bodies of any university in the nation. The school’s mission is to provide the highest quality undergraduate and graduate programs in attempt to stimulate research and creativity.
The veterinary biomedical technology bachelor’s degree program at Texas A&M allows students to immerse themselves in animal science, physiology, and other subjects essential for working in the field. In this program, students will get an in-depth understanding of biomedical technology to become veterinary technicians, practice managers, or veterinary assistants. The program is offered entirely online and takes four years to complete. The 123-credit curriculum includes classes such as:
- Global Survey of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
- Humane Treatment and Handling of Animals
- Lab Animal and Exotics & Management
- Small Animal Clinical Nursing Techniques
#5 Kansas State University
MANHATTAN, KANSAS
Animal Sciences and Industry Bachelor’s
Score: 90 Tuition: $10,466 Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges & Schools
A public land-grant research university, Kansas State University (KSU), is located in Manhattan, Kansas. Founded in 1863, it was the first public college in Kansas and the second public university in the United States to admit men and women equally. The school has over 16,000 students enrolled.
The animal sciences and industry bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University prepares students for agriculture and food industries careers. The online program gives students basic science and biology knowledge focusing on animal biology and industry concepts, such as food processing, evaluation, livestock management, quality assurance, technology, and food safety. Students choose between animal products and product management curriculums, which both require 120 credit hours. Some of the classes offered are:
- Agricultural Business Communications
- Dairy and Poultry Science Lab
- Farm Animal Reproduction
- Swine Science
#6 Arizona State University
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
Bachelor of Science in Applied Biological Sciences – Pre-veterinary Medicine
Score: 87.5 Tuition: $10,818 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research (R1) university located in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The online campus is headquartered on ASU’s SkySong campus in Scottsdale. ASU’s faculty is highly respected, with multiple Nobel laureates, six Pulitzer Prize winners, 114 Fulbright Scholars, and 27 National Academy Members. It is also one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the U.S., with nearly 150,000 students and more than 38,000 students attending online.
The online Bachelor of Science in applied biological sciences – pre-veterinary medicine at Arizona State University prepares students for veterinary school and various careers in animal care. Students will develop a solid understanding of biology and chemistry while studying the anatomy and behavior of animals. This program offers comprehensive biology, chemistry, physics, animal science, and math courses. Sample classes include:
- Animal Nutrition
- Animal Physiology
- Ecology & Adaptations of Vertebrates
- Veterinary Medicine Today
#7 Oregon State University
CORVALLIS, OREGON
BS in ZOOLOGY
Score: 85 Tuition: $11,858 Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities
Oregon State University (OSU) is a public land-grant research (R1) university participating in the sea-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant research consortia. Its roots go back to 1856. Today, OSU offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs. The University has an enrollment of 34,108 students, making it the state’s largest University. Its mission statement proclaims: “As a land grant institution committed to teaching, research, and outreach and engagement, Oregon State University promotes economic, social, cultural, and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation, and the world…”
The zoology bachelor’s degree program at Oregon State University was the first online bachelor’s degree program in zoology in the country. By applying a wealth of practical knowledge and critical-thinking skills to real-life situations, students will be ready to enter the job market after completing the program. Oregon State E-campus also offers the option of adding a minor to a bachelor’s degree. Sample course topics include:
- Biology and conservation of marine mammals
- Herpetology
- Invertebrate and vertebrate biology
- Population biology
#8 American College of Applied Science
CRESCENT CITY, FLORIDA
Bachelor of Science in Companion Animal Science
Score: 82.5 Tuition: $22,500 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The American College of Applied Science in Crescent City is the newest school on our list, founded in 2005. It is also the most specialized school on our list, as all its degrees are in animal studies. In addition, ACAS is the only institution that offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs in companion animal science and behavior and a partnership with veterinarians.
The Bachelor of Science in companion animal science at ACAS is designed to prepare students interested in working with animals for graduate study and careers in animal science and welfare, focusing on domestic companion animals. Two elective modules are available to students: multi-species and community service or canine behavior analysis and counseling. The latter requires a five-day academic residency lab course. This program requires an associate’s degree or 60 credits to apply. Examples of courses included in the 60-credit program are:
- Animal Ethics and Welfare
- Avian and Exotic Studies
- Companion Animal Physiology
- The Human/Animal Bond
#9 New England Institute of Technology
EAST GREENWICH, RHODE ISLAND
BS in Veterinary Technology
Score: 80 Tuition: $31,827 Accreditation: New England Association of Schools & Colleges
The New England Institute of Technology (New England Tech) was founded in 1940 in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, as a private, non-profit university. It operates on a four-quarter schedule, allowing students to complete a bachelor’s degree within three years. The school had 1,843 undergraduate students, making it one of the smallest on our list. Its mission is to provide specialized undergraduate and graduate degree programs which prepare students for professional and technical careers.
The veterinary technology Bachelor of Science program at the New England Institute of Technology prepares students to function as part of a veterinary health team. Human-animal bonds and their importance in animal health care are also covered in the program. Additionally, students learn to become patient advocates and provide high-quality medical care for animals. The online curriculum includes 117 credits with classes such as:
- Advanced Laboratory Animal Medicine
- Clinical Animal Nutrition
- Law and Ethics in Veterinary Medicine
- Small Animal Internal Medicine
#10 Unity College
UNITY, MAINE
BS in Animal Health & Behavior
Score: 75.5 Tuition: $56,400 Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Unity College is a private college located in Unity, Maine, founded in 1965. It began as a residential school and expanded to online education in 2016. The college offers education based on sustainability science, emphasizing the environment and natural resources. The student population of 1,800 makes this school the smallest on our list and one of the smallest in the nation. The mission is to provide a liberal arts education that emphasizes the environment and natural resources.
The Bachelor of Science in animal health and behavior at Unity College prepares students for careers at zoos, aquariums, veterinary clinics, and government agencies focusing on animal welfare. With this degree, students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to work in veterinary medicine programs, wildlife rehabilitation, companion and wild animal care facilities, nature preserves, and more. The 120-credit curriculum features classes such as:
- Animal Care Technical Skills
- Animal Husbandry and Genetic
- Designing Captive Animal Environments
- Ecological Principles: Applications to Conservation and Wildlife
Other Online Zoology Degree Programs
Students interested in zoology may wish to test the waters by obtaining an associate degree before their bachelor’s. Additionally, those who already have their undergraduate zoology degree and want to receive a master’s may want to check out some of the online zoology programs below.
Earning an Online Bachelor’s Degree
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in zoology online gives you the ability to develop your specialization in animal sciences in a more disciplined way. Typically, undergraduates with a bachelor’s degree in animal science finish their studies after four years. These programs generally include courses in agricultural management, livestock science, marine biology, or animal nutrition that will require on-site work with animals.
Keep in mind, however, that many online programs are designed for those who are already juggling careers and other commitments. Some of them present courses in an asynchronous format, meaning you can log in and complete your studies whenever it is convenient for you. Because of this, some students are able to complete their programs in less time, while others might take a little longer.
Either way, as a graduate of a bachelor’s degree program in zoology, you will possess the skills necessary to pursue higher positions in various animal professions, or you can make the choice to further your education in the field.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Zoology Degree Online?
A typical bachelor’s degree program in zoology or animal biology takes around four years to complete. However, since many online programs are asynchronous (meaning that students can complete their coursework at their own pace), the time to completion may vary. Depending on the program, ambitious students may finish up sooner, while those with busy careers and many family commitments may take a bit longer.
Zoology Jobs and Industries
The skills you’ll gain from an online bachelor’s in zoology program prepare you for careers like animal nutritionist, biologist, conservationist, and veterinary technician. Local, state, and federal governments; national parks; museums; and zoological gardens offer career advancement opportunities for those in the field. Zoologists find work in:
- Animal breeding farms
- Aquaculture
- Biotech
- Media firms
- Primary industries
- Tourism businesses
You might enjoy: 10 Incredible Real-Life Indiana Joneses
How Is Zoology Related to Veterinary Science?
You will notice we have a mix of zoology and veterinary science and technology programs on this list. One reason for this is that zoology bachelor’s degree programs via an online format tend to be in short supply, due to the required hands-on training. Because of this, we decided to add veterinary programs as well.
Also, alternative bachelor’s degrees such as veterinary and animal health will prepare you for similar careers.
Both career paths involve the study of animals. With zoology, students primarily learn about wildlife, their habitats, and how animals interact with each other and the environment. Veterinary sciences focus more on medical care for livestock and domesticated animals.
See Also: Top 20 Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Biotechnology Programs
For entry-level positions, both fields require a bachelor’s degree. However, for deeper-level research and scientific work, a graduate degree is usually necessary. Also, like zoologists, veterinarians may work in the private or public sector.
Getting Paid To Study Wildlife
This is the primary reason people pursue the field of zoology. If you have a keen interest in animals, nature, ecology, and the outdoors, you can earn a decent living doing something that you genuinely love.
Related Programs: Top 35 Affordable Forestry Degrees
Variety
The duties of a zoologist can be quite broad, and you will likely be doing something new and unique each day.
Travel and Adventure
While not everyone who pursues a zoology degree will work in an exotic setting, the potential is there. Your career could take you to jungles, rainforests, the coast, national parks, and nature preserves worldwide.
Making a Positive Impact on the World
As a zoologist, you may end up working with agencies and nonprofits on conservation initiatives and similar projects.
Similar Programs: Top 50 Farm and Ranch Management Degrees
You may also like:
- Best Online Master’s in Environmental Science & Sustainability: Students Before Profits Award
- Top 10 Colleges in the Caribbean: Students Before Profits
- Why Study Online?
