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 Tutition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

EKU
College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences
Department of Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Animal Studies

← Department of Psychology

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

Benefits
Minors & Certificates

Why EKU?

Free 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. Suggested certificates for this program include:

Communication Studies

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

Curriculum & Enrollment

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:

B.S. in Animal Studies

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.

Term	Application Deadline	Classes Begin
Fall	August 1	August
Spring	December 1	January
Summer	May 1	May

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 our college enrollment counselor today.

Kelsi Butcher

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2705
kelsi.butcher@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

CLASS Advising Information for Current Students

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

See All Student Stories

Dr. Nicholas Hoffman

EKU Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology & VCS in Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate

My favorite part of being an EKU student was being able to gain experiences relevant to my field, while also networking with other professionals and leaders which opened the door for my success. I, along with my peers, had doors opened for us that lead us on pathways that were not available to us by default. It truly is a college of opportunity.

Keylee Emmett

EKU Psychology Student

Through studying psychology at EKU, I have gained valuable insight into the complexities of the human mind and behavior. The engaging lectures, supportive community, and the skilled professors and faculty have made my academic journey both enjoyable and invaluable. I am sure that the skills and knowledge I have gained at EKU will help me to succeed in my future career.

Sara Cannon

EKU Applied Behavior Analysis Student

I can’t speak highly enough of the EKU Online program. I am so grateful for all of the hard work that all of the staff put into it every day. The feeling of accomplishment and self-confidence that this opportunity has provided me is worth as much to me as the degree I’m earning.

Quick Links

B.S. in Psychology

Common Job Titles: clinical psychologist, social services workers, counselor

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

B.S. in Animal & Veterinary Sciences

Common Job Titles: animal health inspector, feed/nutrition sales or consultant, livestock procurement

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Contact Information

Department of Psychology

521 Lancaster Avenue
127 Cammack Building
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1105
psychology@eku.edu

Department Directory

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