Animal Behaviorlist?

Question

how do i become an animal behavioralist? i am taking psyc in college now... what major state tests do i need for grad school... i'm totaly lost, can some show me the right direction?

Answer 1

http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABS/Guides...

What education and/or training is needed for a career in animal behavior?



Most scientists directly involved in animal behavior work in one of four broad fields: ethology, comparative psychology, behavioral ecology, or anthropology. These disciplines overlap greatly in their goals, interests, and methods. However, psychologists and ethologists are primarily concerned with the regulation and functions of behavior, whereas behavioral ecologists focus on how behavioral patterns relate to social and environmental  conditions. Ethologists and behavioral ecologists usually are trained in departments of biology, zoology, ecology and evolution, entomology, wildlife, or other animal sciences. Most comparative psychologists are trained in psychology departments. Behaviorists specializing in the study of human behavior are usually trained in anthropology, psychology, or sociology departments.

Some jobs in animal behavior require only a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. However, most careers in animal behavior require advanced degrees, sometimes a Master of Arts or of Science (MA., M.S.), but usually a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DV.M.). Earning advanced degrees requires a very good undergraduate background, a strong academic record, motivation, and hard work.

Many colleges and universities worldwide offer graduate training programs in animal behavior. In order to become a strong candidate for admission to graduate school, completing an independent study project or obtaining some research experience as an undergraduate can be very helpful. A book detailing the current training programs in North America is available through the Animal Behavior Society at the address given at the end of this brochure.

http://www.indiana.edu/~animal/help/care...

http://www.aboutbioscience.org/animal_be...

http://www.animalbehaviorassociates.com/...

How can I find graduate programs and courses in Animal Behavior?

The best place to start is with your local university. Ask for a list of courses in zoology, biology or psychology. Look for courses in animal behavior and learning. Visit the Animal Behavior Society’s website, for a list of graduate programs in animal behavior available in North America.

You’ll need to find a graduate advisor (faculty member) who is willing to work with students who have an interest in applied animal behavior and companion animals. You may need to talk to faculty members directly.

What is certification and how do I get certified?

The Animal Behavior Society (ABS) certifies Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAABs). Certified behaviorists have meet all the academic, experiential, and ethical requirements set forth by the Society, including completing a master’s degree or Ph.D. degree in a behavioral science with specific courses in animal learning, ethology and behavior. A DVM and advanced training in animal behavior can also meet the criteria for certification by the ABS. Visit the Animal Behavior Society's website to read more about the ABS certification program. Visit CertifiedAnimalBehaviorist.com to see how CAABS help pets and people and work with veterinarians, and what steps to take if you are interested in becoming a behaviorist

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) certifies veterinary behaviorists through its College of Veterinary Behavior. Certification requirements include but are not limited to a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited college of veterinary medicine and completion of an approved residency.

http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSApplied...

http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSEducati...

http://www.arkanimals.com/ark/uac_animal...

http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied...

http://www.d.umn.edu/~cprince/biography/...

http://cas.bellarmine.edu/tietjen/Etholo...

Answer 2

About the formal education part, I know nothing but if you are interested in animal behavior outside a controlled environment then you must go out where they live and study animals there. Myself,I am a high school drop out but I have observed animals and studied their habits and nature a lifetime. There are many other "old timers" like myself who could show and tell you many things that you would never have learned in a classroom and would be of benifit to you.

Answer 3

http://abs.animalbehavior.org/

don't know if this will help

Answer 4

Ethologist.  You'll need take the GRE and score well.  Ethology is a discipline in zoology.  There are no undergraduate degrees.  Therefore you'll need a minimum of a masters degree with a thesis.  Hopefully the university you are attending has a good biology program.

You'll probably need to take some classes that you missed in Psychology.  None of these will be easy.  Zoology is tough.  Gating an advanced degree is tough.  You will have to do research.  Your thesis should be of the quality for publication.  In my opinion the biological sciences are a whole much tougher than psychology.