Comparative Psychology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Comparative Psychology explores the behaviors of diverse animal species and groups, examining how these behaviors evolved over time and are shaped by biological, environmental, and cognitive factors. This interdisciplinary field investigates the roots of behavior across species to better understand the principles that govern psychological processes in both animals and humans.
- Differential Psychology: Studies variations in behavior, cognition, and personality across individuals and species, focusing on the underlying causes of behavioral diversity.
- Experimental and Physiological Psychology: Applies controlled experiments and biological analysis to understand how neural systems and bodily functions influence behavior.
- Psychopharmacology: Examines how drugs affect brain function and behavior, with applications in understanding both normal and abnormal psychological processes.
- Psychology of Individual Differences: Investigates the patterns and causes of variation in behavior, temperament, and cognitive abilities among individuals within a species.
- Reinforcement Theory: Analyzes how behavior is shaped and maintained through rewards and punishments, providing insight into learning mechanisms across species.
- Neurophysiology: Focuses on the physiological basis of nervous system activity and its direct relationship to behavior and mental processes.
Comparative Psychology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Comparative Psychology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Comparative Psychology degrees, including Managers, All Other, Psychologists, All Other and Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary. 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 690,380 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Psychologists, All Other 19-3039 | $117,580 | $51,410 - $163,570 | 17,790 | $56.53 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1066 | $80,330 | $47,870 - $158,900 | 41,610 | N/A |
Comparative Psychology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $80,513 in West Virginia to $141,620 in California—a 76% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 690,380 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 Comparative Psychology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Comparative Psychology 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 Comparative Psychology is found at CUNY Hunter College (7 graduates), and Western Washington University (WWU) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Hunter College |
Master's
|
7 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| Western Washington University (WWU) |
Master's
|
2 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | wwu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Comparative Psychology programs
How much can I earn with a Comparative Psychology degree?
Salaries for Comparative Psychology graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Psychologists, All Other earn around $117,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $141,620 compared to $80,513 in West Virginia. Approximately 690,380 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 Comparative Psychology programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Comparative Psychology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include CUNY Hunter College (7 graduates), Western Washington University (WWU) (2 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 Comparative Psychology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 9 in 2010 to a peak of 13 in 2020, before declining slightly to 9 in 2023-24. This represents a 0% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Comparative Psychology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Psychologists, All Other, and Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 690,380 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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