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Specialize in How Animals Interact

Animal Behavior is the study of how living organisms interact with their environment and each other.

This minor gives you the knowledge of key concepts and principles in animal behavior, cognition, and evolutionary relationships.

 

It also provides you with an option beyond veterinary medicine, such as graduate school, further training as a veterinary assistant, a wildlife technician, or working in government and private institutions, zoos, and conservation groups.

Imagine Your Future

Career opportunities range from animal breeders and trainers to veterinarians (refer to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics table below). Some careers may require a bachelor’s degree (zoologists and wildlife biologists), while others may require a professional degree (veterinarians).

Additional information on careers in animal behavior can be found at the Animal Behavior Society website.

Wages, employment, projected job openings, and self-employment for occupations working with animals
Occupation Median annual wage, May 2022 Employment, 2022
Animal breeders $45,320 1,270
Animal control workers 39,320 11,490
Animal scientists 69,390 2,520
Animal trainers 35,620 17,710
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers 75,760 847,600
Farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animals 34,150 33,020
Nonfarm animal caretakers 29,530 256,670
Veterinarians 103,260 78,810
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers 34,740 111,880
Veterinary technologists and technicians 67,430 17,410

Classes and Requirements

This program allows students to develop a minor that will further their career goals of working with animals, in veterinary medicine, animal conservation, or related fields.

The two required courses (General Zoology and Animal Behavior) give the foundational knowledge and skills. The diversity of electives allow students to sharpen their interest in this expansive field.

Full Academic Catalog Listing

The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.

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