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.
Hands On Learning Opportunities
Senior students in Beacon College’s Anthrozoology program had the opportunity to participate in a semester-long class focused on the human relationship with horses. Limited to five senior students, they were paired with five untouched mustangs. They spent the semester earning the horses’ trust and training for five behaviors: haltering, leading, backing up, picking up all four feet, and loading/unloading in a trailer. At the end of the semester, students showcased their training progress in a musical freestyle format with a theme of their choice.
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.
Student Spotlight
The Anthrozoology department provides great learning opportunities for those who want to obtain a path with animals. During my experience at Beacon majoring in Anthrozoology, I have found that the staff are very easy to talk to and very accommodating. The classroom setting and the overall environment are very easygoing and supportive of each other. Overall, I think that Anthrozoology is a very rewarding major and provides a wide variety of career paths to choose from.
—Claire Dryden
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
Meet Your General Education Instructors
Cathy Vinton
Instructor
352-638-9823cvinton@beaconcollege.eduAutumn Welt
Assistant Professor
352-787-1056awelt@beaconcollege.eduDr. Mary-Anne Primack
Assistant Professor
352-787-2912mprimack@beaconcollege.eduJessica Caolo
Assistant Professor
352-315-1082jcaolo@beaconcollege.eduAngel Maldonado
Instructor
352-315-9269amaldonado@beaconcollege.eduAnthrozoology 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.