Jobs for the Major
How this major affects a job search
Don't assume you'll be in a zoo just because of your major. In fact, a huge portion of zoology majors opt for careers that don't have anything to do with animals. This is one of the more versatile biology-based degrees you can get. Shh, don't tell the biology majors that. The degree says "Zoology" on it, but what it really says is "I know a bunch about animals." You'll have their behavior, genetic makeup, and ecology all in your brain. You'll be an animal lover after this degree, whether you want to be or not.
If for some reason you want to avoid animals altogether, you can do that too. But why would you want to do such a thing, have you ever seen puppies? They're adorable.
If that is your prerogative though, it is available to you. Your background in science will open doors that you didn't even know existed. Labs, national parks, and just about anywhere you want to work with biology will have you.
Common Career Fields
Emergency Medical Technician: All those science classes you took are coming back to help you here. EMTs go through some tough science courses, but they'll be a breeze for a zoology major. People in this profession are the first to arrive on an accident scene. You can do it for the satisfaction of saving lives, or the fact that it's a great way to meet new people. Granted, they won't be in the most social moods, but they're new nonetheless.
Field Biologist: Ever wonder who collects all the information on endangered species? How about invasive pine beetles? Well, those are field biologists. They're the ones who keep us from driving rare organisms to extinction. So if helping the world continue being a thing is up your alley, consider this route. We're organisms too after all. Additionally, if you consider data to be one of your best buds, then field biology will treat you well.
Forest Ranger: Have you always identified with Smokey the Bear? His whole schtick about preventing forest fires is a big part of this profession. If there are no more forests, the rangers would have to become "dirt rangers," which doesn't have the same ring to it. You'll also be taking surveys of the wildlife and plants (how many there are, not asking which cheese they like best).
Pest Control Specialist: Nobody likes finding out termites are destroying their house from the inside out. Except termites, but nobody is asking their opinion on this matter. It is easy to say "Let's just bug bomb 'em," but it isn't that simple. Knowing their behavior and how to get the little buggers (sorry, we had to) is harder than just letting out some gas. Also, if you've ever seen somebody jump on a chair when they see a mouse, you'll understand why job security isn't something these folks worry about.
Science Journalist: You can't write about science if you don't know it. Well, you probably could, but who trusts a science journalist with a degree in business? Not us. Polar bears are having a rough time because of global warming. Everybody knows that because of articles written by scientific journalists. Don't think you have to stick to the sad stuff (the polar bear thing is a real tear jerker) either, you could also be the one who ends up writing an article on a newfound species that have laser beams for eyes. Good lord would that be sweet.
Veterinary Technician: This is probably close to what you were thinking when you saw "zoology" the first time. Before you get all excited about working with animals, realize that you'll be saving their lives. Wait, never mind, that sounds awesome. So, go ahead, get pumped. Vet techs help save animals all the time. Saving Fluffy's life one day and Scruffy the next is a job that pays in money and warm-and-fuzzies. Just figure out if you have any animal allergies first, because it would be pretty rough to find that one out the hard way.
Zoo Assistant: Okay, now this is definitely what you first thought of when you saw "zoology" in the header. After all, it has "zoo" in it. That's okay, it's spot-on. Although zoos are slightly controversial, zoo assistants aren't. These folks take care of the animals, day in and day out. They form relationships (not romantic, weirdo) with their animals and develop strong connections. From assuring a rhino's happiness to nursing a bear cub back to health, it's hard to find a downside to this job.
Current unemployment of the major
5.6%Percentage of majors who get a higher degree after college
61%Stats obtained from this source.