Have you dreamed of working at a zoo? Delaware Valley University is one of the few universities in the country to offer this degree, and at DelVal, you get hands-on learning that will set you on your path to becoming a zoo professional.
Why Study Zoo Science at DelVal?
- You will work with animals in your first year of study at DelVal.
- You will learn in small classes from experience faculty who will mentor and guide you on your educational journey.
- You will learn in our state-of-the-art facilities and our 1,000 acres of living laboratories.
- You will study zoo and aquarium management, captive wildlife conservation, husbandry, handling techniques, nutrition, disease, behavior, training and management, exhibit design, small population management, and personnel and facility management skills.
- Through our award-winning Experience360 Program you will have internships in both animal care and public education.
- You will have access to many zoo, aquarium, natural science and wildlife facilities close to campus for your internship experiences including:
- New Jersey's Adventure Aquarium
- Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences
- Philadelphia Zoo
- Elmwood Park Zoo ** AZA Accredited Zoo
- Lehigh Valley Zoo
DelVal is listed with Vet Tech Colleges as one of 10 hands-on zoo and exotic animal science programs with our partner, Elmwood Park Zoo.
ZOO SCIENCE AT-A-GLANCE
Not only do students pursuing a zoo science degree receive comprehensive in-depth classroom instruction, you will have real-world hands-on experience through your required internships. This kind of education and experience prepares you to successfully pursue a career as a zoo or aquarium professional or in public education. You may also choose to further your education at graduate school or veterinary school.
Core Courses
- Introduction to Zoo Science
- Wild Animals in Captivity
- Animal Training and Enrichment
- Animal Behavior
- Ecology
- Wildlife Nutrition
- Wildlife Health and Disease
- Zoo Record Keeping Systems
- Mammalogy
- Ornithology
- Herpetology
- Aquatic Animal Science
Recommended Minors
- Business Administration
- Education
- Media and Communication
- One Health Communication
- Writing
Much More Than an Internship Program
The Experience360 Program gives you the opportunity to apply classroom lessons to real-world experiences in the field of zoo science. In addition to valuable internships, E360 includes career exploration including hiring trends and salaries, opportunities for student research, week-long study abroad, leadership development and community service.
About our Mandell Small Animal Science Lab
About our Allman Small Animal Science Lab
During my internship at the Philadelphia Zoo in the education department, I experienced a public speaking course in front of a group of adults, handling animals, and helping adults and children learn about conserving animals and the environment. The hands-on experience helped me learn about designing an animal exhibit and what it takes to take care of an animal."
Office Location: Feldman Hall
POV of Zoo Science Students
