Do you dream of a life at the zoo? DelVal is one of a handful of universities in the country to offer a degree in zoo science. Drawing on our superb faculty, 1,000-acre living classroom, and close partnerships with five zoo/aquarium/natural sciences institutions, we can give you an in-depth, hands-on education you need to be a zoo professional.
DelVal is one of only three four-year programs in the country that offer a zoo science degree, and maintains partnerships with local institutions to provide internships in animal care and public education. The zoo science major focuses on zoo and aquarium management and captive wildlife conservation. You will learn the aspects of zoo science and conservation, including husbandry, handling techniques, nutrition, disease, behavior, training and management, exhibit design, small population management, and personnel and facility management skills.
You’ll receive classroom instruction as well as hands-on learning, with more than 1,000-acres of land used in several courses as a living classroom. We have an on-campus colony of Allegheny woodrats, two small animal science labs and strong relationships with five partner zoos, aquariums and museums within the surrounding area. You’ll also receive training in the ZIMS, an animal record-keeping system.
In addition to the wide selection of animal science courses and zoo science-specific classes, you will complete an animal care internship and a public education internship at one of the University's five partner institutions, which include:
- New Jersey's Adventure Aquarium
- Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences
- Philadelphia Zoo
- Elmwood Park Zoo
- Lehigh Valley Zoo
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."
4. Delaware Valley University – Elmwood Park Zoo
Many veterinary potentials are intrigued by the care, biology, and future of animals like zebras, ocelots, and lemurs. And, while many colleges provide excellent veterinary courses that define and familiarize students with these creatures, only a small number of schools provide on-site zoo animal experience.
"Students of the program benefit from working directly with the Elmwood Park Zoo, an AZA-accredited facility. They gain both didactic and hands-on learning experiences through working with either zoo or marine animals in a variety of zoo science areas. These include exotic animal husbandry, handling, care, nutrition, disease, and psychology."
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
The One Health Communication minor provides students with the opportunity to bridge the study of writing and rhetoric with the sciences. Students who complete this minor will enhance their analytical and communication skills related to sciences including the University’s pre-veterinary, pre-health, STEM and science programs. They will gain skills for effectively communicating science topics to non-scientists and the general public.
The Experience360 Program for zoo science gives you the opportunity to apply classroom lessons to real-world activities. You will complete two internships at a zoo, aquarium or museum in the area.
I am overjoyed to have been accepted to Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. I could not have succeeded without the wonderful opportunities provided by Delaware Valley University, both inside the classroom and out.
I was incredibly grateful when I learned I was offered early acceptance to Cornell University for veterinary medicine because I didn’t get here alone. The professors at DelVal all want to see you succeed. My professors at DelVal really know me personally and that showed in their recommendations. I think being encouraged to gain experience through the E360 program was also really helpful.
Career Paths
DelVal's comprehensive in-depth classroom instruction, combined with the real-world hands-on experience you will have, will prepare you for a number of career options.
- Work as a zoo or aquarium professional
- Work in wildlife rehabilitation
- Attend veterinary school or graduate school
- American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) - Learn about animal care through different means such as zoos, aquariums, conservation, and research!
- Wildlife Society (TWS) - Explore wildlife conservation issues and careers through our student chapter of this national professional organization!
- Animal Lifeline Club - Help animal shelters while making new friends!
Office Location: Mandell 123A
Office Location: Feldman Hall
