10 Affordable Online Zoology Degrees (2025)

Pursuing an online bachelor's degree in zoology opens many doors for individuals who have a passion for animal science. Throughout the programs, students are immersed in a variety of topics as they pertain to animals and wildlife.

The completion of such a program allows students to explore careers as zoologists, marine biologists, and animal behaviorists. Graduates are also eligible to become veterinary technicians or earn advanced degrees in veterinary medicine.

Learn.org identifies the 10 most affordable zoology degree programs that are available online and informs readers of the various careers that graduates can pursue.

List of Affordable Online Zoology Degrees

The following list contains the 10 most affordable zoology degree programs that are available online.

1. Oregon State University

Oregon State University's online Bachelor of Science in Zoology degree program allows students to gain scientific knowledge in the major life sciences including cell biology, ecology, and genetics.

The program is highly rigorous and exposes students to a variety of courses, such as:

• animal behavior
• population biology
• environmental physiology
• marine biology
• invertebrate and vertebrate biology

This degree is ideal for students who are interested in a career in the life sciences.

After completion, graduates can explore careers as:

• animal scientists
• natural sciences managers
• biological scientists
• zoologists and wildlife biologists
• conservation scientists

The program has a total of 180 credits and each credit is priced at $350.

2. Atlantic International University

AIU also offers a Bachelor of Science in Zoology degree program that is delivered completely online. The program is highly flexible and the curriculum is designed individually by the student and academic advisors.

This allows each student to set and accomplish their professional and personal goals within the scope of the degree program.

Some of the core courses include:

• genetics
• marine ecology
• animal physiology
• animal behavior
• animal ecology
• life sciences (biology, chemistry, etc.)

Along with the coursework, students are also required to complete a research project in zoology and are encouraged to publish their research papers online or in professional journals.

3. Unity Environmental University

Unity Environmental University also has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Health and Behavior online program that prepares students for a wide range of careers in animals and wildlife.

This degree provides students with knowledge and skills for further study in veterinary medicine programs or for use in animal rehabilitation facilities.

Features of the program are:

• one-on-one academic and professional advising
• 100% online coursework
• 24/7 access to coursework
• job placement assistance
• multiple start dates
• transfer friendly

Graduates of the program can explore opportunities in zoos, aquariums, research institutions, and government agencies.

4. St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree program.

This program prepares students for careers in:

• advanced clinical applications
• veterinary hospital management
• combined clinical and hospital management

The program is offered completely online and is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

From the program, students gain advanced training in:

• animal anesthesia
• emergency and critical care
• dental hygiene
• nutrition
• legal and ethical responsibilities

Students also gain technical knowledge and are taught the principles of sound research design. The college also offers two specialized concentration tracks: clinical and hospital management.

5. Texas A&M University-Commerce

Texas A&M University-Commerce offers an online Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Biomedical Technology degree program that allows students to develop a foundation in veterinary biomedical technology.

Pursuing this degree allows students to:

• gain diagnostic testing skills needed for a veterinarian
• gain knowledge of disease processes
• develop a network of colleagues through externships
• work in small cohorts

Throughout the program, students are led by expert faculty members and are exposed to various hands-on learning experiences in animal facilities.

The program consists of 123 credit hours and is typically completed in four years.

6. Kansas State University

Kansas State University's online bachelor's degree in the animal sciences and industry equips students for employment in the agriculture and food industry.

The program allows students to select from five different curriculum options:

• animal products
• business
• communications and marketing
• science/pre-veterinary
• product management

The science/pre-veterinary option is more closely related to individuals who are seeking an advanced degree or a career in research.

In the curriculum, students take courses in:

• animal sciences and industry
• genetics
• animal breeding principles
• fundamentals of nutrition
• agricultural law and economics

The program is a total of 120 credit hours and each credit costs around $481.

7. Arizona State University

Arizona State University also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Applied Biological Sciences-Pre-veterinary Medicine degree program that equips students for careers in veterinary medicine or animal science.

The degree focuses on biology with an emphasis on animal behavior, anatomy, and nutrition.

Throughout the program, students take courses in:

• veterinary medicine
• biology
• infectious diseases
• comparative immunology
• animal nutrition
• ecology

Graduates of the program can pursue careers as wildlife biologists, zoologists, and veterinarians.

8. American College of Applied Science

The online Bachelor of Science in Companion Animal Science offered by this college is designed primarily for students who have an interest in pursuing graduate studies or gaining positions in animal welfare.

Enrollment in this program requires an associate's degree or a minimum of 60 credits that includes the required general education courses.

Throughout the program, students will study:

• psychology
• anatomy and physiology
• nutrition
• pharmacology
• reproduction
• behavioral ecology

Each student is assigned an academic adviser to help them manage their academic goals throughout the program. Completion of the program qualifies students to explore jobs in animal training organizations, animal shelters, law enforcement agencies, and veterinary practices.

9. New England Institute of Technology

New England Institute of Technology's online Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology degree program is another choice for individuals who are interested in becoming a veterinary technician.

In the program, students study advanced topics in:

• anesthesiology
• pain management
• nutrition
• human-animal bond
• internal medicine
• laboratory animal medicine

The program is typically completed in four years, however, the amount of time depends on the number of credit hours that a student takes.

10. Penn Foster College

Penn Foster also offers a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology that is delivered completely online. The accredited program is fully flexible and allows students to study at their own pace.

From the program, students learn:

• how to understand the human-animal bond through many lenses
• how to apply the knowledge in various work settings
• how to build a well-rounded skillset in other areas, such as computer literacy and communication

Other features of the program are:

• start anytime
• 24/7 access to coursework
• online student engagement
• digital study guides
• digital textbooks
• practical exercises
• expert instructors

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Zoology Cost?

The cost of an online bachelor's degree in zoology can vary due to multiple factors. Students who are interested in earning such a degree can expect the program to cost around $45,000 to $60,000 in total.

How To Make an Online Zoology Degree Affordable

Students are eligible to lower the costs of their degree through several different ways.

Some of the most popular methods are:

• federal aid (grants, loans, etc.)
• scholarships
• private loans

Students are also able to take advantage of tuition assistance programs that are offered through their current employers. Most institutions can provide a full list of resources that are available to students.

Is an Online Zoology Degree Worth It?

Yes. A degree in zoology can provide students with the basic foundations of animal welfare. Other than becoming zoologists, graduates can pursue careers as marine biologists, veterinary assistants, and research scientists.

In addition, students can pursue an advanced degree to become college professors or gain admission into a veterinary program.

Find an Affordable Degree in Zoology Online Today

An online zoology degree exposes students to the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in the animal and wildlife field.

If any of these programs interest you, please reach out to your program of choice for further assistance on their enrollment process.