BA Zoology at University of Maine Orono
The program in Zoology provides a vigorous background in the fundamental aspects of animal biology while allowing flexibility in planning the direction of specialization for student majors. Students plan their program in consultation with a faculty advisor and can select courses from several departments within the college (School of Biology & Ecology, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Department of Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, Department of Wildlife Ecology, School of Marine Sciences). The emphasis of student programs can include preparation for the health professions and range from the molecular and cellular levels through development and physiology to the evolutionary and ecological levels.
UMaine offers students many opportunities to participate in research in faculty laboratories. These include student independent research for course credit, research for a capstone or an honors thesis, and paid work. In addition, students can hold a variety of internships off campus. The UMaine Career Center provides many resources to help students find such internships.
Career Opportunities
There are many opportunities for employment of zoologists at the state and national levels in the health professions, and the fields of education, ecology, and agricultural science. Some of these positions require only a bachelors degree, but many require graduate study at a university or professional school. Opportunities are available in the private sector (health care, biotechnology, consulting), federal and state government (research labs, environmental monitoring), and at the local level (education). Opportunities for research positions exist at research universities around the country, e.g., the University of Maine, at private research laboratories, e.g., the Jackson Laboratory, in private industry, and in state and federal laboratories.