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The field of animal behavior has a variety of sub specialties; one of which is applied animal behavior. Applied animal behavior involves working directly with animals in an applied setting, such as zoological parks, livestock handling and welfare, animal shelters, and private practice consultation with the pet owning population. The general approach when planning a career as an applied animal behaviorist in any of the above areas is to earn a BA/BS from one of a variety of disciplines including Biology, Animal Sciences, Zoology, and Psychology and then either a MS, MA, Ph.D. with a specialization in animal behavior. Another approach is to get a degree in veterinary medicine DVM or VMD, with a residency in applied animal behavior. These programs are available in nearly every part of the country. While they provide the broad basic background needed in animal behavior principles, few offer specific courses or opportunities in companion animal/zoo animal behavior or clinical experience. A high-quality graduate program will also include a strong foundation in research methods and statistical analysis. The most important element when choosing a graduate program is to find a faculty member who is willing to support an applied approach, and allows flexibility in taking interdisciplinary courses. Below you will find a list of 16 schools which offer programs in applied animal behavior. In addition, many local college or university programs can be modified to meet ABS criteria for certification, or you can simply take individual courses to improve your skills. If you are planning to apply for certification with the Animal Behavior Society as an Applied Animal Behaviorist please consult with a CAAB who can offer counseling in this area to plan your career, advise you concerning coursework and offer suggestions regarding mentoring. Please see our list of participating CAABs for individuals who can assist you. EASTTufts University School of Veterinary Medicine Center for Animals and Public Policy MS, PhD, MS/DVM and PhD/DVM Degrees Companion animals and livestock http://www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/ Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine MS and PhD Degrees Companion animals www.vet.cornell.edu/OGE/ Hunter College Animal Behavior and Conservation Program MA Degree www.life.uiuc.edu/programs/BMP/ University of Maryland Department of Animal and Avian Science MS and PhD Degrees Poultry and Avian http://ansc.umd.edu/di.htm University of Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Medicine Center for the Interaction of Animals in Society VMD and PhD Degrees Companion animals http://www.vet.upenn.edu/ Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences MAg, MS, and PhD Degrees Companion animals and Livestock http://www.ag.auburn.edu/ansc/ University of Georgia Department of Psychology Neuroscience and Behavior PhD Degree Lab animals and Primates http://www.uga.edu/psychology/graduate/neuroscience/index.html MIDWEST Michigan State University Animal Behavior and Welfare Group MS and PhD Degrees Companion animals and livestock http://www.msu.edu/~zanella/ Purdue University USDA Research Station Department of Animal Sciences MS and PhD Degrees Livestock and poultry http://www.ansc.purdue.edu/grad/ Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine MS and PhD Degrees Companion animals http://www.vet.purdue.edu/ University of Illinois Department of Biology Center for Animals and Public Policy MS Degree Companion animals http://www.life.uiuc.edu/programs/BMP/Applied%20Animal%20Behavior.htm WEST Texas A&M University Department of Animal Science MS and PhD Degrees Livestock and exotics http://animalscience.tamu.edu/ansc/index.htm Oregon State University Department of Animal Sciences MS and PhD Degrees Companion animals, livestock, poultry and exotics http://oregonstate.edu/dept/animal-sciences/m Washington State University Department of Animal Sciences MS and PhD Degrees Center for the Study of Animal Well-Being Livestock http://www.ansci.wsu.edu/ University of California - Davis Animal Behavior Graduate Group (PhD) Animal Biology Graduate Group (MS, PhD) Avian Sciences Graduate Group (MS) Psychology Graduate Group (PhD) http://http://sandtiger.dbs.ucdavis.edu/ggc/anb/ University of British Columbia Department of Animal Science (PhD) MSc and PhD degrees Companion animals, lab animals, livestock and wildlife(MS) http://www.landfood.ubc.ca/programs/animal_sc_grad.htm |
There are few schools with degrees in applied animal behavior, but many schools who offer animal behavior related couses in the departments of animal science, biology, psychology and zoology. These courses can be used toward ABS certification if you work with your school to “mix and match" course work and other projects to meet ABS requirements. Go to the Animal Behavior Website (www.animalbehavior.org) for coursework suggestions & requirements.
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