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Animal Health and Behavior

Bachelor of Science

Next start date is April 8th. Applying is easy and free!

Jobs in animal care are booming.

Be a part of the next generation of experts.

Enrolling in our Animal Health and Behavior program allows you to focus on the well-being of animals but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible animal care. In this program, you will gain in-depth knowledge on how animals think, behave, and evolve, while also exploring eco-conscious approaches to their rehabilitation, care, and health.

Animal Health and Behavior Program Overview

The B.S. in Animal Health and Behavior from Unity Environmental University prepares students for careers at zoos and aquariums, in the veterinary fields, as animal welfare officers, and for a future focused on the care and well-being of wild and captive animals around the world. This degree provides students with essential knowledge and skills for further study in veterinary medicine programs or for use in professional settings such as wild animal care or rehabilitation facilities.

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Career Outlook

Earn your degree.

Unlock new opportunities.

109k

Veterinary technologist and technician jobs in the U.S., 2018.

$63k

Median zoologist pay, 2018. 

+19%

Estimated U.S. job growth for veterinary technologists and technicians through 2028. 


*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity Environmental University cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.


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Experiential and Immersive Coursework

Animal Ethogram

In the Animal Ethogram assignment, animal behavior students are asked to pick an animal they can observe, and make a list of their behaviors. If students don’t have an animal in their local environment that they feel comfortable observing, they have a list of different live streams from the Zoo to the Smithsonian, where they can choose an animal to observe. Taking the assignment further, students develop investigative questions that they will analyze through their observations. 

Training & Care Handbook

Students are challenged to create a handbook that demonstrates proper techniques for both training & care of animals for a made-up organization. This project allows the students to practice their knowledge of the coursework they’ve learned throughout the term, as well as asking them to present best practices in the field.

Observation Lab Practical

Professors provide videos of themselves and other experts demonstrating different training techniques. The students are asked to study the interactions and identify what is going on during the training. Being able to observe and accurately assess the training practices will provide valuable knowledge for the students before attempting these practices on their own.


Animal Health and Behavior Degree Requirements and Courses

The Animal Health and Behavior degree requires 120 credits. You may transfer in up to 90 credits from outside institutions. For more requirements, browse our degree checklist. View our full course catalog for a better look into your program. Then apply online for free to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Program Features


+ One-on-one academic and professional advising as our world-class faculty and trained staff strive to make your professional and academic goals a reality. 

+ Unity Environmental University is an accredited institution by New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). 

+ Experiential Online. Experiential programs are delivered 100% online with fieldwork designed with the working professional in mind. 

+ Study when and where you want and finish your degree while still working full-time. 

+ Make professional connections with leaders in your field. 

+ Get job placement assistance. Browse our online job board and use free tools through our career services

+ Multiple start dates. Begin your program on your time. Choose from eight year-round start dates.

+ Transfer friendly! We will accept up to 90 credits. 


Student Story

Internship at the Plumpton Park Zoo

Brooke interned at the Plumpton Park Zoo in Maryland working with exotic animals.

“The best part of the internships is being able to do them when it is convenient for me. I make my school schedule around when I am able to intern which is awesome. This way I can devote my time to working with the animals when it is needed for the facility,” Brooke explains.


Experts in the Field

At Unity Environmental University, our faculty is composed of a wide range of environmental science experts who in addition to teaching, conduct their own research and various fieldwork.

Kristyn Vitale

Dr. Kristyn Vitale

Assistant Professor in Animal Health and Behavior

Dr. Kristyn Vitale is a powerhouse in Animal Science and Experimental Psychology. With a Ph.D. from Oregon State University, she’s on a mission to unravel the secrets of human-animal connections. From fostering programs’ impacts on animals to cross-cultural studies on human-cat bonds (USA to Japan), her research breaks boundaries. Not just a researcher – she’s the go-to for cat, dog, and pig training expertise. Her expertise has even led her to be featured in the Netflix documentary “Inside the Minds of a Cat”. Join her in the cutting edge of animal behavior research where every class is a dive into the latest data and best practices. Your journey into the dynamic world of animal behavior starts here!


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Fill out the form below to speak with someone at Unity about the Distance Education programs. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hidden Fields












DE
Welcome to Distance Education, where fully online immersive learning takes you off the beaten path. Our affordable, accessible, and flexible curriculum is taught by the world's leading experts in their field and delivered to you...where YOU are.
HL
Welcome to Hybrid Learning where you can train for a meaningful environmental career while enjoying ultimate flexibility! Choose the combination of in-person and online courses that fits your life and goals. With 8 terms available per year with 5-week terms, we offer the best of online and hands-on education.
TIEP
Welcome to the Technical Institute for Environmental Professions! Join us for in-person, job-focused, environmental associate degrees at our commuter campus in New Gloucester, Maine. The Technical Institute offers flexible, innovative, and affordable preparation for Maine’s high-demand jobs with two-week terms, low per-credit pricing, and state-of-the-art HyFlex classrooms.

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Last Updated on February 13, 2024