Skip to content

Studies & Degrees in Animal Biology

Animal biology is the scientific study of animals: how their bodies work, how they develop and behave, how they have evolved and how they interact with their environment. It overlaps with zoology, and universities use either name for similar degrees. A programme usually runs from molecules and cells up to whole populations. The Animal Biology major at the University of California, Davis, for example, covers the basic biological sciences needed to understand animal evolution, systematics, ecology, physiology and molecular biology.

Animal biology is not the same as animal care or veterinary medicine. UC Davis states that its major emphasises research in biological principles as opposed to animal care and husbandry. Students spend much of their time in laboratories and in the field, and they learn to analyse the data they collect.

What students learn

The BSc (Hons) Animal Biology at the University of Stirling, in Scotland, shows the usual mix. Its students study animal behaviour, ecology, evolution, cell biology and physiology, and applied aspects of animal conservation and management. Alongside the theory come practical skills:

  • laboratory work, such as equipment use and sample processing
  • programming, data management and statistics using R
  • field methods, such as environmental monitoring and species identification
  • an independent research project or thesis in the final part of the degree

Fieldwork is a regular part of the subject. Stirling offers the choice of a 7-day field course at a field station in southern France or a 10-day field course in South Africa. The university notes that course fees do not include travel, accommodation and subsistence on residential field courses, so students should budget for them. Stirling students can also take an optional placement with an organisation. At UC Davis the degree includes a senior thesis based on a practicum project.

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor's degree. The Stirling degree lasts 48 months, and in years 3 and 4 students stay on the general pathway or choose a specialism. At McGill University in Montreal, students of the B.Sc. (Ag.Env.Sc.) Major in Life Sciences take 42 credits of core courses in fundamental biological sciences and 24 credits in a specialization such as Animal Biology and Health, which deals with the biology of large mammals and birds. Tennessee Tech University offers a bachelor's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science with three concentrations: Conservation Biology, Fisheries Science and Wildlife Science.
  • Master's degree. The University of Copenhagen has a 2-year MSc in Biology with five specialisations, ending in a thesis of 45 or 60 ECTS credits. The Graduate Group in Animal Biology at UC Davis offers programmes leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.
  • Doctorate. A PhD is the usual route into independent research and university teaching.

Entry requirements depend on the country. For a UK degree, the National Careers Service says applicants usually need 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology. It adds that volunteering in conservation work is a good way to strengthen a university application.

Where to study it

The SpainExchange directory lists 11 schools for animal biology. Three are in the United Kingdom and three in the United States; Canada, Denmark, Australia, Bermuda and Iraq have one each. The examples above are taught in English, including the Copenhagen master's, where all courses, written assignments and exams are in English.

When comparing programmes, look at the balance between laboratory and field biology, the specialisms on offer, the cost of field courses, and whether the degree has a research project or placement.

Careers

Graduates work in research, conservation, environmental agencies, teaching and related fields. UC Davis says its major prepares students for careers in research, teaching, academia, governmental regulation, health or agriculture. Careers in veterinary medicine and animal management remain open, but the university warns that other preparation may be required.

The level of the degree matters. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions, may need a master's degree for higher-level jobs, and typically need a Ph.D. to lead research projects. The Bureau counted 19,500 jobs in this occupation in the United States in 2025 and projects employment to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 1,400 openings each year. In the United Kingdom, the National Careers Service also notes that a master's degree or PhD may be needed for certain jobs, particularly in research.

Frequently asked questions

Is animal biology the same as zoology?

The two overlap closely. Both study animals from the cell to the ecosystem, and careers guidance treats degrees in zoology, wildlife biology and related fields as routes into the same jobs.

How long does it take to study animal biology?

It depends on the country. The BSc (Hons) Animal Biology at the University of Stirling lasts 48 months, and the MSc in Biology at the University of Copenhagen takes 2 years.

Can I become a vet with an animal biology degree?

Not directly. Animal biology is a science degree, not a veterinary qualification. UC Davis says careers in veterinary medicine remain open to its Animal Biology graduates, but other preparation may be required.

Do I need a PhD to work with animals as a biologist?

Not for every job. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor's degree is typical for entry-level positions, while a Ph.D. is typically needed to lead research projects.