Animal Behavior Degree Programs

Those who devote their lives to animal care are indeed a rare breed.

Animal behavior degrees are academic programs that focus on the scientific study of animal behavior. These programs may be offered at the undergraduate or graduate level and may lead to a certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree.

Animal behavior degrees typically cover various topics, including animal cognition, learning and memory, communication, social behavior, development, and evolution. Coursework may include classes in biology, psychology, anthropology, and other related fields. Some programs may also include fieldwork, internships, or research opportunities, which allow students to gain hands-on experience studying animal behavior in various settings.

Graduates of animal behavior programs may work in various settings, including zoos, aquariums, wildlife rehabilitation centers, animal shelters, and research labs. They may also work in education, consulting, or other related fields. Here are some typical jobs in the field of animal behavior and the median annual salaries for these positions in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

  • Zoologists and wildlife biologists: $63,270 per year
  • Animal trainers: $30,520 per year
  • Animal care and service workers: $25,770 per year

You can find more detailed information about animal behavior jobs and salaries on the BLS website:

Several colleges and universities offer animal behavior degrees in the United States.

Tuition and costs for animal behavior programs may vary depending on the institution and the level of study. It is essential for students to carefully research the costs of attendance and financial aid options at the schools they are considering.

Top Animal Behavior Schools and Degree Programs

To identify the top colleges for animal behavior degrees, we followed these steps:

  • Using College Navigator, we selected 20 colleges and universities offering undergraduate degrees or strong concentrations/focuses in animal behavior.
  • We then considered each school’s net price, median earnings, and graduation rates, as reported by College Navigator.
  • We reviewed program information from each school’s website.

Using this ranking methodology, we included schools that offer a concentration or option in animal behavior. This approach allowed us to determine the best schools for animal behavior degrees based on tuition, graduation rates, and program offerings.

1. Indiana University-Bloomington

Bachelor’s in Animal Behavior Degree

Bloomington, Indiana

Indiana University-Bloomington ranks highly among animal behavior degree programs.

  • Average Net Price: $14,619
  • Median Earnings: $58,814

Students in this program benefit from a diverse course selection covering ecological, cognitive, and behavioral perspectives. Enhancing their learning experience, students can participate in internships through the Center for the Study of Integrative Animal Behavior (CISAB), which places them in various settings such as:

  • Wildlife preserves
  • Science museums
  • Wildlife rehabilitation centers

Additionally, students are encouraged to engage in supervised research in areas like bioanthropology or cognitive and information science. Graduates of this program can find employment in roles such as:

  • Research technicians
  • Animal trainers
  • Museum assistants
  • Conservation officers

Indiana University-Bloomington stands out among animal behavior degree colleges due to its reasonable tuition and commitment to providing a high-quality education.

2. Muskingum University

Bachelor’s in Animal Studies

New Concord, Ohio

Muskingum University offers an Animal Studies program as a close alternative to an Animal Behavior major.

  • Average Net Price: $18,561
  • Median Earnings: $44,715

This program equips students with a strong foundation through courses in various disciplines:

  • Animal Studies
  • Biology
  • Health Science
  • Philosophy

Students can also select electives from the Communications and Psychology departments. The program’s low student-to-faculty ratio enables students to develop close working relationships with their mentors. In addition, Muskingum University provides opportunities for students to study, volunteer, or intern abroad. Upon completion, graduates receive a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Studies.

3. Canisius College

Bachelor’s in Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation

Buffalo, New York

Canisius College offers a bachelor’s degree in Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation.

  • Average Net Price: $18,602
  • Median Earnings: $53,395

The program emphasizes animal conservation, welfare, and ethical considerations. Key courses include:

  • Animal Ethics
  • Shelter Behavior
  • Urban Ecology
  • Conservation Education
  • Zoo Management

The college encourages students to engage in fieldwork, travel, cooperative research, and community outreach to enrich their learning experience. Graduates with this degree have found careers in various settings, such as:

  • Animal sanctuaries
  • Zoos
  • Academia
  • Animal rehabilitation centers

4. Carroll University

Bachelor’s in Animal Behavior Degree

Waukesha, Wisconsin

Carroll University is one of the few institutions offering a dedicated Animal Behavior program.

  • Average Net Price: $22,987
  • Median Earnings: $49,867

The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and adopts a cross-disciplinary approach to studying behavioral biology. Key features of the program include:

  • Access to Prairie Springs Environmental Education Center and Greene Field Station, located minutes from the campus
  • Required internships at Racine Zoo, Wildlife in Need Center, or the Humane Society
  • Established partnership with Milwaukee Zoo for additional internship and guided research opportunities

Graduates from Carroll University’s Animal Behavior program have found employment in roles such as naturalists, animal care directors, veterinary assistants, and animal research technicians.

5. Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor’s in Biology with Animal Behavior Option

Millersville, Pennsylvania

Millersville University offers an opportunity for students interested in animal behavior to pursue a concentration within their biology program.

  • Average Net Price: $23,133
  • Median Earnings: $48,420

This comprehensive program focuses on:

  • Real-world applications of evolutionary development and physiological mechanisms in animal behavior
  • A combination of field and laboratory research to supplement classroom instruction
  • Practical experience through collaborations with advisers and off-campus internships

Graduates from Millersville are well-prepared for careers in various settings, including wildlife conservation organizations, research universities, museums, aquariums, and nature preserves.

Honorable Mentions: Animal Behavior Degree Programs

University of California, Davis & Berkeley

The University of California (UC) system offers several animal behavior programs at its various campuses. These programs may be offered at the undergraduate or graduate level, leading to a certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree.

At the undergraduate level, UC Davis offers a major in animal biology with a concentration in animal behavior. The program includes coursework in animal behavior, physiology, genetics, and related fields and opportunities for research and internships. The program prepares students for careers in research, teaching, conservation, or other related fields.

Tuition and fees for UC Davis undergraduate students for the 2021-2022 academic year are $13,362 for California residents and $42,224 for non-residents. The cost per credit hour for undergraduate courses is $294 for California residents and $906 for non-residents.

At the graduate level, UC Berkeley offers a Master of Science in animal behavior, designed for students interested in pursuing advanced research or teaching careers in the field. The program includes coursework in animal behavior, evolution, and related fields, as well as opportunities for research and internships.

Tuition and fees for UC Berkeley graduate students for the 2021-2022 academic year are $13,923 for California residents and $28,347 for non-residents. The cost per credit hour for graduate courses is $318 for California residents and $641 for non-residents.

You can find more information about animal behavior programs at the University of California, including tuition and fees, on the UC website:

Columbia University

Columbia University offers several animal behavior programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs are designed for students who are interested in pursuing research or teaching careers in the field of animal behavior.

At the undergraduate level, Columbia offers a major in animal behavior through its Department of Biology. The program includes coursework in animal behavior, physiology, genetics, and related fields and opportunities for research and internships. The program is designed to prepare students for advanced study or careers in research, teaching, or other related fields.

Tuition and fees for Columbia University undergraduate students for the 2021-2022 academic year are $65,052. The cost per credit hour for undergraduate courses is $1,958.

At the graduate level, Columbia offers a Master of Science in animal behavior, designed for students interested in pursuing advanced research or teaching careers in the field. The program includes coursework in animal behavior, evolution, and related fields, as well as opportunities for research and internships.

Tuition and fees for Columbia University graduate students for the 2021-2022 academic year are $42,120. The cost per credit hour for graduate courses is $1,958.

You can find more information about animal behavior programs at Columbia University, including tuition and fees, on the Columbia website:

Tufts University

Tufts University offers several animal behavior programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs are designed for students who are interested in pursuing research or teaching careers in the field of animal behavior.

Tufts offers a major in animal behavior at the undergraduate level through its Department of Biology. The program includes coursework in animal behavior, physiology, genetics, and related fields and opportunities for research and internships. The program is designed to prepare students for advanced study or careers in research, teaching, or other related fields.

Tuition and fees for Tufts University undergraduate students for the 2021-2022 academic year are $67,170. The cost per credit hour for undergraduate courses is $1,958.

At the graduate level, Tufts offers a Master of Science in animal behavior, designed for students interested in pursuing advanced research or teaching careers in the field. The program includes coursework in animal behavior, evolution, and related fields, as well as opportunities for research and internships.

Tuition and fees for Tufts University graduate students for the 2021-2022 academic year are $42,120. The cost per credit hour for graduate courses is $1,958.

You can find more information about animal behavior programs at Tufts University, including tuition and fees, on the Tufts website:

University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers several animal behavior programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs are designed for students who are interested in pursuing research or teaching careers in the field of animal behavior.

At the undergraduate level, UW-Madison offers a major in animal sciences focusing on animal behavior. The program includes coursework in animal behavior, physiology, genetics, and related fields and opportunities for research and internships. The program is designed to prepare students for advanced study or careers in research, teaching, or other related fields.

Tuition and fees for UW-Madison undergraduate students for the 2021-2022 academic year are $10,555 for Wisconsin residents and $35,971 for non-residents. The cost per credit hour for undergraduate courses is $348 for Wisconsin residents and $1,119 for non-residents.

At the graduate level, UW-Madison offers a Master of Science in animal behavior, designed for students interested in pursuing advanced research or teaching careers in the field. The program includes coursework in animal behavior, evolution, and related fields, as well as opportunities for research and internships.

Tuition and fees for UW-Madison graduate students for the 2021-2022 academic year are $12,266 for Wisconsin residents and $25,591 for non-residents. The cost per credit hour for graduate courses is $442 for Wisconsin residents and $906 for non-residents.

You can find more information about animal behavior programs at UW-Madison, including tuition and fees, on the UW-Madison website: