How to Become an Animal Behaviorist
Careers in animal behavior deal with the actions, instincts and biologically driven behaviors of animal species. Animal behaviorists are employed in the field as scientific researchers and in lab environments. They also work in zoos and aquariums, animal parks, and in a wide range of situations in which animals are managed or kept in confinement. Animal behaviorists can function as trainers and consultants on such issues as pet behavior, the training of exotic or domestic animals, and more. Careers as an animal behaviorist usually require a doctorate, though some forms related to specific training environments may be open to lower degrees with appropriate experience and apprenticeship background.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Time
- Access to an educational program devoted to animal behavior
- Commitment to study and graduate
Instructions
-
-
1
Before committing to the time, cost and energy of obtaining a degree in animal behavior, take the time to assess the career options open to you and make sure you are informed of the specific educational expectations in each specialty. Training to become a field researcher will demand different educational specialization than the training to professionally act as a consultant to horse training facilities, for example. The expertise demanded from a professor will differ from that of a pet behavioral therapist. Determine what directions most interest you as soon as you can.
-
2
Get a bachelor of science degree with a stress on behavioral studies, biology or psychology. If you have already earned a degree, assess how well it will match your next career steps. It may be to your advantage to reinforce your background skills if your original degree was a poor fit for your long-term goals.
-
-
3
Research advanced degree programs in animal behavior. If you are hoping for work as a pet therapist, or as a consultant working with domestic animals, consider looking specifically at colleges with strong veterinary programs or agricultural programs. For field work in the wild, or for academic research, look for programs aimed more at theory than at direct practice.
-
4
After you choose a small set of appropriate programs to apply for, gather your academic background information, obtain references and submit your applications.
-
5
While applying for programs, look into funding: through the schools you are applying to, through various grant resources and through loans.
-
1
