PSM in Zoo, Aquarium and Animal Shelter Management – Department of Biology

Fall 2026 Application Cycle Update

We are welcoming competitive applications to the traditional 2-year and AMP program pathways starting in Fall 2026 on a space available basis through April 15, 2026. Though we’ve passed the January 1 priority application deadline to start an in-person PSM program, ongoing review will continue for completed applications. Visit the PSM curriculum and PSM admissions criteria pages for further application info, or reach out to PSM Program Coordinator Annie Wallin at annie.wallin@colostate.edu.

If you’re interested in the 3-year online program, the application deadline is June 15 to start in Fall 2026!

About Our Program

You’ve always imagined your life helping animals. Veterinary school is not the only career path that allows you to work with animals. By providing a combination of coursework and experiential learning, the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management prepares students for an applied career with animal organizations.

Our vision is to provide future leaders in animal welfare and conservation with the professional skills they need to amplify their influence within animal organizations. This highly flexible and mobile degree is responsive to the needs of our environment and our communities. We collaborate within and across professional animal organizations that represent the leading edge of animal welfare and conservation. In addition to fostering an inclusive environment that enables curious, creative, and courageous minds, we work independently and collaboratively to pursue answers, challenge assumptions, and exercise ethical responsibility within this field.

With an emphasis on hands-on learning, PSM students gain the necessary skills to lead an organization with animals in a variety of capacities. Although the name of the program lists our main areas of study (zoo, aquarium, and animal shelter), there are a wide variety of experiential and career options available to explore throughout the program and into the field.

Current job titles of recent graduates include:

Executive Director
Development Director
Behavior & Enrichment Manager
Animal Shelter Manager
Conservation Engagement Programs Manager
Manager of Humane Education
Guest Services Manager
Animal Trainer
Education Programs Manager
Community Engagement Coordinator
Keepers in elephants, sea lions, primates, and hoof stock
And more!

Do you have a calling to work with animals? There’s no need to settle for a job you’re not passionate about.

Contact us to discuss if the PSM program in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management is the next step in your journey toward becoming a leader in an animal organization.

PSM student at Tanganyika Wildlife Park wearing intern uniform with red-ruffed lemur on shoulder

PSM student at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo wearing intern uniform, collecting data in front of mountain goat exhibit and view of Colorado Springs

PSM Student in blue hoodie and black cap kisses a tuxedo kitten's head (black body and white socks)

10 PSM students and staff posing on the stairs at the AWAC 2023 conference in business casual clothing at the Great Wolf Lodge

Education Abroad

Our Education Abroad programs are as diverse as they are enticing! Check out our programs and learn more about these incredible opportunities at CSU | Education Abroad | Recommended CNS Programs Abroad

Learn more about CSU’s Education Abroad Programs at CSU | Education Abroad

Speak with an advisor to see if these programs are right for you! CSU | Biology | Advising

Application Deadlines

Behavior and Biology of African Mammals in Kenya: Summer

Apply to Study Abroad in Kenya

Early Deadline: December 1st
Final Deadline: December 15th

Promotional graphic for a Kenya Study Abroad program offered by Colorado State University. Features a scenic photo of African wildlife and landscapes, with text highlighting the opportunity for students to study ecology and conservation in Kenya. Includes university branding and program details.

Dolphin Behavior & Physiology in Honduras: Winter & Summer Break

Apply to Study Abroad in Honduras

Winter
- Priority Deadline: May 1st
- Final Deadline: September 15th

Summer
- Priority Deadline: December 1st
- Final Deadline: February 1st

Promotional graphic for an Education Abroad program in Honduras offered by Colorado State University. Features imagery of tropical landscapes and marine life, highlighting opportunities for students to study ecology, conservation, and biodiversity in Honduras. Includes university branding and program details.

Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation of Biodiversity in Ecuador: Winter Break

Apply to Study Abroad in Ecuador

Priority Deadline: May 1st
Final Deadline: September 15th

A group of people stands outdoors in front of a mountainous landscape. The image is part of a promotional flyer for a Colorado State University study abroad program titled "Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation of Biodiversity in Ecuador." The flyer includes program details such as the location (Quito, Tandayapa, and Tiputini in Ecuador), term (Winter), course requirement (BZ 449A - 4 credits), and program leader (Tanya Dewey). A QR code is included for more information.

Field Biology & Behavior of Primates in Madagascar: Summer

Apply to Study Abroad in Madagascar

Priority Deadline: December 1st
Final Deadline: February 1st

Promotional flyer for Colorado State University’s study abroad program titled “Field Biology and Behavior of Primates in Madagascar.” The flyer features two images: the top left shows a lemur clinging to a tree in a forest, and the bottom left shows students conducting nighttime field research with headlamps in a dense forest. The right side contains program details on a yellow background, including highlights like observing lemurs in the wild, studying rainforest biology, and visiting Ranomafana National Park. Text lists locations (Madagascar, cities such as Maki and Anstsarabe), summer term, course requirement (BZ482), and contact information for program leader Jennie Willis. A QR code and link for more information appear at the bottom. Logos for Colorado State University’s College of Natural Sciences, Biology Department, and International Programs are displayed along the top and bottom.

First Year Seminar Abroad: Biology in Australia: August

Apply to Study Abroad in Australia

Priority Deadline: April 1st
Final Deadline: May 4th

Promotional graphic for a First-Year Seminar Abroad program in Australia offered by Colorado State University. Features imagery of Australian wildlife and landscapes, highlighting opportunities for students to study biology in an international setting. Includes university branding and program details.

Marine Biology in Mexico: Fall Break

Apply to Study Abroad in Mexico

Early Deadline: March 1st
Final Deadline: April 15th

Promotional graphic for an Education Abroad program in Mexico offered by Colorado State University. Features imagery of coastal and desert landscapes, highlighting opportunities for students to study marine biology, ecology, and conservation. Includes university branding and program details.

Fall Courses

Summer Courses

Accreditation

This program is accredited at CSU by the National Professional Science Master’s Association (NPSMA) which means we offer a blend of business, science, and experiential learning.

Why a Professional Science Master’s (PSM)?