Animal Behavior

Have you ever wondered what makes positive reinforcement such an effective tool for training anything from betta fish to dogs to killer whales? Or why African lions are the only members of the cat family to live in strong social groups? Or how a canary’s brain can increase in size every spring when it begins singing to attract a mate? Carroll University’s Animal Behavior Program is one of the few undergraduate programs of its kind in the nation. You’ll explore how animals think, learn, perceive their surroundings and process information, and how they adapt their behaviors to the environment in which they live.

Audrey Biolette '23

Animal Behavior / Business Administration

"After graduation, I am planning on going into specialized dog training and behavior consultation work. I believe both my degrees will aid me in growing this career. Animal behavior has granted me with a formal education on the inner workings of animals, as well as tons of practical and hands-on experience in dog handling and training. Business administration has not only provided me with a backup career path, but also a huge amount of knowledge on how to successfully market myself in a competitive field and job market.

"Carroll’s program has given me a unique perspective on animal-related careers and activities. Our program is very focused on ensuring animal welfare and provides its students with the tools and resources to promote welfare and make positive change in this industry. And Carroll's unique liberal arts base provides its students with the tools for understanding and advocacy when it comes to various cultures.

"The most memorable experience I have at Carroll are the friends I have made along the way. These friends have come not only from my peers, but from my professors as well. For incoming and transfer students, I can't stress enough how kind and open many of our professors are and you will establish amazing relationships just by showing up to office hours."

A young student with a dog she is training

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About the Animal Behavior Major

Why Study Animal Behavior? Put Your Compassion to Work

Earning your degree in animal behavior prepares you for a variety of careers, such as a wildlife biologist, researcher, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator or laboratory manager. It can also be a launching point for your master’s or doctoral degree or a professional program such as veterinary sciences. You may dream of enriching the lives of animals in a zoo setting, helping people with disabilities through animal-assisted therapy, protecting endangered species or ensuring the health and welfare of companion animals surrendered to shelters and rescue organizations. This degree can help those dreams come true.

A Foundation in Science—a Focus on Real World Experience

Carroll University’s animal behavior major introduces you to the scientific methods with which people study the behavior of animals–from how the brain and nervous system influence behavior, to how animals learn new behaviors and solve problems, to why particular types of behavior evolve in the wild.

All animal behavior students are required to develop valuable hands-on skills by completing an internship at locations such as the Racine Zoo, the Wildlife in Need Center, or the behavior services department of the Humane Society. Students also participate in research both within and outside of class. Some of our students design their own research projects and even publish their work in professional journals. These experiences give students a real advantage in choosing a career or applying to graduate school.

Your studies are not restricted to Carroll’s classrooms. You’ll have opportunities to study at our 75-acre outdoor classroom and laboratory, the Greene Field Station and Prairie Springs Environmental Education Center. Classes sometimes meet at the Humane Animal Welfare Society to give students hands-on experience in animal training. Carroll’s long-standing partnership with the Milwaukee County Zoo sets our program apart by giving you access to a nationally-recognized research training site just minutes from campus. Our senior-level classes design and carry out research projects there, selecting from more than 2,000 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles to observe.

Minor

In addition to the major, Carroll offers a minor in animal behavior that complements many areas of study:

Animal Behavior Minor

Internships

Recent internship placements for Animal Behavior majors include:

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Rhino Reserve
Health Heelers Therapy Animal Program
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
New England Zoo
North American Bear Center
Wildlife Safari
Willow Creek Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center
Wisconsin Humane Society

Careers

College is a big investment in a bright future. Learn more about the industries and careers our majors pursue, and the workplaces and experiences of the alumni from our program. See where yours may take you.

“I’d like to become a trainer for service and therapy dogs.”

— Britany Mueller '21

Read Britany's story