This clinical graduate degree program for professionals is the first of its kind offered by a U.S. college or university and is designed with the working adult learner in mind. The program employs a scientist/practitioner model following the principles of applied behavior analysis and evidence based practice. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field of companion animal behavior and provides graduates with the necessary knowledge, task, and leadership skill sets to work as applied animal behaviorists servicing over 150 million companion animals and their caregivers in the U.S. alone. The curricula explores companion animal behavior including learned and heritable behavior, species-specific behavior, functional assessment and analysis of behavior problems, measurement of behavior using quantifiable methodologies, development of positive behavioral intervention plans, psychopharmacological intervention, caregiver counseling and ethical practice. Additional learner outcomes include a thorough understanding of the societal value of the human-animal bond as well as the cultural and ethical issues related to companion animal welfare while recognizing companion animals as members of the family unit.

Theoretical courses are delivered online in asynchronous classrooms and via synchronous instructor facilitated class videoconferencing. 5-day faculty led intensive academic residences with animals meet several times a year at the college’s 20-acre Dream Pond Science Field Station and Reserve near Orlando/Daytona Beach. Externships and field projects are usually completed in the student’s community under faculty guidance and the supervision of a qualified field supervisor. The program also includes a 3-semester thesis project, an empirical research study completed by the student under the oversight of an appointed faculty thesis committee. Students are encouraged to present their study findings at educational conferences and to seek publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Graduates are trained to work as companion animal behaviorists as part of a management and intervention team that includes the behaviorist, the family veterinarian, and the animal’s caregiver(s). Graduates may enter the profession as employees of animal-related organizations or as private animal behavior practitioners, forensic consultants and expert witnesses in animal injury litigation matters, vocational or college teachers, governmental animal services and management professionals. Veterinarians will be capable of expanding their practice services to include companion animal behavior consulting, training and treatment. Veterinary technologists will be able to utilize theses additional skills in their current practice or in private practice working from their homes. Positions may also include work as companion animal trainers, animal training instructors, service and assistance dog trainers, guide dog trainers, dog obedience instructors, school teachers, animal shelter and management personnel, animal theme and wildlife park staff, writers, media talent and animal behavior program developers. Law enforcement officers who work with, or desire to work with, K-9 dogs can expand their knowledge and abilities as can animal control officers and animal husbandry staff.

Upon successful completion of the MS CABC program, graduates will have satisfied the theoretical and practical requirements for professional credentialing as a Board Certified Companion Animal Behaviorist (MS, BCCAB) granted by the Board of Professional Certification of the Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors (ACABC). See the ACABC Website at http://animalbehaviorcounselors.org for membership information, dues and certification fees. Graduates may also qualify for similar professional credentials with other animal behavior professional membership organizations.