Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare
Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare
A complete list of applied animal behavior and welfare courses can be found here.
The field of applied animal behavior is a complex field which requires a thorough knowledge of the environmental determinants of behavior, the ability to observe and measure behavior, and the practical skills to change an animal’s behavior or to train a client to do so.
The applied animal behavior and welfare concentration is designed for students who are interested in animal behavior and the welfare of animals in applied settings and want to expand their understanding of behavioral principles to improve the lives of animals and their caregivers. The coursework satisfies the course requirements to become an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist through the Animal Behavior Society and the hands-on work can be geared towards satisfying the case-study or research paper requirements for certification. Courses offer an evidence-based, comprehensive perspective on animal behavior and principles of effective behavior change, drawing from the fields of applied behavior analysis and ethology. The courses focus on critical inquiry into the causes of behavior and solutions to behavior and training issues, problem solving in applied settings, ethical training methods and professional interactions, and leadership in the field of applied animal behavior. As part of their coursework, students will complete a hands-on project and have the option to participate in a week-long hands-on workshop on training, behavior, and welfare with a lead instructor in this emphasis.
Upon completion of the OMALS degree with a concentration in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare each student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of behavioral principles from the fields of applied behavior analysis and ethology.
- Identify, describe, and measure behavior and its environmental determinants in a variety of applied scenarios.
- Assess the influence of biological and psychological principles on behavior in applied settings.
- Construct and implement training and behavior plans for diverse behavioral/training scenarios using evidence-based behavioral principles, and following industry best practices and ethical guidelines.
- Critically and empirically assess the efficacy of behavior and training interventions using appropriate research methods and utilize those assessments to modify future intervention decisions.
- Communicate evidence-based behavior and training principles and solutions to diverse audiences.
- Synthesize the biological and psychological factors that influence behavior.
- Serve as an industry leader promoting evidence-based best practices and scientific approaches.
Graduates can also look forward to pursuing careers in the following sectors:
- Animal shelter or nonprofit director
- Director of Animal Behavior & Welfare (Animal care & behavior)
- Dog, cat or horse behavior consultant
- Animal shelter or sanctuary behavior manager
- Animal shelter or sanctuary manager
- Private animal trainer or behavior consultant
- Service dog provider
- Scent dog handler and/or trainer
- Captive animal (zoo/sanctuary) trainer or behavior consultant
- Management in animal welfare organizations
- Domestic animal behaviorist or behavior consultant
- Exotic animal behaviorist or behavior consultant
- Domestic or exotic animal trainer
Faculty
- Lucy Bergamasco
- Erica Feuerbacher
- Robin Foster
- Lisa Gunter
- Jessica Hekman
- Megan Parker
- Kendra Sewall
Concentration Coordinator
Erica Feuerbacher
Assistant Professor
enf007@vt.edu
540-231-1393
3460 Litton-Reaves Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061
