Animal Behavior Degree

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. Here are a few examples:

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.

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: