Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare

What you will learn

Building on the highly successful BS in Animal Care and Behavior program, Husson now offers one of the only online master’s in animal behavior degrees in the country. Through our flexible curriculum, you’ll gain an advanced understanding of the behavior, health and nutrition of both domestic animals and wildlife. Whether you aspire to perform scientific research or work with animals in a more hands-on environment, such as a zoo, farm, wildlife conservation facility or rehabilitation clinic, you can graduate in less than a year with the skills and knowledge you need for success in a quickly growing career field. 

This graduate program is designed for anyone who has a bachelor's degree and is looking to expand their knowledge and skillset around animal behavior and well-being. It’s a good fit for both graduates of our BS in Animal Care and Behavior program and students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a life or physical science discipline. 

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*Time to completion varies based on allowable transfer credits from any prior undergraduate coursework. **All rates subject to change. Please see Cost and Aid for more information.

AB 621: Applied Animal Management - Zoos, Farms and Shelters 

In this course, you will study how the missions of zoos, farms and shelters can aim to support animal and human welfare. As part of this course, you’ll explore management considerations for zoos, farms and shelters, including finances, staffing and services. You’ll evaluate the efficacy of different business models for zoos, farms and shelters in the context of animal and human welfare. 

AB 701: Advanced Animal Behavior 

In this course, you will study the biology of animal behavior across a variety of species. You’ll follow a data-driven approach to examine the role of anatomy and physiology, genetics, and evolution in animal behavior, with a focus on a species or behavior of your choice. 

AB 702: Advanced Animal Training 

In this course, you will study applied animal behavior and develop an in-depth training plan. You’ll explore classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and techniques for application of a variety of methods of training that are effective and humane. 

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*Student’s curriculum will depend upon which credits are transferred.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an animal behavior degree?

The goal of an animal behavior degree is to provide students with a deep understanding of animal behavior, health and nutrition. A master’s degree in animal behavior helps students build on their bachelor’s degree to pursue advanced roles in this field.

What can you do with a master’s in animal behavior?

With your master’s in animal behavior, you can work in a wide variety of careers. Graduates can work in wildlife settings, help pet owners train their animals, assist veterinarians and perform research-related roles. Career opportunities will depend on where you live and how you want to channel your passion for working with animals. 

What is the job outlook for an animal behaviorist?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers related to animal behavior and training are projected to grow 16% between 2022-2032. Job outlook and salary potential will depend on the type of career you pursue and other factors, such as location. When you contact Husson, we can help you determine if this program is a good fit for your aspirations.

Is an animal behavior degree worth it?

The value of any degree program depends on the quality of education and career goals of each student. If you want to develop the skills to succeed in animal behavioral-related careers, this program could help you succeed. With this program, you can develop essential knowledge and professional skills in an interactive online environment, while learning from faculty with professional experience in the subjects they teach.

Faculty Spotlight

Taylor Rezvani, Ph.D, M.A.T.

Dr. Taylor Rezvani is passionate about improving animal-human relationships and animal welfare through educational outreach and research, especially concerning the veterinary field and domestic dog preventative behavioral care. As an educator, Taylor strives to expand access to learning about animal behavior and welfare, particularly within the veterinary profession. Taylor has designed and delivered in-person and online curricula for high school, undergraduate, graduate and veterinary students as well as vocational learners. Interdisciplinarity has always been an important and natural part of Taylor’s personal educational trajectory, starting with her two undergraduate degrees: human biology (animal behavior: biology/psychology/sociology) and media studies (film), both from Pitzer College. She earned a master's degree in teaching biology from Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling and an interdisciplinary doctoral degree in zoology, psychology and education from Washington State University. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and assisted with developing and curating educational materials regarding domestic dog welfare. Taylor co-founded and directed Whole Dog Academy, an education-based nonprofit that includes a career school for dog trainers.

Admissions Requirements:

Admission to the MS in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare requires an earned BS degree in Ecology, Animal Behavior, Biology, or another related natural or physical science discipline. If the BS degree is in a non-biology discipline, applicants must have completed an animal behavior course and a statistics course during the BS program of study. If the BS program of study did not include an animal behavior and a statistics course, admitted students have the option to complete the undergraduate animal behavior and statistics courses at Husson as part of the master's program.

Husson University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.