Animal Behavior and Ethology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the intricate mechanisms behind how animals perceive their world, make decisions, and interact with one another and their environment. This program provides a rigorous, interdisciplinary foundation in understanding the biological and psychological underpinnings of animal behavior across diverse species and ecological contexts.
- Ethology: The systematic study of animal behavior in natural settings, emphasizing evolutionary significance and adaptive function.
- Behavioral Neuroscience: Investigates the neural circuits and brain processes that govern behavior, linking brain structure to action.
- Neurobiology: Examines the biological basis of nervous system function, particularly as it relates to sensory processing and behavioral output.
- Behavioral Evolution: Analyzes how behaviors have developed over time through natural selection and genetic adaptation.
- Cognition and Sensory Perception: Explores how animals process information, learn from experience, and interpret sensory stimuli to guide behavior.
- Motivators and Instinct: Studies the internal drives—biological, psychological, and environmental—that initiate and sustain behavioral patterns.
- Learning and Conditioning: Focuses on how experiences shape behavior through mechanisms like classical and operant conditioning.
- Hormonal Controls: Investigates the role of endocrine systems in regulating mood, social interactions, and reproductive behaviors.
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology: Explores how life stage and reproductive strategies influence behavioral development and expression.
- Community Ecology: Examines how social structures and species interactions shape collective behavior within ecosystems.
- Functional Behavior: Assesses how specific behaviors contribute to survival, reproduction, and ecological fitness.
- Applied Behavioral Analysis: Applies theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts, including conservation, animal welfare, and species-specific behavioral patterns across phyla.
Animal Behavior and Ethology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Animal Behavior and Ethology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Animal Behavior and Ethology degrees, including Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists and Biological Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 93,110 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 19-1023 | $72,860 | $48,240 - $113,350 | 16,920 | $35.03 |
| Biological Technicians 19-4021 | $52,000 | $38,060 - $81,990 | 76,190 | $25.00 |
Animal Behavior and Ethology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,130 in Florida to $76,785 in Massachusetts—a 56% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, California, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 93,110 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Animal Behavior and Ethology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 12 institutions offering Animal Behavior and Ethology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Animal Behavior and Ethology is found at Eckerd College (89 graduates), Canisius University (54 graduates), Carroll University (29 graduates), Indiana University (IUB), Bloomington (28 graduates), and University of New England (UNE) (22 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 267 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eckerd College |
Bachelor's
|
89 | Saint Petersburg, Florida | Private | eckerd.edu |
| Canisius University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
54 | Buffalo, New York | Private | canisius.edu |
| Carroll University |
Bachelor's
|
29 | Waukesha, Wisconsin | Private | carrollu.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Bachelor's
|
28 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| University of New England (UNE) |
Bachelor's
|
22 | Biddeford, Maine | Private | une.edu |
| Bucknell University |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Lewisburg, Pennsylvania | Private | bucknell.edu |
| Franklin and Marshall College (F&M) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | Private | fandm.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| Madonna University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Livonia, Michigan | Private | madonna.edu |
| Utica University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Utica, New York | Private | utica.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Hampshire College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Private | hampshire.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Animal Behavior and Ethology programs
How much can I earn with a Animal Behavior and Ethology degree?
Salaries for Animal Behavior and Ethology graduates vary by role and location. Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists earn a median of $72,860 annually, while Biological Technicians earn around $52,000. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $76,785 compared to $49,130 in Florida. Approximately 93,110 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Animal Behavior and Ethology programs?
Currently 12 accredited institutions offer Animal Behavior and Ethology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Eckerd College (89 graduates), Canisius University (54 graduates), and Carroll University (29 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Animal Behavior and Ethology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 29 in 2010 to 267 in 2023-24. This represents a 821% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Animal Behavior and Ethology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, Biological Technicians, . Related occupations employ approximately 93,110 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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