The Path to Becoming an Animal Behaviorist: Education and Experience

The path to becoming an animal behaviorist is a fascinating journey that blends a passion for animals with a strong foundation in science. An animal behaviorist studies the causes, functions, development, and evolution of animal behavior in the natural environment and in controlled settings. Whether you are drawn to work with household pets, livestock, zoo inhabitants, or wildlife, a career in animal behavior offers the opportunity to contribute to animal welfare and conservation efforts while pursuing scientific research and discovery.

Educational Pathways

To get started on this career path, a solid educational foundation is essential. Here are the major educational steps you will typically need to take:

Undergraduate Degree

Most aspiring animal behaviorists begin with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Degree programs in biology, zoology, psychology, animal science, or a related field can provide a comprehensive understanding of the biological and psychological principles that underpin animal behavior. Coursework in these programs often includes animal physiology, ecology, genetics, and statistics, as well as specialized classes in animal behavior. A solid grounding in these subjects is crucial for understanding the complexities of animal actions and interactions.

Postgraduate Studies

Beyond the bachelor's degree, many animal behaviorists pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master's degree or Doctorate (Ph.D.) in animal behavior or a closely related field. Graduate programs typically involve more focused study and research compared to undergraduate curriculums. A Master's program may offer a balance of coursework and research, while a Ph.D. program will be research-intensive, culminating in a dissertation based on original research.

Advanced degrees often include fieldwork, laboratory work, and internships, offering practical experience in observing and analyzing animal behavior. Students in these programs might specialize in areas such as ethology (the study of animal behavior in the natural environment), applied animal behavior, or comparative psychology.

Certifications and Continuing Education

In addition to formal degrees, certification by professional organizations such as the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) can enhance credibility and career prospects. The ABS offers two levels of certification: Associate Applied Animal Behaviorist (provisional status) and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (full status), each with its own education and experience requirements. Continuing education courses and workshops are also important for staying current in the field, as the science of animal behavior is always advancing.

Gaining Practical Experience

Education is just one half of the equation; practical experience is equally critical. Here's how you can gain the hands-on experience necessary for this career:

Volunteering and Internships

Volunteer work or internships with animals can provide invaluable on-the-ground experience. Opportunities could be with animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, zoos, or farms. These experiences allow you to observe animal behavior first-hand and can teach you about animal care, management, and welfare issues.

Research Assistance

Working as a research assistant on animal behavior studies can give you insight into the research process from hypothesis formulation to data collection and analysis. This can be a stepping stone to developing your own research projects later in your career.

Professional Roles

Entry-level positions in animal behavior, such as a zookeeper or animal trainer, can provide additional practical experience. In these roles, your day-to-day interactions with animals can help you hone your observational skills and understanding of behavior.

Networking

Networking with other professionals in the field can lead to mentorship opportunities and can open doors to advanced positions. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and engaging in online forums are effective ways to connect with peers and experts.

Challenges and Considerations

Becoming an animal behaviorist is not without its challenges. Fieldwork can sometimes be physically demanding and may involve travel to remote locations. Moreover, ethical considerations are paramount; animal behaviorists must always prioritize the welfare of the animals they study.

Funding for research can also be limited, so it's essential to be skilled in grant writing and fundraising. Additionally, jobs in academia and research are competitive, requiring a record of published research and presentations at scientific conferences.

Conclusion

Embarking on a career as an animal behaviorist requires a dedicated educational track combined with hands-on experience. Through undergraduate and postgraduate studies, certifications, and practical application, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed for this rewarding field. With a mix of passion, perseverance, and scientific curiosity, you can make significant contributions to our understanding of animal behavior and to the preservation of animal species.

The pathway to becoming an animal behaviorist is as diverse as the behavior of animals themselves. Each step along the way offers a unique opportunity to engage with the animal kingdom, and for those who are truly committed, the rewards of the career can be substantial.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the role of an animal behaviorist?

An animal behaviorist studies the causes, functions, development, and evolution of animal behavior in various settings, including natural environments and controlled conditions. They aim to understand why animals behave the way they do and how their behavior can be influenced or modified.

2. What educational background is required to become an animal behaviorist?

Typically, aspiring animal behaviorists start with a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, psychology, animal science, or a related field. Further postgraduate studies, such as a Master's degree or Ph.D., in animal behavior or a related discipline are often pursued for advanced specialization.

3. How important is practical experience in the field of animal behavior?

Practical experience is crucial for an animal behaviorist as it provides hands-on exposure to observing and working with animals. Volunteer work, internships, research assistant roles, and professional positions like zookeeper or animal trainer all offer valuable practical experience.

4. What certifications are available for animal behaviorists?

Professional certifications like those offered by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) can enhance credibility and career prospects. The ABS provides certifications at different levels, such as Associate Applied Animal Behaviorist and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, each with its requirements for education and experience.

5. How competitive is the field of animal behavior and what are the key challenges?

The field of animal behavior can be competitive, especially for academic and research positions. Challenges include limited research funding, the physical demands of fieldwork, ethical considerations regarding animal welfare, and the need for consistent publication of research findings.

6. What are some key networking opportunities for aspiring animal behaviorists?

Networking is essential for career advancement. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations like the Animal Behavior Society, and engaging in online forums can help aspiring animal behaviorists connect with peers, mentors, and experts in the field.

7. How can one stay updated with advancements in the field of animal behavior?

Continuing education through courses, workshops, and conferences is vital for staying current in the evolving field of animal behavior. It is important to remain abreast of new research findings, methodologies, and industry trends to enhance one's expertise.

8. What are the typical career paths available for animal behaviorists?

Animal behaviorists can pursue various career paths, including academia, research institutions, conservation organizations, zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and consulting firms. Specializations may involve working with specific animal species or focusing on particular aspects of behavior such as ethology or applied animal behavior.

Further Resources

For those interested in pursuing a career as an animal behaviorist, the following resources can provide valuable information and guidance:

1. Animal Behavior Society (ABS): The official website of the ABS offers information on certifications, conferences, and resources for animal behaviorists.
2. Ethology Institute Cambridge: A leading institution providing online courses and resources in animal behavior and ethology.
3. Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT): Useful for those specializing in dog behavior, the APDT offers certifications and educational opportunities.
4. International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE): An organization focusing on the application of ethology in animal welfare and management.
5. Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science: A scholarly journal publishing research on animal behavior and its applications.
6. Animal Behavior and Conservation Online Course: A Coursera course offering insights into animal behavior and its implications for conservation.
7. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB): Resources and guidelines for veterinary professionals interested in animal behavior.
8. The Dodo: An online platform with engaging content on animals and their behavior for general awareness.
9. National Association of Animal Behaviorists (NAAB): Information on certifications and ethical standards for animal behaviorists.
10. Animal Cognition: A scientific journal focusing on the cognitive processes of animals and their behavior.

These resources cover a wide range of topics from certifications and research journals to online courses and practical guidelines, all aimed at supporting individuals on their journey to becoming successful animal behaviorists.