Wild About Zoo Science
Adventure awaits in our Zoo Science degree program. We blend traditional classroom coursework with hands-on courses at the award-winning Sedgwick County Zoo. Prepare for a zoological career by studying zoo keeping techniques, conservation practices, animal nutrition, and more.
Start your future in Zoo Science.
Program Highlights
Real-world knowledge. Supportive learning.
Because of it’s special relationship with the Sedgwick County Zoo, the zoo science program at Friends University offers a mix of traditional college courses and specialized courses at the zoo giving practical hands-on experience with animal exhibits and zoo professionals.
Academic Resources
Access to library and academic support services
Interactive Classrooms
Collaborative instruction in interactive classroom environments
Passionate Faculty
Accessible educators with zoological experience
Hands-On Experience
Work onsite at the accredited Sedgwick County Zoo
Networking
Networking opportunities with established zoo professionals
Career Services
Helpful career guidance
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