Do you have a passion for animals and want to make that a career?…

But not one where you can’t pay the bills or go broke while you’re learning?

Thousands of people face this challenge every year. They want to be with animals. But life keeps getting in the way.

Good news though:

Flexible online degree programs can finally help working adults study animal science and behaviour and keep a full-time job. No moving required. No need to attend set class times. Just real education that works around life.

And right now is a great time to make the leap.

The animal science and behaviour industry needs qualified professionals. There are zoos and sanctuaries and research labs and conservation groups… basically anywhere you can imagine that has animals. They are all looking for people with the credentials and expertise to do the work.

In This Guide:

• Why Flexible Programs Matter for Animal Lovers
• What a Master’s in Animal Science and Behavior Covers
• How to Balance Work, Life, and Study
• Choosing the Right Program

Why Flexible Programs Matter for Animal Lovers

Look, I get it.

Traditional degree programs do not work for most people who are already working. They assume a student is available during the day to take classes. That the student is ready to move closer to campus. That they have zero income coming in.

This is not a realistic set of assumptions for the majority of adults.

But the need for advanced education in the animal field is only increasing.

Employment of agricultural and food scientists alone is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034. (Much faster than average for all occupations.) And most of those roles require or prefer graduate level education.

A master’s degree in animal behavior lets working professionals earn the credentials they need to move into research, conservation, or leadership positions in animal welfare.

Cool, right?

Flexible programs let students learn when they have time. They take out the biggest barrier to entry, traditional college, and give students a way to earn the knowledge and credentials that employers actually want.

What a Master’s in Animal Science and Behavior Covers

An Animal Science and Behavior masters degree goes way beyond basic animal care. Instead, these programs really dive into the science behind animal behavior.

Here’s what I mean…

An undergraduate degree sets the foundation. A graduate program takes things to the next level of expertise. It turns animal enthusiasts into specialists who can then help conduct research, develop welfare protocols, and influence industry practices.

Expect to see major content focus on:

• Animal cognition and learning: how animals process information and adapt
• Behavioural ecology: the relationship between behaviour and environment
• Applied ethology: practical applications for zoos, shelters, and farms
• Research methods: how to design and conduct behavioural studies
• Conservation biology: protecting species through understanding behaviour

Students not only learn animal behaviour theory, but how to actually measure and record it in the field and use it to solve real-world problems.

This training opens doors to a variety of careers. Wildlife management, animal welfare consulting, zoo operations, academic research… all possible with the right graduate degree in the animal field.

And the career options? Those are pretty good too.

Graduates work in everything from sanctuaries and research institutions to government agencies and private consulting firms. Some go on to doctoral programs. Others start their own animal behaviour consultancy businesses.

It all comes down to this: the degree creates real and tangible career paths where they didn’t exist before.

How to Balance Work, Life, and Study

This is the part where most people lose their way.

They really want to get this advanced education. But the idea of adding classes on top of their already crazy life just seems like way too much.

Secret? Find online programs that are designed specifically for working adults.

Because data backs this up. 85% of students say online learningallows them to keep everything in their life balanced. Work, education, and life. Not small number either.

So what is different about flexible programs?

• Asynchronous learning. Students don’t have to sit through live lectures. They access the materials when it works for them. Early morning. Late night. Weekend afternoons. Whatever they need to do.
• Self-paced modules. Many programs allow students to move through content at their own speed. Slower when busy at work? Speed up when possible. In between meetings and obligations? Start a class on the fly.
• Practical assignments. Instead of busy work, quality programs focus on projects that have direct application to students’ career goals. It’s all relevant because it is.
• Faculty support. Good online programs pair distance learning with access to real professors. Students get guidance and feedback even if they never set foot on campus.

It all comes down to finding a program that has been designed from the ground up with distance learners in mind. Not a traditional program just shoved online as an afterthought.

Programs designed for working adults know the reality of their students’ lives. They know their students have jobs, families, and responsibilities that can’t be magically set aside. The program structure reflects that.

I know many students who have done their coursework during lunch breaks, after their kids go to sleep, or on weekend mornings. Real flexibility and it works for them.

Choosing the Right Program

Online animal science programs are not all the same. Some are rigorous and respected. Others… not so much.

So look for these things:

• More important than anything else. Accredited programs have met quality standards that employers can look for. Drop unaccredited programs from your list.
• Faculty expertise. Who are the people actually teaching these courses? Look for programs staffed by professionals with real animal behaviour research and practice experience.
• Curriculum depth. Good programs cover both theory foundations and practical application. Depth in both areas is key.
• Flexibility options. How truly asynchronous is the program? Can students begin at any point in the year? These little details matter to busy adults.
• Career support. Some programs offer job placement help or professional networking support. This kind of post-graduation help can make a big difference.
• Student community. Even online, connection is important. Look for programs that help students interact, collaborate, and support each other on the journey.

Take the time to do the research. Email programs with questions. Read student and alumni reviews. Compare curriculum side by side.

The right program should be a fit for you. It should line up with both career goals and lifestyle realities. Don’t rush this choice.

The Bottom Line

A Master’s in Animal Science and Behavior is not the kind of degree you have to put your life on hold to earn.

Flexible online programs are now available to help working professionals gain advanced credentials while maintaining a career, supporting a family, and juggling everything else that life demands.

The animal science industry needs qualified experts. Employers are actively seeking candidates with graduate level training and expertise. And finally, the technology exists to make this education accessible to the working adults who want it.

For the animal lovers who are ready to take their career to the next level… the opportunity is out there. It just takes finding the right program and the commitment to go on the journey.

The animals are waiting.

Last modified: January 13, 2026