The Zoology major is a gateway to the diverse areas of modern biology with a focus on animal biology. Students can focus on various areas in biological science, including:
- ecology, evolution, and animal behavior;
- anatomy, physiology, and organismal biology;
- and cellular, molecular, and developmental biology.
Students in Zoology learn about aquatic ecosystems, vertebrate anatomy, identifying various birds, and the development of animals.
The department encourages undergraduate participation in research and offers summer research scholarships to outstanding students.
The Zoology major emphasizes critical thinking and conceptual skills that come from an understanding of how scientific information is obtained and evaluated, and of how this information can be applied to societal issues. The major provides a solid foundation in genetic, cellular, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary principles, and in the related disciplines of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. As a result, the major fosters an understanding of biological complexity including the interrelationships among humans and natural systems.
The unique characteristics of the Zoology major include:
- broad-based, yet integrated training in wide-ranging areas of biology;
- solid foundation of basic principles and processes in biology;
- flexibility and advising needed to allow students to tailor the major to their specific goals; and
- wide range of opportunities for undergraduate involvement in independent research and senior thesis.
The major can be tailored to prepare students for advanced study and careers in many different areas: veterinary medicine; health professions and public health; law; life sciences research in university, government, and industrial settings; education including museum, nature center, secondary and college education; biotechnology; and environmental studies.
How to Get in
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, visit Advising & Careers. |
| Courses required to get in | None |
| GPA requirements to get in | None |
| Credits required to get in | None |
| Other | None |
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. Some courses satisfy more than one L&S degree requirement (visit College of Letters & Science: Requirements for details).
This major can be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
| Communication | Complete both:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Complete both:
|
| Ethnic Studies | one 3+ credit course with the Ethnic Studies designation |
| Language | Complete either:
|
| L&S Breadth: Humanities | Complete 12 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation, which must include at least 6 credits with the Literature designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Social Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Social Science designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Natural Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Natural Science, Biological Science, or Physical Science designations, which must include both:
|
| Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) Coursework | at least 108 credits |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced work | at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | at least 120 credits |
| UW-Madison Experience |
|
| Quality of Work |
|
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their School/College to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
Math, Chemistry & Physics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Math—complete one: | 4-10 | |
| College Algebra and Trigonometry | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Survey of Calculus 1 | ||
| Chemistry—complete one: | 5-9 | |
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| Physics—complete one: | 8-10 | |
| General Physics and General Physics | ||
| General Physics and General Physics | ||
| General Physics and General Physics | ||
| Total Credits | 17-29 | |
Biology and Zoology
Complete 30 credits from the sections below.
Introductory Biology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Introductory Biology | 10 | |
| Introductory Biology and Introductory Biology | ||
| Option 2: BIOCORE—complete both: | 10 | |
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics and Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Cellular Biology and Cellular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Option 3: Animal Biology 1 | 5 | |
| Animal Biology and Animal Biology Laboratory | ||
| Total Credits | 5-10 | |
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BOTANY/BIOLOGY 130 is recommended, but not required for students pursuing Option 3 (Animal Biology).
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Directed Studies in Zoology | ||
| Invertebrate Biology and Evolution | ||
| Invertebrate Biology and Evolution Lab | ||
| Introduction to Entomology | ||
| Aquatic Invertebrate Biology | ||
| Marine Biology | ||
| Limnology-Conservation of Aquatic Resources | ||
| Laboratory for Limnology-Conservation of Aquatic Resources | ||
| Field Marine Biology | ||
| Human/Animal Relationships: Biological and Philosophical Issues | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Extinction of Species | ||
| General Molecular Biology | ||
| Medical Entomology: Biology of Vector and Vector-borne Diseases | ||
| Endocrinology | ||
| Topics in Biology | ||
| Topics in Biology | ||
| Introduction to Museum Studies in the Natural Sciences | ||
| Evolutionary Biology | ||
| Genetics of Human History | ||
| Behavioral Ecology | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Midwestern Ecological Issues: A Case Study Approach | ||
| General Ecology | ||
| Introduction to Animal Development | ||
| Plant-Insect Interactions | ||
| Undergraduate Neurobiology Seminar | ||
| Ecology of Fishes | ||
| Ecology of Fishes Lab | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Birds of Southern Wisconsin | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Invertebrate Paleontology | ||
| Laboratory in Developmental Biology | ||
| Principles of Landscape Ecology | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Computer-based Gene and Disease/Disorder Research Lab | ||
| Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology | ||
| Comparative Physiology Laboratory | ||
| Biology of Mind | ||
| Neuroethology Seminar | ||
| Molecular Ecology | ||
| Modeling Neurodevelopmental Disease | ||
| Climate Change Ecology | ||
| Historical Ecology | ||
| Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Seminar | ||
| Internship in Ecology | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Thesis and Senior Thesis | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Directed Studies in Zoology | ||
| Physiology 1 | ||
| Human Anatomy Laboratory | ||
| Primate Nutritional Ecology | ||
| Primate Behavioral Ecology | ||
| Primate Conservation | ||
| Introduction to Biochemistry | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| Algae | ||
| Taxonomy of Mature Insects | ||
| Basic and Applied Insect Ecology | ||
| Wetlands Ecology | ||
| Field Ecology Workshop | ||
| Terrestrial Vertebrates: Life History and Ecology | ||
| Diseases of Wildlife | ||
| Principles of Genetics | ||
| Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Disease Biology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Primate Psychology: Insights into Human Behavior | ||
| Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Hormones, Brain, and Behavior | ||
| Total Credits | 20-25 | |
A maximum of 6 credits of approved non-ZOOLOGY subject courses count toward the 30 credits required for the major. Students can take ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 101 Animal Biology and ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 102 Animal Biology Laboratory for the Introductory Biology requirement is recommended for students who complete this sequence.
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Only 3 credits of ANAT&PHY 335 Physiology count toward the 6 credits of approved non-ZOOLOGY subject courses.
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all ZOOLOGY and major courses
- 2.000 GPA on 15 Upper Level major credits, taken in Residence 1
- 15 credits in ZOOLOGY, or courses that count for the major, taken on the UW–Madison campus
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ZOOLOGY 299–699, intermediate/advanced BIOCORE, and courses that count toward the major that have an intermediate/advanced designation are considered Upper Level in the major.
Honors in the Zoology Major
To earn Honors in the Major in Zoology, students must satisfy both the requirements for the major (above) and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.300 GPA in all courses that count toward the major
- Complete 12 credits, taken for Honors, with individual grades of B or better. Select 6 credits from ZOOLOGY 300-680 or approved non-ZOOLOGY subject courses (above).
- Complete ZOOLOGY 681 and ZOOLOGY 682, for a total of 6 credits.1
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A written thesis proposal must be approved by the thesis mentor and a department advisor. While most theses are completed during the fall and spring of a student’s senior year, other combinations of terms are possible. More information about the proposal process, timing, and grading of a thesis can be found on the Department of Integrative Biology website.
Learning Outcomes
- Connect and describe the concepts that make up the structure and function of all living things through the principles of genetics, cellular biology, and physiology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of life through the principles of evolution.
- Make connections between organisms, their habitats, and systems through the principles of ecology.
- Make connections between the biological sciences to humans and ecological systems and appreciate the complexity of these systems.
- Identify, think through, and solve a problem using quantitative reasoning and critical thinking skills.
- Develop an ability to plan and carry out scientific experiments by obtaining and evaluating scientific information and effectively communicating information through oral and written presentations.
- Understand current issues in biology and apply scientific knowledge to societal issues.
- Make connections between self and natural world, and personal responsibility with social issues.
- Develop a sense of competence in the field of study through research experiences and written and oral communication of findings.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 103 or 109 | 4-5 | CHEM 104 | 5 |
| MATH 112 or 114 | 3-5 | MATH 113 | 3 |
| Communication A1 | 3 | L&S Breadth | 3 |
| Language (if required) | 3-4 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 1511 | 5 | ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 152 (Satisfies Communication B)1 | 5 |
| Ethnic Studies | 3 | L&S Breadth | 3 |
| INTER-LS 210 | 1 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 4 | ||
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYSICS 103, 201, or 207 | 4-5 | PHYSICS 104, 202, or 208 | 4-5 |
| I/A COMP SCI, MATH, or STAT (if required for the BS) | 3-5 | I/A COMP SCI, MATH, or STAT (required for the BS) | 3-5 |
| I/A ZOOLOGY | 3-6 | I/A ZOOLOGY | 4 |
| Elective | 3 | L&S Breadth | 3 |
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| I/A ZOOLOGY | 3-4 | I/A ZOOLOGY | 3-4 |
| Elective | 3-4 | I/A ZOOLOGY | 3-4 |
| L&S Breadth | 3 | Elective | 6 |
| Elective | 3-6 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
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Students can take ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 101 Animal Biology and ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 102 Animal Biology Laboratory for the Introductory Biology requirement is recommended for students who complete this sequence.
Student may also satisfy Introductory Biology with BIOCORE. Consult the advisor for the program regarding this option.
Advising and Careers
Declare or Cancel This Major
Please follow the process described on the Zoology Major website.
Directed Study
The Zoology major is an excellent choice for students interested in an undergraduate research experience.
Directed Studies allows students to gain experience in a wide range of research areas in biology and to learn research techniques that are not easily taught in the classroom. Such experiences allow students to make more informed decisions about their future goals and careers. Before students can enroll in Directed Study, they must set up an appointment with a professor/mentor of their choice.
Students interested in doing in-depth research as undergraduates in an area of interest can elect to do a Senior Thesis or Senior Honors Thesis. Students should contact a department advisor at the beginning of their junior year to explore possible research areas.
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students