Animal Behavior Degrees
An animal behavior degree teaches students the skills needed to understand the motivations behind the actions of animals. Students who earn animal behavior degrees will be prepared with the skills needed for various careers, such as zoologists, wildlife biologists, and more. Being an animal behavior specialist is a great career path for those who love animals and want to work with them to improve their quality of life.
Featured Programs
Top Affordable Bachelor’s in Animal Behavior Degrees: Methodology
We have compiled a list of the best animal behavior schools for students who want to pursue an online animal behavior degree. These animal behaviorist programs have been selected for this ranking based on a scoring system that considers the cost of tuition and the length of the program. These animal behaviorist programs have also been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. These animal behavior degree colleges are ordered from highest to lowest scores.
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on in-state costs, and out-of-state students may have additional fees.
The Top 15 Most Affordable Animal Behavior Colleges
#1. Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior
Millersville, Pennsylvania
Those who would like to study at Millersville University of Pennsylvania can enroll in the school’s Bachelor of Science in animal behavior degree. Through this animal behavior degree program, students will learn how to understand better how animals behave and communicate with one another. In doing so, they will gain a deeper understanding of animal cognition. To complete this program of study, animal behavior students are required to earn a total of 120 credit hours. This program of study is exclusively offered on campus. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has provided Millersville University with accreditation for this animal behavior science degree. This is one of the best animal behavior schools, and this program is a great option for those looking for an affordable animal behavior degree.
Tuition: $51,720
Score: 100
#2. Unity College
Bachelor of Science in Animal Health and Behavior
Unity, Maine
This Bachelor of Science in animal health and behavior is offered at Unity College. Students in Maine who are looking for an “animal behavior degree near me” program will be happy to know there is one right in the state. By enrolling in this program, animal behavior majors will work through a curriculum designed to help them learn to maintain animals’ well-being in the wild and in captivity. They will learn how to assess an animal’s behaviors to determine how it is feeling and how stressed it may be. This program provides great career training for those interested in working as animal welfare officers. Unity College has received accreditation for this program from the New England Commission on Higher Education. A total of 120 credits are needed to complete this degree from one of the best animal behavior schools available.
Tuition: $56,400
Score: 99.75
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#3. Carroll University
Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior
Waukesha, Wisconsin
Carroll University animal behavior majors can enroll in the school’s Bachelor of Science in animal behavior degree. This animal science behavior degree is great career preparation for several zoological and wildlife careers. Students in this program will learn how to observe and analyze the behaviors of animals. They will learn how to assess that behavior and whether that behavior is typical or atypical. Many who earn this animal behavior science degree go on to have careers in rescue organizations, animal therapy, zoological organizations, and more. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Carroll University, one of the best animal behavior colleges, has received accreditation for this degree from the Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities.
Tuition: $71,400
Score: 99.5
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#4. Utica College
Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior
Utica, New York
This Bachelor of Science in animal behavior is offered by Utica College. Students enrolled in this animal behaviorist degree online will work through a curriculum designed to help them better understand how animals behave. This curriculum focuses on conveying the various evolutionary, physiological, and ecological reasons that influence and change an animal’s behavior. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has provided Utica College with accreditation for this degree. A total of 120 credits are needed to complete this program. This program offered by Utica College has earned its place among the top animal behavior degrees available.
Tuition: $89,256
Score: 99.25
#5. Canisius College
Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation
Buffalo, New York
Those who would like to become students at Canisius College can enroll in the Bachelor of Science in animal behavior, ecology, and conservation degree. Through this animal behaviorist degree online, students will be exposed to the theories and concepts used to help better understand why animals behave the way they do. They will learn to use this understanding to assess the welfare of animals better. A total of 120 credits are required for students to complete this degree program. Canisius College has received accreditation for this program from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. And It’s one of the best animal behavior major colleges we’ve found. This degree is a great option for students interested in a career in conservation or zoology. Courses in this animal behavior degree online program include:
- conservation behavior
- introductory animal behavior
- animal ethics
Tuition: $117,200
Score: 99
#6. Muskingum University
Bachelor of Science in Animal Studies
New Concord, Ohio
Muskingum University offers students a Bachelor of Science in animal studies degree. This bachelor of animal behavior degree is a great option for students who want to jumpstart a zoology or animal behavior career. Students in this program will learn how animals behave and express themselves in order to understand their well-being better. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Muskingum University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. This program is a great option for those wanting the training needed to work in:
- zoology
- animal welfare
- other zoology-related careers
Tuition: $117,200
Score: 98.75
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#7. Florida Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Animal Behavior and Training
Melbourne, Florida
This Bachelor of Science in psychology with a concentration in animal behavior and training degree is offered by the Florida Institute of Technology. Students in this animal behavior degree online program will work through a curriculum designed to teach them how to leverage an understanding of animal behavior. By learning the factors that influence an animal’s behavior, students will learn how to influence that behavior through training. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the Florida Institute of Technology with accreditation for this degree. This is a great degree option for those interested in a career in animal welfare, zoology, and more.
Tuition: $142,560
Score: 98.5
#8. Indiana University Bloomington
Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior
Bloomington, Indiana
Those who wish to study at Indiana University can enroll in this animal behaviorist school and earn a Bachelor of Science in animal behavior degree. Through this animal behavior degree online, students will come to understand concepts and theories that govern animal behavior. They will learn how to properly analyze the behavior of animals to better understand their state of mind and their welfare. Courses in this program include biological mechanisms, introduction to animal behavior, and many others. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Indiana University with accreditation for this program.
Tuition: $150,400
Score: 98.25
#9. University of New England
Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior
Portland, Maine
The University of New England offers students this Bachelor of Science in animal behavior degree. Students in this program of study will develop an understanding of the various factors and characteristics that influence the ways that animals behave. This program is offered on campus. Courses in this program of study include animal cognition, captive animal management, conservation behavior, animal personality, and many others. The New England Commission on Higher Education has provided the University of New England with accreditation for this program of study. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program.
Tuition: $163,200
Score: 98
#10. Southwestern University
Bachelor of Science in Animal Studies
Georgetown, Texas
This Bachelor of Science in animal studies degree is offered at Southwestern University. Animal behavior majors in this program can personalize this animal behavior degree to suit their needs and anticipated career path. Through this animal behavior degree online program, students will understand the factors that influence the ways that animals behave. They will use this information to understand animals better and to ensure their welfare in different environments. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Southwestern University has received accreditation for this degree from the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges. If you’re looking for some top colleges with animal behavior majors, this on-campus program at Southwestern University is ideal.
Tuition: $187,200
Score: 97.75
#11. Eckerd College
Bachelor of Science in Animal Studies
St. Petersburg, Florida
Those who would like to study at Eckerd College can enroll in the school’s Bachelor of Science in animal studies degree. This degree in animal behavior provides students with the background and training needed for various careers in zoology and animal welfare. Students in this program will work through a curriculum designed to help increase their familiarity with the various factors that govern the behavior of animals. They will use this information to better assess the care and well-being of animals. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. This degree is offered on campus. The Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Eckerd College with accreditation for this degree.
Tuition: $188,176
Score: 97.5
#12. Hampshire College
Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior and Cognition
Amherst, Massachusetts
This Bachelor of Science in animal behavior and cognition degree is offered by Hampshire College. By enrolling in this program of study, students will work through a curriculum designed to help them better understand how animals behave and how they think. Students will study the anatomical, physiological, and genetic factors that influence animal cognition. Courses in this degree in animal behavior program cover topics including:
- animal cognition
- animal behavior
- communication
- evolution
A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Hampshire College has received accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education. This program is offered on campus at Hampshire College.
Tuition: $204,000
Score: 97.25
#13. Bucknell University
Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Bucknell College offers this Bachelor of Science in animal behavior degree on campus. By pursuing this degree in animal behavior, students will learn about the biological and psychological factors that influence the ways that animals think and behave. Courses in this program may include:
- comparative cognition
- mammalogy
- primate cognition
- neuroethology
- behavioral ecology
A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree in animal behavior. Bucknell University has received accreditation for this program from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $237,896
Score: 97
#14. Duke University
Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior
Durham, North Carolina
Those who would like to study at Duke University can enroll in the school’s Bachelor of Science in animal behavior degree program. This program is exclusively offered on campus at Duke University. Students in this program of study will learn how to understand animal behavior from a variety of perspectives. They will learn the psychological, physical, evolutionary, and biological forces that dictate how animals behave. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree in animal behavior. Duke University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges. And it’s one of the best online animal behavior degree colleges on our list. Courses in this program include:
- primate field biology
- sensory physiology & behavior of marine animals
- sociobiology
Tuition: $242,376
Score: 96.75
#15. Franklin & Marshall College
Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior Studies
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
This Bachelor of Science in animal behavior studies degree is offered by Franklin & Marshall College. Franklin & Marshall College’s online animal behavior degree is a great option for students interested in a career in animal welfare or zoology. Throughout this program, students will deepen their understanding and knowledge of the various factors governing how animals interact and behave. This is one of the best animal behavior colleges we’ve found. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Franklin & Marshall College has received accreditation for this program from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Courses in this program include:
- animal behavior
- cognitive psychology
- behavioral ecology
Tuition: $252,864
Score: 96.5
Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Behavior: Overview
An animal behaviorist is a professional who studies how animals’ behavior relates to other animals and the environment in which they live. They may work in a wide range of settings including:
- zoos
- animal shelters
- laboratories
- protected habitats
- nature conservatories
- wildlife centers
- veterinary medicine offices
To become an animal behaviorist, you will first need to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal behavior, which will give you the practical and academic training to pursue a career in the field.
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How Long Does It Take To Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Behavior?
Like most undergraduate degrees, you’ll need to attend college for four years to study animal behavior. During this time, you’ll have many opportunities to learn about the biology, social structure, and natural habitats of animals.
What Will I Study in an Animal Behavior Program?
As an animal behavior major, you’ll begin with an assortment of core courses in areas such as math, science, psychology, and more, but you’ll soon move on to more specialized courses. Usually, an animal behavior major will also do a research project. While each of these colleges for animal behavior is a little different, you can expect courses like:
- Animal Behavior
- Neurobiology
- Biological Sciences
- Biometry (Statistics)
- Co-op in Animal Behavior
- Behavioral Sciences
- Research and Documentation in Animal Behavior
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Ornithology
- Marine Ichthyology
- Mammalogy
- Entomology
- Marine Mammals
- Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
- Animal Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Conservation Biology
- Aquatic Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Plant-Animal Interactions
- Evolution
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Neurochemistry
- Animal Sociology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Comparative Psychology
- Wildlife Biology
- Animal Training
Most animal behavior programs also offer practical, hands-on learning experiences as students conduct research and complete fieldwork at on-campus labs, zoos, or protected wildlife areas. Some programs even offer the chance for animal behavior students to study abroad to learn about animals and animal health in other habitats. Others allow students to work with domestic animals. Colleges for animal behavior will prepare you for a wide range of career options.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Behavior?
There are many career opportunities for those with only a bachelor’s in animal behavior. Depending on your interests, you could look for positions at :
- zoos
- aquariums
- museums
- wildlife rehabs
- conservation groups
You can also get involved with domestic animals, and look into careers like animal training. Long-term career goals for animal behavior majors who graduate with an online animal behavior degree may include:
- Wildlife Technician
- Zookeeper
- Wildlife Biologist
- Marine Ecology Researcher
- Museum Caretaker
- Shelter Manager
- Animal Trainer
- Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Medicine
- Research Technician
- Naturalist
- Animal Welfare Specialist
Of course, this is only a partial list of career options for animal behaviorists. It is important to note that animal behavior majors can find jobs in both the private and the public sectors. In the private sector, graduates might work in private research institutions. In government, an animal behavior graduate might work in an organization such as the Department of Fish and Game, state and national parks, or local animal control. Many colleges with animal behavior major programs offer specializations in these areas.
See Also: WHAT CAN I DO WITH AN ANIMAL BEHAVIOR DEGREE?
Graduate Degrees for Animal Behaviorists
If an animal behavior major wishes to continue their studies in the field, there are many animal behavior major colleges that offer graduate degrees in animal behavior. But keep in mind, all graduate school programs for animal behavior require candidates to earn their undergraduate degree first. If they decide to move forward, many animal behavior students chose to specialize in zoology, environmental science, animal health, animal science, research, education, veterinary medicine, and more.
NPCO Staff
June 2022
