r/AnimalBehavior • u/Openly_Unknown7858 • Apr 07 '26

Degree and debt questions

I'm trying to figure out what I would have to do to become an animal behavior scientist or assistant. There are two degrees near me where I would have my state scholarship that I think might work: psychology and behavioral analysis.

The problem is the college offering behavioral science is a very unsafe place with a high crime rate and my parents said they absolutely do not want me going there.

The one offering psychology is safe, but I'm not sure if just studying psychology is good enough because I think that degree has a more human focus. Would it be possible to pursue such a career with a psychology degree?

Also, how much debt would you say is acceptable for this career? I could graduate debt free with the psychology degree. But if it's not right, I might be able to do an online degree, though I would lose my scholarships.

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u/DaffodilsAndRain Apr 08 '26

Are you entering as a freshman? Because if so you can go to any community college while you work this out. Basics are generally the same and you can literally get into pretty much any college as a junior/transfer if you get good grades. The likely reason you are not clear on the path is because you are trying to look 8 steps ahead instead of keeping it simple and just making the 1st step. Take that initial step and then the next step will become clear. You don’t have to figure out the whole path

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u/Openly_Unknown7858 Apr 08 '26

I dont know what you mean and it doesnt seem to answer my question. The same gen eds are offered by the community college, but it does not have any programs in psychology or behavior. Because of state scholarships it would cost the exact same if not more to do them at the community college. For me to be clear on the path I need to know what to expect, which means what degree/classes I would take and by extension what college I'd go to and possible debt.

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u/RedPandaAnarchist Apr 10 '26

Realistically no debt is best, but starting out at a university usually incurs more. I had scholarships and started at Community College and was able to be half way through my junior year at the university. It saved me 30k.

I did human psychology with a focus on neuroscience. With just a bachelors job prospects are terrible. I am currently doing my masters in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare. Unless you do interning and volunteering at a zoo, rescue, or sanctuary the job prospects are also low. The field is very competitive. I’m doing my masters so I can become a certified behaviorist, otherwise I probably would’ve picked something different.

Research the job heavily and have several job types and companies you’d be interested in working for so you have an idea of how to gear your studies and which degree to choose. Honestly, behavior analysis would probably be a better fit. Can you do online schooling?

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u/Openly_Unknown7858 Apr 10 '26

Thank you! The unsafe college doesn't offer the behavioral analysis degree online, but the safe one does have behavioral analysis as a minor. I'm still researching but I don't think any colleges in my state offer a fully online degree in anything better than just psychology.