What Can You Do With an Animal Behavior Degree?

Published on: May 15, 2024

Scientifically referred to as ethology, the study of animal behavior focuses on how animals behave in their natural environments and how they interact with other animals and people around them. With an animal behavior degree, you can pursue a wide range of opportunities in the field, many of which allow you to work directly with the animals that you are passionate about.

Get Your Animal Behavior Degree

Jobs You Can Get With an Animal Behavior Degree

Depending on your interests in the field and your experience working with animals, you will find that there are many career paths that you can consider when you graduate with an animal behavior degree. According to Indeed, there are both scientific and hands-on career opportunities available, and some of these career paths require a graduate degree.

Researcher

Those who are particularly interested in one species or are passionate about animals from a particular region of the world may find that they want to pursue a career as an animal scientist or researcher. Animal scientists and researchers often complete both lab and field work, and they focus on studying the behaviors of animals as well as their nutritional and environmental needs. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , animal researchers may focus on specific areas, such as genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth and development, and they may focus their research on domestic animals or wildlife. Animal researchers need a master's degree in animal behavior or another related field.

Wildlife Conservationist

Wildlife conservationists are professionals who work to better understand the impact that humans have on the natural environment and the animals who live in a particular habitat, and work to ensure that animals are protected. Wildlife conservationists may focus primarily on fieldwork or lab work, or they may focus on advocacy efforts. While a bachelor's degree is needed to secure an entry-level position in wildlife conservation, a master's degree could give you the competitive advantage and allow you to pursue higher-level positions.

Animal Nutritionist

Animal nutritionists are animal scientists who focus specifically on studying the nutritional needs of animals. They are commonly responsible for developing nutritional plans and diet regimens for animals, and professionals in this field should consider earning an advanced degree to grow their career.

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Wildlife rehabilitators are animal care specialists who work to treat and protect injured animals in the hopes of returning those animals to their natural habitats. Wildlife rehabilitators often work under the guidance of a veterinarian, and a bachelor's degree is recommended for this field.

Animal Trainer

Animal trainers are animal behavior experts who train both domestic and zoo animals to behave properly in specific situations. They also may work on providing animals with stimulating interactions to encourage positive behavior over the course of the long-term. Animal trainers may train specific animals for riding, security or obedience. Typically, firsthand experience is required for this position, but a bachelor's degree may be helpful.

Educator

Many students who pursue an animal behavior degree are interested in becoming educators who help the next generation of animal behavior specialists develop the skills they need for this growing field. An animal educator who wants to work at the collegiate level will need to consider gaining hands-on experience and earning an advanced degree.

Zoo Curator

Zoo curators are professionals who work at both zoos and aquariums, and they are responsible for overseeing the animal population at a given facility. As management-level professionals, zoo curators often need a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in a related field, as they are responsible not only for caring for the animals but also for managing staff members. Zoo curators may be responsible for one specific population of animals at a facility, or they may oversee the entire population of animals at the zoo.

Veterinary Technician

Veterinary technicians are professionals who work alongside veterinarians to provide support in the clinical setting. Veterinary technicians work directly with animals, often providing them with care in the hospital or clinic setting, performing lab procedures, preparing exam rooms and providing pet owners with the resources, support and information they need for their pet. This position requires a bachelor's degree.

Building Your Career in Animal Behavior

Regardless of the position that you want to pursue, you will find that there are steps you can take that allow you to build your resume and prepare for a long-lasting career in animal behavior.

Gain Practical Experience

Nearly all positions in the animal behavior field require you to have direct experience working directly with animals. You can gain practical experience in the field by securing a part-time job at a veterinary clinic, pet store or zoo, or you can volunteer at an animal shelter or rehabilitation facility.

Earn an Advanced Degree

Whether you want to work at government agencies or you are interested in becoming an animal educator, you may find that an advanced degree helps you develop the advanced skills necessary to elevate your career in animal behavior. An online Master of Science in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare degree can provide you with the advantage you need in this increasingly-competitive field.

Network

Networking is the key to unlocking new and innovative opportunities in the animal behavior field. Throughout your degree program and as you gain practical experience, you can make valuable connections that allow you to uncover the job opportunities that align with your interests and passions.

Join Professional Organizations

Professional organizations allow you to network within the industry and gain access to valuable information that can help you grow your career. Some of the best professional organizations for those interested in animal behavior careers include the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

How to Become an Animal Behaviorist

As an animal behaviorist, you may find work at a training facility, a zoo or even an aquarium, but regardless of the type of facility that you plan to work at, you will find that you need to take the following steps to launch your career in this field:

Gain practical experience working with animals.
Earn an advanced degree in animal behavior, such as a master's degree.
Pursue certification at an aquarium, zoo or another facility to specialize.

Take the Next Step in Your Career With a Master’s in Animal Care and Behavior

Building on the foundation of our incredibly successful bachelor's degree in animal care and behavior, Husson University is proud to offer one of the only advanced degrees in this area of study. Our online Master of Science in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare degree is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the behavior, health and nutrition of both domesticated and wildlife animals, allowing you to prepare for a lasting career in the field.

Request more information about our online graduate degree programs today.