Turn Passion into Purpose with a Zoo Science Degree
Turn your passion for animals into a profession with our Zoo Science degree program, where rigorous coursework and hands-on experiences prepare you for a career in animal care, conservation, and zoological management.
Designed to prepare the next generation of animal care and conservation professionals, this program combines academic coursework with immersive, hands-on learning experiences at the award-winning Sedgwick County Zoo and other AZA-accredited organizations.
Students develop expertise in animal management, zookeeping techniques, conservation practices, animal nutrition, animal welfare and wellbeing, and evidence-based animal care. Coursework also emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, professional communication, and ethical decision-making—essential skills for success in modern zoological institutions.
Through direct experience working with animals and industry professionals, students apply classroom concepts in real-world settings while building practical skills in husbandry, behavioral observation, enrichment, welfare assessment, and population management. Graduates leave prepared for careers in zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, conservation organizations, and related animal care professions, with the knowledge, experience, and professional network needed to thrive in the field.
Start your future in Zoo Science.
Program Highlights
Real-world knowledge. Supportive learning.
The Zoo Science program at Friends University offers a distinctive blend of academic rigor and hands-on professional experience. Students gain expertise in animal management, welfare, conservation, and zoological practices while developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills essential to the field. Through experiential learning with animal care professionals and accredited zoological organizations, including the award-winning Sedgwick County Zoo, students graduate with the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed to excel in a wide range of animal care and careers.
Academic Resources
Students benefit from a strong network of academic and professional support, including academic advising, faculty mentoring, tutoring, library and research resources, and career development services. Small class sizes provide personalized instruction and meaningful faculty connections, while hands-on learning opportunities, industry mentorship, internships, and professional networking help students gain real-world experience and prepare for successful careers in animal care, conservation, and zoological management.
Interactive Classrooms
Learning extends far beyond the traditional classroom in the Zoo Science program. Through access to the Sedgwick County Zoo and other AZA organizations, students engage in interactive, hands-on experiences that bring course concepts to life. Working alongside animal care professionals, students apply their knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, welfare, and conservation in real-world settings. This immersive approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional skills while providing valuable exposure to the daily operations of a modern zoological institution.
Passionate Faculty
Students learn from passionate faculty whose expertise is rooted in active, real-world experience in the zoological field. All Zoo Science faculty are current or former professionals in zoos, aquariums, conservation organizations, or related animal care industries, bringing firsthand knowledge of modern best practices in animal management, welfare, behavior, and conservation. Their professional backgrounds enrich the classroom with current industry standards, practical insights, ensuring students are guided by instructors who understand both the science and the day-to-day realities of zoological careers.
Hands-On Experience
Hands-on learning is a core component of the Zoo Science program, giving students direct experience with the skills used in professional zoological settings. Students can expect to participate in animal husbandry activities, behavioral observation, habitat maintenance, environmental enrichment, and basic animal care procedures under professional supervision. Through internships, practicums, and partnerships with zoological organizations, students build confidence and competence working alongside animal care professionals in dynamic, career-relevant settings.
Networking
The Zoo Science program helps students build a strong professional network through direct engagement with faculty who are active in the zoological field and through hands-on learning experiences with industry professionals. These interactions provide mentorship opportunities, professional references, and insight into diverse career pathways. The program also encourages participation in professional events and organizations, helping students establish relationships that support future employment and long-term career growth in animal care, conservation, and zoological management.
Career Services
Friends University and the Zoo Science program provide career support through personalized advising, résumé and interview preparation, and job search guidance. Students gain access to internships, practicums, and networking opportunities with zoological organizations, helping them build experience, professional connections, and the confidence to transition successfully into animal care and conservation careers.
Student Engagement
Student engagement in the Zoo Science program is central to the learning experience. Through the Zoo Science Club, students connect with peers, faculty, and industry professionals during events, service projects, and networking opportunities. On campus, the animal care lab provides hands-on experience in husbandry, behavior observation, and applied animal science skills. Students have also attended and presented at the AZA National Conference in recent years, gaining valuable professional exposure. Beyond campus, they participate in community conservation and outreach programs that reinforce classroom learning and support professional development in animal care and conservation.
Have More Zoo Science Questions?
Below are some questions we often get about our Zoo Science program that might help answer some of your questions.
Is Zoo Science the same as Zoology?
When people think of animals and education programs at the college level, they probably think of zoology. Is Zoo Science the same thing? Not really. It is worth taking a moment to understand the difference and finding out what potential careers you can go into with a Zoo Science bachelors degree from Friends University. Visit our Zoo Science vs Zoology page to learn the difference.
Do students actually get to work with live animals, or is it mostly classroom-based?
Because of our partnership with the Sedgwick County Zoo, our Zoo Science program students get hands on learning as they begin their career in zoo science.
Are there partnerships with local zoos or wildlife centers for internships or research?
As mentioned above, we partner with the Sedgwick County Zoo. We are lucky in Wichita to have such a highly regarded zoo in our area. The Sedgwick County Zoo is one of the top 20 largest zoos in North America based on animal population size. The Sedgwick County Zoo has received national and international awards for its conservation and breeding programs for rare and endangered species and has been a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1981.
As part of your degree, you will leave the classroom and gain hands-on experience working with zoo professionals at Sedgwick County Zoo. You’ll choose an area of the zoo, where you’ll spend one semester learning about the animals and their habitat. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance and animal enrichment. Learn more about this partnership.
What kinds of jobs do graduates actually get?
We have had graduates of the zoo science programs in all sorts of positions within the zoo science field. Many have gone to rewarding careers as zoo keepers, zoo administration positions and conservation efforts at the national and international levels.
A Unique Partnership with Sedgwick County Zoo
Since 1989, Friends University and the Sedgwick County Zoo have been providing college students with the education and training necessary to become successful zoo professionals.
The University provides general education courses in the liberal arts and sciences, plus program-specific courses in biology, chemistry, math, business and psychology. The zoo provides on-site zoological courses taught by staff that include hands-on experiences.
The result is an undergraduate program that is uniquely effective at preparing students for careers in zoo-keeping, zoo education, zoo administration and zoo exhibit design among others.
Leaders in Zoo Professions Education
The Zoo Science program at Friends University began as an innovative concept more than 30 years ago. Throughout the years, the curriculum has been strengthened to prepare graduates for a changing professional marketplace.
Zoo Science Practicum
All students are provided the opportunity to leave the classroom and get hands-on experience working with zoo professionals. Students can choose the area of the zoo where they will spend one semester learning about operations with a mentor. Practicum students learn the skills of animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance and animal enrichment.
Networking
Students will not only learn the skills needed to be a zoo professional, but will also be in constant contact with current zoo professionals who can help them in their pursuit of a future career in the animal care field.
Upon graduation, students will have acquired a thorough knowledge of zoology, developed a skill set unique to zoo professions and cultivated relationships with existing zoo professionals.
Featured Faculty
Schaneè A Anderson
- Special Appointment Assistant Professor of Zoo Science; Program Director, Zoo Science
- Academic Affairs
- Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science, University of Nebraska; Masters in Elementary Education and Curriculum Instruction, Kansas State University
Dr. Patrick Mathews
- Division Chair STEM; Professor of Biology;
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- B.A., M.S., Truman State University; Ph.D., University of Arkansas