MSc in Zoology

MSc in Zoology is a two-year postgraduate course that involves advanced research and study in animal biology. The program covers topics such as Biology, Genetics, Classification, Evolution, Biochemistry, Animal welfare, Animal behavior, Physiology, Ecology, Conservation. Master of Science in Zoology is a branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals, including their structure, physiology, behavior, classification, and distribution. The program also examines cutting-edge ideas in zoology and their application to human affairs. MSc Zoology students learn about the biology, structure, and behavior of animals. They also acquire knowledge of biodiversity and anatomy, and study existing and extinct animals. The MSc Zoology syllabus is intended to provide students with knowledge of living and extinct animals, as well as their genetic evolution and natural habitats. MSc Zoology subjects include anatomy, physiology, behaviour, genetics, and ecology of various animal species. 

To be eligible for MSc Zoology admission 2024, candidates must have a bachelor's degree in Medical Sciences, Allied Sciences, Biosciences, or a Life Sciences specialisation. Candidates must have secured at least 50% at the undergraduate level from a recognised university. MSc Zoology admissions are based on merit as well as on entrance exams. However, some universities conduct a personal interview round as part of the admissions process. The average MSc in Zoology course fee ranges between INR 21k - INR 1.5 L.

Following completion of the degree, candidates can pursue MSc in Zoology jobs in wildlife conservation, ecosystem monitoring, environmental management, animal diversity prospecting, and other related fields that are in high demand among graduates. The typical salary range for an MSc in Zoology is INR 3 - 7 LPA. Furthermore, after the completion of an MSc in Zoology degree, candidates are offered with various kinds of employment, educational, and research opportunities.

Also Read: MSc Course, Job Opportunities, Scope & Colleges

Some of the major highlights of the MSc Zoology course are listed below. 

Pursuing BSc Zoology can help you understand the natural world and how to contribute to conservation efforts. It can also help you understand how your brain works and how you interact with your surroundings. 

Here are some of the reasons you could choose to study BSc Zoology.

• Recognise the natural world: Take a BSc in Zoology to learn about the natural world and how you can contribute to conservation efforts.
• Address global issues: Consider strategies to address global issues like food security and climate change by pursuing a bachelor's degree in zoology.
• Provide solutions: Learn zoology for a bachelor's degree to create solutions for a better, healthier world.
• Options for careers: A bachelor's degree in zoology can lead to a variety of career options in different fields and specialisations. The variety of career options that arise from getting an MSc in Zoology is one of the program's main selling points. The students are employed in a variety of fields, such as zoology professors, researchers, wildlife specialists, and animal trainers. Jobs in the public and private sectors are available to the students. 
• Job opportunities: BSc in Zoology can help you find employment in a variety of fields, including prospecting for animal diversity, ecosystem monitoring, environment management, and wildlife conservation. The job opportunities have increased over the years in multiple sectors as there has been awareness among the masses for the protection of wildlife and environment. There are many organizations that provide opportunities to youngsters. 
• Contribute to research: Explore the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, contribute to research, and play a crucial role in environmental sustainability by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. 
• High Salary: After getting an MSc in Zoology, salaries are typically competitive. After completing this course, the average starting salary is between INR 3 and 7 lakhs annually, and it eventually increases after the probationary period is over. 
• Betterment of Animals and Humans: The students will be able to understand several aspects of animal anatomy and behavior. They will be able to create a better place for animals and human beings after being a little more sensitive towards the needs of the animals. They will be able to make better choices and provide better solutions for the betterment of animals and humans. 

The best government and private MSc Zoology colleges in India must have an entrance exam for admission. Entrance exams are an important requirement for students because colleges release the final student list based on exam scores. The common MSc Zoology entrance exam is:

• CUET: The CUET PG 2024 offers an all-in-one platform for postgraduate students expecting to get into any of the Central Universities (CUs) or other affiliated institutions, such as state universities, private universities, and deemed to be universities around the nation.

How to Prepare for the MSc Zoology Entrance Exam?

For those taking entrance exams, the majority of universities do not have a specific syllabus. Here are a few of the expected topics:

• Biomolecules: structure, organization, and role
• Cell Structure and function
• Cell Signalling
• Immunology
• Genetics
• Animal and Plant Physiology
• Ecology

Passing MSc Zoology exams is not that difficult. Exam content for admission to the B.Sc. Zoology programme includes everything taught up to graduation. Therefore, candidates with a bachelor's degree in zoology can only pass it by carefully going over the material covered in class.

• Check with the previous year questions to get an understanding of the sort of examination you will be taking. 
• Practicing and assessing the level of preparation can be done by working through sample test questions.

The application process for MSc Zoology programmes in India may differ slightly from that of other courses due to the necessary skills and criteria. Most MSc Zoology programmes still select candidates through entrance exams, which are followed by interviews or group discussions. The admissions processes for MSc Zoology programmes in India are as follows.

• Entrance-Based MSc Zoology Admissions
• Merit-Based MSc Zoology Admissions

However, to be eligible for MSc Zoology, candidates must meet certain criteria for admission.

MSc Zoology Eligibility Criteria

In order to pursue the MSc Zoology course, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria listed below:

• Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as required subjects.
• Candidates must have a BSc degree or an equivalent with at least a 50% aggregate.
• The candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Life Science, Medical and its allied subjects or equivalent degree from a recognised institute.

Also Read: DU PG Admission 2024 

MSc Zoology Admission Process 2024

The general steps to admission for an MSc in Zoology vary depending on the college, but they are as follows:

Step 1: Complete the online MSc Zoology application.

Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional costs that might be incurred in the event that admission is decided by merit. Entrance-based MSc Zoology admissions require exam taking and passing.

Step 3: Those who made the short list will be invited to move on to the next round of interviews, group discussions, or counselling, depending on the nature of the process.

Step 4: Candidates must submit every required document and fees in order to be accepted into the MSc Zoology programme, having completed the previous steps.

Skills Required for MSc Zoology 

The MSc Zoology course covers a wide range of subjects. Students must understand the skills required to complete an MSc Zoology course and learn effectively. The skills listed below will help them in developing their personalities and getting a suitable position in the industry. Some of the important skills that students must have in order to pursue an MSc Zoology course are listed below. 

At most colleges and universities, admissions to MSc programmes in Zoology are based on merit. A written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or a qualifying exam relevant to the programme will determine which candidates are accepted into the MSc in Zoology. Under such circumstances, candidates are usually selected on the basis of their academic standing and their results on a prior relevant exam.

Throughout the MSc Zoology course, students can specialise in a variety of areas. Some of the popular specialisations of the MSc Zoology course are listed below. 

• Biomedical Science
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Marine Biology
• Animal Behaviour and Neurobiology

Students can choose to pursue an MSc in Zoology full-time or via distance learning. 

• MSc Zoology Full-Time: This course offers students both theoretical and practical knowledge in a methodical manner. A solid foundation in MSc Zoology is built through the teaching of different facets of the animal kingdom, including their anatomy, physiology, and evolution. 
• MSc Zoology Distance Education: Students who need flexibility in their study schedule and are unable to pursue this course full-time may opt for the MSc Zoology Distance Education option. Students will work in laboratories, conduct fieldwork, and complete research projects during the programme, which will enable them to hone their practical skills and obtain firsthand knowledge of biological sciences.

MSc Zoology Distance Education

For those who are unable to attend the course on a regular basis or are working professionals, distance learning for an MSc in Zoology is a viable option. Some of the course's major highlights are listed below: 

• Applicants with a minimum of 50% in their BSc degree in any specialisation within life sciences, such as zoology, biology, medical science, allied sciences, or bioscience. 
• In India, distance learning for an MSc in Zoology typically takes two years to complete, though some universities may offer longer programmes. 
• The MSc Zoology distance learning programme covers the same subjects as a traditional on-campus course, including anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution, and animal behaviour. 
• A distance education programme in India uses printed books, electronic books, and online resources as its study materials.
• Assignments and exams must be completed by students in order to participate in the MSc Zoology remote learning programme.

Also Read: Top 10 Distance Education Universities in India 

The following list includes some of the best colleges and universities that provide MSc Zoology distance learning, along with their associated fees: 

MSc Zoology course fees range from INR 21K to 1.5L. Course fees may differ depending on the MSc Zoology college. A government-funded institute charges less than a private institute due to its infrastructure and facilities. 

Though the subjects taught by most institutes generally remain the same, colleges may offer different courses during different semesters. The subjects covered in the MSc in Zoology are listed below for convenience.

MSc Zoology course requires the best books for the students who want to excel in this field. There are hundreds of books available in the market for studying MSc Zoology courses. The students must know about the relevant MSc Zoology course books that will help them not only during the course duration but also after the course for taking admission for higher studies like Ph.D. The students will also be able to appear for different competitive examinations for taking government jobs. 

Books play a crucial role in shaping your prospects and honing your research skills. The students must check the popular and recognized MSc Zoology books for studying MSc Zoology course as mentioned below. The students can check the names of the book and their respective authors.

The following tables shows the differences between the MSc in Zoology and other courses.

MSc Biochemistry and MSc Zoology

The following table lists the comparison between MSc Biochemistry and MSc Zoology in terms of eligibility, admissions process, course fees, focus areas, suitability, job options, and salary.

MSc Microbiology vs MSc Zoology

Here is a comparison of MSc Microbiology and MSc Zoology based on eligibility, admission process, course fees, focus areas, suitability, job opportunities, and salary package.

There are many colleges all across the nation that offers MSc Zoology courses. The students select the college as per their interest. The top college in India that offers MSc Zoology is mentioned below. The students can also look at the annual average MSc Zoology fee structure of the MSc Zoology top colleges. 

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change. 

Also Read: Top Colleges in DU Based on NIRF Ranking 2024

The best private MSc Zoology colleges in India are those that have a respectable placement along with an excellent curriculum. The following list includes a few of India's best private MSc zoology programmes:

• Buddha PG College, Kushinagar
• Wilson College, Mumbai
• B Borooah College, Guwahati
• Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata
• Gautam College, Hamirpur
• Lady Doak College, Madurai
• Bhavan's College, Mumbai
• Christ College, Irinjalakuda
• Rajat Degree College, Lucknow
• Madras Christian College, Chennai

Government MSc Zoology colleges are the most well-liked in India and are typically students' first choice because of their reasonable fees, excellent placement rates, and high calibre of instruction. Here are some of India's best government MSc Zoology programmes:

• Hansraj College, Delhi
• Maharaja's College, Ernakulam
• Farook College, Kozhikode
• Presidency College, Chennai
• Asutosh College, Kolkata
• The Institute of Science, Mumbai
• Government Bilasa Girls PG College, Bilaspur
• Anugrah Narayan College, Patna

MSc Zoology course is popular among science graduates because of the increasing job opportunities and better growth as career options. The graduates can find jobs in both the private and government sector after completing MSc Zoology course. 

• There are different job profiles that are open to students after completing an MSc Zoology course such as Zoologists, animal trainers, wildlife educators, researchers, wildlife biologists, etc. 
• The students also keep in mind the different areas of employment after graduating from the MSc Zoology course. The students work in schools, colleges, zoos, national parks, the food industry, the agricultural sector, etc. 

Some of the top profiles that the student of MSc Zoology gets as career options are mentioned below along with the details of the profiles. The average salary structure of the job profiles is also mentioned against the job profile so that the students can decide the job profile for themselves and work accordingly. 

Animal Behavior and Training Specialist- They are responsible for understanding animal behavior and also training them if required. They provide knowledge and information about the safety of pets to their owners. The average salary for this post ranges from 2-3 lakhs per annum.

 Veterinarians- They are specialized in the treatment of animals and daily health assessment of animals. They provide all medical facilities to pets. The average salary that the students get as veterinarian ranges from 5-6 lakhs per annum. 

Wildlife Biologist- A wildlife biologist is responsible for the living condition and habitat of animals. They also take care of the population growth of numerous animal and plant species. The average salary structure of wildlife biologists ranges from 5-6 lakhs per annum. 

Conservationist- As the name indicates, the main job of a conservationist includes taking care of wildlife plants, and animals. They are accountable for the conservation of not only forests but all the species that are part of wildlife conservation. The salary structure of conservationists starts from 4-5 lakhs per annum. 

Zoologist- Zoologists are responsible for health and hygiene of all the animals inside the zool. They are also responsible for cleaning and bathing of animals. They take care of the living conditions of animals inside a zoo. They get a very good salary and the average salary starts from 7-8 lakhs per annum. 

MSc Zoology Job Prospects

MSc Zoology course  is an advanced course and candidates can opt for various job roles after the completion of the MSc Zoology degree programme. Some of the job roles available for MSc Zoology candidates are as follows:

• Zoologist
• Ecologist
• Environmental Consultant
• Conservation Officer
• Zookeeper
• Field Trials Officer
• Professor

MSc Zoology Top Recruiters

MSc Zoology course is a popular course because it provides job opportunities in various sectors. There are many organizations that lookout for Zoology graduates from reputed colleges and universities. The students can check the list of top recruiters after completing their course in the MSc Zoology degree program as mentioned below. 

• Cipla
• Biocon
• State and National Forest Departments
• Colleges and Universities offering MSc Zoology
• Ranbay
• Mankind 
• Arcadis
• NGOs working with Wildlife or domestic animals

MSc Zoology Salary 

In India, the starting salary after MSc Zoology is INR 3 - 7 LPA, according to PayScale. MSc Zoology salary in India per month for graduates is determined by the level of education, grades, and abilities attained. 

MSc Zoology Future Scope

The MSc Zoology course has a broad scope, with numerous job opportunities both inside and outside of India. Graduates can work in a variety of fields, including government departments, environmental agencies, universities, colleges, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. After MSc Zoology job opportunities include zoologist, wildlife conservationist, animal trainer, educator, zookeeper, officer, wildlife researcher, associate research scientist, ecologist, biological lab technician, and herpetologist. Depending on the profile, field of specialisation, and experience, the salary trend for zoologists may vary, but it could range from INR 3.5 lakhs for freshers to INR 10 lakhs for experts.

The students apart from doing a job after completing their MSc Zoology course can also look for other career options. They can pursue higher studies in the relevant field or they can also prepare for civil services examination. The students can also look for government jobs and settle well in their life for a permanent post. The students can check some of the further study options that they can explore after pursuing MSc Zoology. 

PhD- The doctorate in Philosophy or PhD is the highest qualification that one can do after MSc Zoology. The students who are interested in research can do PhD in 3-5 years. The PhD admission is done on the basis of entrance examination conducted by different colleges and universities. The students after completing their PhD in Zoology can work as Professor in colleges and universities. 

Management Courses- The students of MSc Zoology can also do management courses by appearing for CAT or MAT or XAT entrance examination. The students can do their MBA and prepare themselves as future managers and entrepreneurs in the field of zoology. The MBA programs in the area of Zoology help the students in getting a better salary package. 

BA LLB- If a student wants to pursue career in law, then they can do BA LLB program. The students will not have to do traditional 5 year undergraduate degree in Law; they can complete the same in 3 years. The students can work as lawyers, advocates, legal consultants, or as private or corporate lawyers. 

Candidates can pursue an online Master of Science (MSc) in Zoology. Online MSc Zoology is a two-year postgraduate program that studies animals. It can be pursued online through distance education. Online MSc Zoology degrees from accredited universities are recognized by employers and academic institutions and have the same academic value as on-campus degrees. 

Here are some places that offer an online MSc in Zoology:

• IGNOU

The IGNOU offers a two-year MSc in Zoology programme divided into four semesters of six months each. Students must have a minimum of 55% from a recognised university in any discipline to apply.

• CIIS India

CIIS India provides a distance or correspondence MSc in Zoology. Sunrise University and Dr. CV Raman University offer the course for INR 20k.