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Bachelor of Science in Animal Studies

Department of Psychology

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Animal Studies

Department of Psychology

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Low-Cost Textbooks

For All Students

Prepare for a Successful Career Working with Animals

EKU’s animal studies program is a cross-disciplinary, applied science program concentrating on non-human animals and their interactions and relationships with people. This unique interdisciplinary approach will help you fully explore the complexities of animals’ lives and human-animal relationships. Small class sizes ensure you get the individual attention you need to thrive, and you will have the opportunity to aid with faculty research or participate in a cooperative study program that allows you to earn course credit and gain valuable on-the-job experience.

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Career Outlook

Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Animal Studies degree was created to provide diverse career options for students who are engaged by animals.

Job Titles Include:

  • Animal behaviorist
  • Outreach program coordinator
  • Farm manager
  • Animal rights lobbyist
  • Animal trainer
  • Zookeeper

The animal studies degree was created to provide diverse career options for students who are engaged by animals.

Job Titles Include:

  • Cincinnati Zoo
  • Seattle Aquarium
  • Nashville Zoo
  • Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder
  • Forth Worth Zoo
  • Jefferson Memorial Forest & Wilderness
  • Louisville Zoo
  • Salato Wildlife Education Center
  • Primate Rescue Center
  • Slade Reptile Zoo
  • Eastern Kentucky University Natural Areas
  • Alice Ferguson Foundation
  • Wildcat Country Dog Retreat

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Collaborate with faculty and gain research experience
  • Gain hands-on work experience through co-op opportunities
  • Participate in Animal Studies Club to make connections beyond the classroom
  • Participate in study abroad opportunities
  • Learn from experienced faculty regarded as experts in their field
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • Agriculture
  • Anthropology
  • Art
  • Biology
  • Psychology

View the full list of minors available.

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree.

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Admission

Courses in the animal studies program include animals in history, animal ethics, sociology of animal-human relations, animals in literature, general zoology, comparative psychology, ecology, animal behavior, principles of biology, introduction to cultural anthropology and introduction to biological anthropology, among other requirements and electives.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit any required materials electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to your enrollment advisor.

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Kristi Carlisle

College Enrollment Counselor

Call: 859-622-2705
Text: 859-511-1603
class.recruitment@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
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Bailey Bird

Enrollment Counselor

859-622-8764
bailey.bird@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

  • Hunter Kinney

    EKU Animal Studies Student
    The Animal Studies program at EKU is a perfect program for anyone who wants to work with animals in any way in the future. The professors are excellent, the content is centered around animals, and the possibilities for getting hands-on experiences with animals are endless through the Animal Studies co-op program. I would suggest this major to anyone who loves animals and wants to work with them in the future.

  • Jessica Conatser

    EKU Animal Studies Graduate
    The Animal Studies program provided me with opportunities to make personal and professional connections with other people interested in the ecology and conservation of nonhuman animals. Those connections and like-minded people led me to incredible internships and educational experiences that helped me through my master’s degree studying Geoffrey’s spider monkeys in the OSA Peninsula.

  • Autumn Costelle

    EKU Animal Studies Student
    This program has provided me with exciting opportunities to explore the many possibilities there are in working with animals. It has truly made my college experience personal and unique and has allowed me to explore my passion for animals in so many ways. I have learned so much, and I don’t know where I’d be without it.

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Credit Hours: 120

Contact Information

Department of Psychology

Cammack Building
Room 127
468 University Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1105
psychology@eku.edu

Department Directory