Animal Psychology: Degree and Career Guide for 2025

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What makes a border collie anticipate your next move—or a crow solve complex puzzles? Questions like these sit at the heart of animal psychology, a broad and fascinating field that explores how animals think, behave, and interact with the world around them.

While “animal psychology” isn’t a formal major at most universities, it’s a widely used and intuitive term for students drawn to topics like animal behavior, cognition, and communication. In academic and professional settings, animal psychology is more commonly referred to by related terms like animal behavior, comparative psychology, ethology, or behavioral neuroscience. These disciplines explore animal cognition, emotion, learning, communication, and interaction with humans, and they appear across psychology, biology, zoology, and veterinary science departments.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to pursue an animal psychology degree—including undergraduate and graduate-level options—and discover the types of careers this path can lead to. We’ll also cover what to expect in terms of coursework, salary, and long-term opportunities so you can determine if this field is the right fit for your interests and goals.

What Is Animal Psychology?

Animal psychology is the study of non-human animal behavior, cognition, and emotion—often with the goal of understanding how animals perceive the world, solve problems, form relationships, and interact with their environments. While “animal psychology” is a widely used phrase, especially among students and animal lovers, it’s not typically the official name of a degree or academic department. Instead, it’s closely aligned with several recognized fields of study.

Related Disciplines

  • Comparative psychology is a branch of psychology that compares behavioral and cognitive processes across species, including humans. It’s rooted in experimental psychology and often emphasizes lab-based studies of learning, memory, and decision-making.
  • Animal behavior is an interdisciplinary field that blends biology, ecology, and psychology to study animals in both natural and controlled environments. This includes communication, mating, foraging, and social behavior.
  • Ethology focuses on the biological and evolutionary basis of behavior, typically observed in the animal’s natural habitat. It’s more common in zoology or biology departments.
  • Behavioral neuroscience explores how brain structures and functions influence behavior—often using animal models to investigate learning, emotion, or neurological disorders.

Real-World Applications

The study of animal psychology has a range of practical uses:

  • In wildlife research, it helps scientists understand population dynamics and conservation behavior.
  • In zoos and aquariums, it guides enrichment strategies and welfare assessments.
  • In veterinary medicine, it informs behavioral treatments and client education.
  • In pet training and behavior consulting, it supports humane, evidence-based approaches.

In short, animal psychology is a valuable lens through which we better understand and care for the animals in our homes, labs, and ecosystems.

Degree Paths That Lead to Careers in Animal Psychology

There is no single “animal psychology degree” offered at most colleges, but there are several academic pathways that can prepare students for careers involving animal behavior, cognition, and care. Depending on your goals—whether it’s research, training, conservation, or veterinary behavioral work—you’ll want to choose a degree program that aligns with both your interests and the education level typically required in the field.

Undergraduate Options

At the bachelor’s level, students often major in:

  • Psychology, with electives in comparative psychology, animal behavior, or behavioral neuroscience
  • Animal Behavior, when offered as a stand-alone major
  • Zoology, Biology, or Wildlife Science, with a behavioral or ethological focus
  • Interdisciplinary programs in Behavioral Science or Cognitive Science that include animal-related coursework

These programs, which include online bachelor’s degree in psychology options, may include lab research, animal observation, or internships with zoos, sanctuaries, or academic research groups. While they provide a strong foundation, most advanced animal psychology careers require additional graduate-level education.

Graduate Pathways

For students serious about careers in research, wildlife behavior, or university teaching, graduate study is typically essential. Relevant options include:

  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Animal Behavior
  • Ph.D. in Psychology, with a focus on comparative or cognitive psychology
  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Zoology, Ecology, or Behavioral Neuroscience

Graduate programs often involve intensive research, statistical training, and laboratory or fieldwork experience. Students typically specialize in a specific species, behavioral domain, or theoretical approach.

Veterinary Route

Another path is to become a veterinary behaviorist—a licensed veterinarian who specializes in diagnosing and treating behavioral issues in animals. This route involves:

  1. Completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree
  2. Gaining experience and completing a residency in veterinary behavior
  3. Earning board certification through the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)

This path is long and highly specialized, but it offers a clinical and medical framework for working with animal behavior problems.

Core Academic Requirements

Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program related to animal psychology, the academic journey involves both foundational coursework and hands-on experience. Understanding these animal psychology requirements can help you plan your education and build a strong application for future study or career opportunities.

Undergraduate Coursework

At the bachelor’s level, students typically complete general education requirements alongside core courses in psychology or biology. Relevant classes may include:

  • Introduction to Psychology or Biology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Comparative Psychology
  • Learning and Motivation
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Research Methods and Statistics

Some programs may offer electives like zoology, ethology, ecology, or animal cognition, particularly in interdisciplinary or biology-based programs.

Research and Lab Experience

Hands-on experience is especially important for students planning to attend graduate school. Look for programs that offer:

  • Undergraduate research assistantships
  • Lab courses involving animal models or behavior observation
  • Fieldwork opportunities at wildlife centers, zoos, or shelters

Participating in a senior thesis, capstone project, or independent study with a faculty mentor can also demonstrate your commitment to the field and strengthen graduate applications.

Graduate Admission Expectations

If you’re planning to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. related to animal psychology, expect to meet the following requirements:

  • A competitive GPA, especially in science and research-related courses
  • Strong letters of recommendation, ideally from faculty who know your academic or research work
  • Relevant experience, such as research, fieldwork, or animal care
  • A focused personal statement explaining your research interests and career goals
  • GRE scores, though some programs are now test-optional

Because many graduate programs are research-intensive, prior experience in data collection, analysis, and scientific writing is often just as important as coursework.

Noteworthy Programs to Explore

Several colleges and universities offer specialized programs in animal behavior, animal studies, or related fields that align with the goals of an animal psychology degree. Below are some options worth exploring, including both undergraduate and graduate-level offerings. Each program varies in format, faculty focus, and curriculum structure, so it’s important to research which one best fits your academic and career interests.

Arizona State University

Bucknell University

Canisius University

Carroll University

Eckerd College

  • Program: Animal Studies
  • Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida
  • Type: 4-year, Private not-for-profit

Franklin and Marshall College

Hampshire College

Indiana University–Bloomington

Madonna University

University of California–Davis

University of New England

Utica University

Careers in Animal Psychology and Related Fields

A degree related to animal psychology can open doors to a variety of careers working with animals in research, care, education, or behavioral support. However, it’s important to recognize that many advanced animal psychology careers require graduate education or specialized training.

Bachelor’s-Level Roles

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, animal behavior, or a related field, students may qualify for entry-level positions such as:

  • Animal care technician in research labs, shelters, or veterinary clinics
  • Zookeeper assistant or animal enrichment coordinator in zoos and aquariums
  • Wildlife rehabilitation aide
  • Research assistant in academic or government labs
  • Animal trainer or behavioral consultant, often in companion animal settings
  • Program educator at wildlife centers or science museums

These roles typically emphasize observation, care, and education rather than independent research or diagnostic work. Some may require additional certifications or on-the-job training.

Graduate-Level Opportunities

With a master’s or Ph.D., professionals may work in more specialized or research-focused positions, including:

  • Animal behaviorist in zoos, aquariums, conservation organizations, or animal welfare nonprofits
  • Wildlife researcher or field ecologist, studying behavior in natural environments
  • Comparative psychologist in academic or private-sector research
  • College instructor or professor in psychology, biology, or animal science departments
  • Applied animal behavior consultant, especially in canine, equine, or exotic animal behavior

Graduate-level careers often involve publishing research, securing funding, presenting at conferences, and mentoring students or staff.

Veterinary Behaviorist

Veterinary behaviorists are medical doctors for animals who focus on behavioral conditions like aggression, anxiety, or compulsive behaviors. This path requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and additional residency and certification, but it offers clinical authority to diagnose, prescribe, and treat complex behavior issues—especially when medication is involved.

Veterinary behaviorists often work in private practice, animal hospitals, or specialty clinics, and they may also consult for shelters or train veterinary students.

Salary Expectations in Animal Psychology Fields

Salaries in animal psychology-related careers vary based on education level, specialization, and work setting. While some entry-level positions offer modest compensation, advanced degrees and certifications can lead to higher earning potential.​

Entry-Level Roles (Bachelor’s Degree)

  • Animal Trainers: Train animals for obedience, performance, or assistance roles. Median annual wage: $38,810, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
  • Animal Caretakers: Provide care for animals in various settings. Median annual wage: $31,300.
  • Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers: Assist veterinarians and scientists with animal care. Median annual wage: $36,440.

Advanced Roles (Master’s, Ph.D., or DVM)

  • Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists: Study animal behaviors and interactions with ecosystems. Median annual wage: $70,600.
  • Veterinarians: Diagnose and treat animal health issues, including behavioral problems. Median annual wage: $119,100.

It’s important to note that salaries can be influenced by factors such as geographic location, type of employer (e.g., nonprofit vs. private sector), and individual experience. Additionally, roles that involve entrepreneurship, such as private consulting or running a training facility, may offer variable income based on business success.

Tips for Choosing the Right Program

Because there is no universal “animal psychology degree,” choosing the right academic path means identifying a program that aligns with your career goals—whether you’re aiming for hands-on work with animals, research in behavior and cognition, or advanced clinical or veterinary practice.

Match Your Program to Your Career Goals

Start by clarifying your interests:

  • Are you interested in animal care, training, or enrichment? A bachelor’s degree in psychology, animal behavior, or biology may be enough to get started.
  • Do you want to conduct research or teach at the college level? Look for undergraduate programs that offer strong lab experience and consider planning early for graduate school.
  • Are you drawn to clinical behavioral work? You may need to pursue veterinary school or a graduate program in animal behavior or behavioral neuroscience.

Understanding the career outcomes you’re aiming for will help you choose the most appropriate degree level and field of study—and ultimately what type of psychologist you want to become.

Look for Relevant Faculty and Research Opportunities

Faculty expertise can make or break a program’s value in this field. Look for:

  • Professors who specialize in animal cognition, behavioral ecology, or comparative psychology
  • Opportunities to participate in research labs, ideally those studying animal learning, behavior, or welfare
  • Access to field placements at zoos, sanctuaries, shelters, or research facilities

The more hands-on experience you gain during your undergraduate years, the stronger your preparation for graduate school or employment will be.

Consider Program Structure and Format

Some programs are housed in psychology departments, while others are in biology, zoology, or interdisciplinary departments. Consider:

  • Whether the program offers a BS or BA, and what that means for your science and research training
  • Whether it’s available online, in-person, or hybrid, depending on your flexibility needs
  • How well the curriculum integrates research methods, statistics, and behavioral science

Also look for programs that actively support students interested in pursuing graduate study—such as honors tracks, thesis options, or graduate school advising.

FAQ: Animal Psychology Degrees

Is animal psychology a real major?

Not exactly. “Animal psychology” is a widely used informal term, but most colleges do not offer a degree by that name. Instead, students interested in this field typically pursue majors like animal behavior, comparative psychology, zoology, or psychology with animal-related electives or research. These programs cover similar content and prepare students for many of the same careers.

Do you need a master’s or Ph.D. to work in animal psychology?

In most cases, yes—especially if you want to work in research, teaching, or specialized behavioral roles. Bachelor’s degree holders may qualify for entry-level jobs in animal care or research assistance, but positions involving independent research or advanced behavioral work (e.g., zoo behaviorist, wildlife cognition researcher) generally require graduate training.

How is animal psychology different from behavioral science?

Behavioral science is a broader term that includes the study of both human and non-human behavior across fields like psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Animal psychology, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the behavior and cognition of animals. There is some overlap, but behavioral science is more interdisciplinary, while animal psychology (and animal behavior) is more specialized.

Can I major in psychology and still work with animals?

Yes. Many students take this route. A general psychology degree can be a strong starting point if you:

  • Choose electives in comparative psychology, behavioral neuroscience, or cognition
  • Get involved in research labs that use animal models
  • Volunteer or intern with zoos, shelters, or wildlife programs
  • Pursue a graduate degree that allows you to specialize in animal behavior or related areas

Psychology majors interested in animals should plan their coursework and extracurricular experiences strategically to stay competitive for advanced programs or applied roles.

Exploring Your Next Steps

If you’re drawn to the study of animal behavior and cognition, start by identifying which aspect excites you most—research, care, training, or education. From there:

  • Research degree options in psychology, animal behavior, or biology.
  • Look for programs with hands-on learning, relevant faculty, and strong research or internship opportunities.
  • Get experience early through volunteering, shadowing, or working with animals.
  • Plan for grad school if your career goals include research, advanced behavioral consulting, or academic roles.

With the right planning, an interest in animal psychology can grow into a fulfilling and impactful career.

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