Animal Care and Behavior Degree | BS Animal Behavior | Husson
Husson University ON-campus Bachelor of science (BS) in Animal care and behavior
At Husson University, you can turn your passion for animals into a rewarding career through our on-campus Bachelor of Science in Animal Care and Behavior. This engaging program blends academic insights into animal behavior and psychology with real-world training in animal care and management. Our animal care and behavior degree also places you in a position to study animals amongst Maine's beautiful forests, lakes, rivers, and coast lines, giving you unparalleled hands-on learning opportunities and setting you up for success in your career journey.
Animal Care and Behavior Degree Overview
As you pursue your animal care and behavior degree, you will learn about animal behavior and how they can be cared for in an ethical and responsible manner. You will acquire vital skills in handling, behavioral analysis, and health management, complemented by insights from veterinary science and psychology.
Certificates and digital badges
In addition, our on-campus Certifcate in Animal-Assisted Therapy and digital badges provide a variety of opportunities to gain additional expertise and career skills.
Where graduates work
Graduates are well-prepared for exciting roles in nature preserves, animal welfare organizations, and beyond, taking on positions such as animal behaviorists, wildlife researchers, and trainers.
Graduate study options
This degree also opens doors for further studies in veterinary medicine or animal behavior research. Graduate programs in zoology, conservation biology, and applied behavior analysis are common next steps as well.
Demand for animal care professionals
As awareness of animal welfare grows, skilled professionals are increasingly sought after. By joining our program, you are not only investing in your future but also in the well-being of animals and ecosystems in your community and around the world.
curriculum
The on-campus animal care and behavior degree at Husson University features a thoughtfully designed curriculum that equips you with essential knowledge and skills. Key courses, such as animal behavior, animal cognition, animal care and wellness, animal health and nutrition, and animal disease, lay a strong foundation for effective decision-making. Lab and field work run alongside the coursework, so you build practice in observation, care, and data collection with live animals before you graduate.
CurriculumCareers With a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Behavior
Jobs in this field split roughly three ways: working directly with animals, working with the people who own or care for them, and working with the research behind both. A bachelor's degree in animal behavior covers the science (behavior, cognition, health, and welfare) and the field experience that hiring managers look for. Common paths include:
- Animal behaviorist: observe and interpret behavior in shelters, zoos, and research settings, then turn what you find into better handling and enrichment plans.
- Animal trainer: apply conditioning and reinforcement principles to service animal work, companion animal training, and zoo husbandry.
- Wildlife research technician: collect field data on population health, habitat use, and movement, often alongside state agencies or conservation nonprofits.
- Animal welfare specialist: evaluate housing, enrichment, and care standards for shelters, sanctuaries, and rescue organizations.
- Veterinary support: work as an assistant or technician while completing prerequisites for veterinary school.
- Therapy animal programs: pair the certificate coursework with handler roles in schools, hospitals, and long-term care settings.
Zoos, aquariums, and research facilities usually want documented field or lab hours before they hire. Studying in Bangor puts Maine's forests, lakes, rivers, and coastline within reach for that work while you are still enrolled.
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| Name |
Phone and Email | Address |
|---|---|---|
Admissions |
207.941.7100 OR 1.800.4HUSSON admit@husson.edu |
1st Floor O'Donnell Commons 1 College Circle Bangor, Maine 04401 |