How many years of schooling does it take to be a ethologist?

Question

I didn't know what subjects to take. Plus is it the same thing as a Animal Behaviorist?

Answer 1

Yes, Ethologist is the same thing as a Animal Behaviorist

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethology

Ethology is the scientific study of animal behavior, and a branch of zoology

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.aboutbioscience.org/animal_be...

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

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

Since you want to work with animals, start getting some experience now. Also, go talk to your career counselor at school. They'll be able to give you advise on places to volunteer, colleges, and jobs.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/jobs/keeper_f...

What are some other ways to gain animal experience?

Some places to look for volunteer jobs or internships might be:

• Veterinary offices

• Animal training classes (does your dog need obedience training?)

• Local Humane Society

• Local Park Service

• Wildlife rehabilitation centers (like for wolves, bears, big cats, birds of prey, and even bats)

• Animal shelters

• Farms (for domestic animals, or even ostrich, llama, or butterfly farms)

• Pet breeders (those that breed specific kinds of dogs, cats, or horses)

• Horse stables and boarding facilities

• 4-H Clubs

Answer 2

Ethology is the study of animal behavior.  It would be difficult to find an undergrad program at any university.  Ethology is a special field in zoology.  Most ethologist have a least a masters degree with a thesis.  It takes 3 or 4 years beyond your BS to get a masters in zoology.  So about 7 to eight years to get a masters of science in zoology with a specialty in ethology.

Answer 3

Start as a zoology major and get your bachelor's degree (4 yr). Then get a master's (2 yr) in ethology or animal behavior or comparative psych. Another 2 yr or so could get you a Ph. D.

Get a good general grounding in zoology, the other sciences, and psychology as an undergrad. In grad school, you can specialize more and do your own research. Undergrad research isn't a bad idea either, especially if it leads to publication.