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Anthrozoology

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Bachelor of Science in Anthrozoology

Anthrozoology explores the extraordinary relationships and interactions that people have with animals, combining scientific study and exploration with theoretical applications in the areas of animal welfare, animal behavior, and conservation. Our unique approach includes classroom instruction and hands-on learning. You can choose from three distinct tracks based on your interests and career goals:

Download the Anthrozoology brochure

On campus, you’ll have hands-on experience with a variety of animals, including small mammals, large birds, snakes, fish, lizards, turtles, and many more.

Think Like a Scientist

What You'll Learn

Using your critical thinking skills to evaluate situations involving animals, you’ll first and foremost think like a scientist, and you’ll leave Beacon prepared to work in zoos, aquariums, animal shelters, and nature centers. You will be able to articulate scientific ideas, and you’ll demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of animal husbandry, behavior, and zoonosis (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans). You’ll be a leader in helping to create solutions that enhance positive interactions between humans and animals.

Choose Your Path

Our new major explores the extraordinary relationships and interactions that people have with animals, combining scientific study and exploration with theoretical applications in the areas of animal welfare, animal behavior and conservation. Our unique approach includes classroom instruction and hands-on learning.

Experiential Learning

Offering directed excursions for academic majors, the experiential learning trips include itineraries that are geared toward specific degree programs, like Anthrozoology’s ecology and ecosystems trip to Costa Rica. The focus is out-of-the-classroom learning related to a specific degree program. Any enrolled Beacon student may apply with priority to degree-specific students. Costs vary depending on location.

Sample Courses

Principles of Animal Husbandry

Explore the skills needed for successful animal management practices, including sanitation, safety, zoonosis, and handling/restraint.

Principles of Organismal Biology

Learn about the diversity of the vertebrate and invertebrate animal families through the comparative study of structure-function relationships.

Science of Animal Welfare

Focus on the scientific measurement of animal welfare in varying contexts, including research and captivity. Topics include physiological measurements of animal well-being, quality of life, and basic introduction to laws regulating animal use.

Animal Behavior and Communication

Examine the ultimate and proximate causes of social, reproductive, and food-gathering behaviors along with human-influenced changes to animal behavior through analysis of scientific literature.

Animals in the Public Eye

Discusses human relationships and perceptions of animals, as well as animal use, through examination of scientific literature and critical thinking.

Animal Training and Enrichment

Examine the theories guiding contemporary practices in behavioral husbandry. Applications of theory will be examined as it pertains to the development of modern animal training programs.

Conservation Biology

Examine the significance and complexity of Earth’s biological diversity, the scientific and biological consequences of human impact to our planet’s ecosystems, and the technical approaches towards addressing human impact on biodiversity.

Animal Shelter Operations and Management

Topics relating to animal shelters in order to maintain animal health and well-being. Learn about Asilomar records, behavior analysis programs, and community programs.

Biology and Behavior of Domesticated Animals

Explore the anatomy, physiology, and evolutionary paths of animals commonly used for human companionship. Learn how natural history impacts these animals’ biology and behavior as well as how we care for them.

Zoo Biology

Learn about husbandry, nutrition, reproduction, and conservation of a variety of exotic species commonly held in zoological institutions.

Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conservation

Explore wildlife protection, human-wildlife conflict, government agencies and conservation laws, conservation strategies, and conservation psychology.

Field Experience and Internships

In this major, you will have access to special learning opportunities and internships through our close relationships with local employers and organizations that work with animals. In addition to on-campus experiences, you will participate in hands-on learning at zoos, rescue shelters, stables, farms, and more.

All Anthrozoology majors are required to complete an internship. We work with you to identify and secure an internship in the Leesburg area. If you prefer to complete a summer internship, we will work with you to identify an internship close to your home or at a location of interest to you.

Blaze Your Path

Quote Icon

The Anthrozoology program was my choice of major because I have always been fascinated by the human-animal bond, especially with my experience of being a dog trainer for a good portion of my young adult career. I feel that this program has helped to fine tune and develop my leadership skills as well as group cooperation which is something that will be needed in the future workforce, especially if I am going into research studies with canine-psychology.

— Charlie Ige

I chose Anthrozoology because it brings together my passion for animals and the hands-on experiences I need to grow. Through real-world learning and the support of dedicated faculty, I’m building the skills and confidence to pursue my dreams of becoming an exotic veterinarian and a strong advocate for wildlife. At Beacon, the encouraging environment challenges me to think critically, creatively, and independently—preparing me not just for a career, but also for a future where I can truly thrive.

— Quinn Griffin

I chose to major in Anthrozoology because I always had a passion for animals since I was five years old. Being in this program has prepared me with the skills for animal husbandry and animal management.

— Leroy Jones

Career Opportunities

Students with a B.S. in Anthrozoology can immediately begin working in the field, or continue their education in graduate school for advanced study in animal behavior or conservation biology. This degree provides solid preparation for employment in zoos, aquariums, animal shelters, and nature centers or a career in animal training, wildlife conservation, or animal welfare.

  • Animal nutritionist
  • Animal caretaker
  • Conservation officer

 

  • Marine biologist
  • Veterinarian
  • Wildlife biologist
  • Zoologist
  • Zookeeper
  • Park ranger

Meet Your Anthrozoology Instructors

Sara Smith

Instructor and Chair of Sciences and Math

352-638-9723ssmith2@beaconcollege.edu

Bryan Cushing

Senior Instructor

352-638-9763bcushing@beaconcollege.edu

Hannah McCollam

Instructor

352-638-9805hmccollam@beaconcollege.edu

Troy Quick

Instructor

352-326-2053tquick@beaconcollege.edu

Alexander Rhodes

Anthrozoology Program Assistant

arhodes@beaconcollege.edu

Meet Your General Education Instructors

Angel Maldonado

Dean of Curriculum and Innovation

352-315-9269amaldonado@beaconcollege.edu

Jessica Caolo

Assistant Professor

352-315-1082jcaolo@beaconcollege.edu

Christina Hansen

Instructor

352-764-6361chansen@beaconcollege.edu

Dr. Patricia Konovalov

Professor

352-638-9815pkonovalov@beaconcollege.edu

Jodi Livingston

Instructor

352-787-1525jlivingston@beaconcollege.edu

Dr. Mary-Anne Primack

Assistant Professor

352-787-2912mprimack@beaconcollege.edu

Autumn Welt

Assistant Professor

352-787-1056awelt@beaconcollege.edu

Anthrozoology Minor

The Anthrozoology minor is an interdisciplinary program open to all Beacon students. The curriculum provides students with a broad view of animal behavior and human interaction with other species. It can be combined with a degree in another field such as business.

Learn More About Anthrozoology

To schedule a visit, please contact our admissions team at admissions@beaconcollege.edu or call 352-638-9731 or 855-220-5376 (toll-free).

Download the Anthrozoology brochure.
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