Education and Training for an Animal Behaviorist
Animal behavior is a discipline that explores the relationships animals form with themselves and their environments. In this regard, animal behaviorists are concerned with studying the principles that relate to how animals physiologically, instinctively and cognitively exist in their world. Education and training in this field is rigorous and involves broad familiarity with scientific methods in ethology, biology, ecology and psychology.
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Bachelor's Degrees
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Some colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in animal behavior and/or ethnology. These foundational programs explore the basic psychological and neurological bases in which animals sense, perceive, think and behave both among and outside their own species. Bachelor's programs in ethnology may further emphasize animal neuroscience and neurobiology, as well as how behavior has evolved overtime. Both degrees are help students understand basic behavior, instinct and adaptation and community ecology. Good starting positions for professionals with bachelor degrees in these areas can be found at zoos as educators or in other supportive roles.
Master Degrees
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Postgraduate study in animal behavior or related disciplines, often in biology departments, are preferred over bachelor's degrees by hiring professionals. A master's degree is designed to enhance your skills in animal-related careers by giving you practice and applied skills in laboratory research, field study and conservation biology.
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Doctorate Degrees
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For the best opportunities in research in the animal behavior discipline, a doctor's of philosophy (Ph.D.) can allow you to get into specific areas of study in the field. For example, a Ph.D. in comparative psychology allows you to explore the relationships between animals and people. In A Ph.D. in ethology, you study the regulation and functions of animal behavior, whereas in a Ph.D. in ecology you focus on how patterns in animal behavior correlate with social and environmental conditions. A doctor of veterinary medicine (DV.M.) allows you to work more directly with animal health.
Other Training
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Like any other profession, you should be armed with the most possible amount of relevant experience. Great resources for obtaining experience and learning are zoos, wildlife organizations, animal clinics and/or veterinary clinics. Zoos and animal or veterinarian clinics can help facilitate first-hand knowledge of how animals function and behave under given circumstances. Doing work with wildlife organizations will teach you about animal conservation and socioecological issues. Working under seasoned professionals and with animals is always valuable when starting out as an animal behaviorist.
Other Considerations
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Animal behaviorists need to possess other traits to assist in their careers. It may go without saying but all fields of animal behavior require a keen interest in animals and wildlife. Ethnologists, biologists and ecologists may frequently spend time in the field, so staying in good shape is required. Behavioral psychologists might spend more time in labs or offices. In general, expect your work environment to vary between offices, labs and outdoor field work no matter the specific area of animal behavior in which you reside.
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References
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