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Program Options

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Zoo Keeping Technology Degree and Certificates

Pikes Peak State College is one of a handful of schools that offers a unique Zoo Keeping Technology degree, designed to prepare students to become zoo keepers and animal care professionals. The Associate of Applied Science degree prepares students to enter the workforce immediately. The degree does not transfer directly to a four-year institution; however, we can provide advising on degree paths for students that want to pursue a bachelor’s or advanced degree in a related field. Faculty advisers can assist in course selection and offer assistance in selecting schools with related programs.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

This degree is meant for students who are interested in entering the field of Zoo Keeping. Students should realize that a degree from PPSC will not guarantee a position with a zoo. Many zoos have requirements other than education for employment, so you are encouraged to meet with your adviser or zoo faculty members for further information.

Certificate Program
Certificates are meant to enhance the Zoo Keeping AAS degree or introduce students to animal careers other than Zoo Keeping.

 

  • Your personalized schedule will be best determined by meeting with an Academic Advisor
  • Math Requirements: Students should place into MAT 1140 or MAT 1120
  • English Requirements: Students should place into ENG 1021 or ENG 1020

  • MAT 1120 Math for Clinical Calculations (3) OR MAT 1140 Career Math (3)
  • ENG 1021 English Composition I CO1 (3) OR ENG 1020 Technical Writing I CO1 (3)
  • COM 1150 Public Speaking (3) OR COM 2140 Natural Resource Interpretation & Communications (3)
  • BIO 1003 Principles of Animal Biology SC2 (3)
  • ENV 1111 Environmental Science with Lab SC1 (4)
  • ZOO 1010 Introduction to Captive Animal Management (2)

Total: 18 Credit Hours

  • ZOO 1040 Introduction to Animal Training (2)
  • ZOO 1030 Animal Behavior (3)
  • ZOO 1710 Bird Husbandry (4)
  • ZOO 1410 Invertebrate Zoology (4)
  • ZOO 1810 Mammal Husbandry (4)

Total: 17 Credit Hours

  • ZOO 1310 Zoonotic Preventative Medicine (3)
  • ZOO 1020 Biodiversity & Conservation (3)
  • ZOO 1610 Herpetology (4)
  • ZOO 1080 Zoo Keeping Internship I (5)

Total: 15 Credit Hours

  • ZOO 1510 - FIsh Husbandry & Aquaria Management (4)
  • ZOO 1081 Zoo Keeping Internship II (5)
  • Degree Electives (5)
  • Please meet with your Faculty Advisor (Alex O'Brien) or Program Advisor for assistance in choosing Degree Electives that meet the requirements of this AAS.

Total: 14 Credit Hours

  • This certificate can be completed in 2 semesters
  • This certificate is 30 credit hours

  • ZOO 1010 Introduction to Captive Animal Management (2)
  • ZOO 1110 Advanced Exhibitory Techniques (2)
  • ZOO 1320 Veterinary Zookeeping (4)
  • ZOO 1410 Invertebrate Zoology (4)
  • ZOO 2410 Aquatic & Terrestrial Invertebrate Husbandry (4)

Total: 16 Credit Hours

  • ZOO 1610 Herpetology (4)
  • ZOO 1210 Exhibit & Horticulture Design for Zoo Exhibits (4)
  • ZOO 1510 Fish Husbandry and Aquaria Management (4)
  • ZOO 2610 Reptile & Amphibian Husbandry (4)

Total: 16 Credit Hours