Becoming a comparative psychologist requires education and experience, with a bachelor’s degree being the minimum requirement. Graduate programs in comparative psychology are available, and internships can provide valuable experience. Career options include research psychologist, animal behaviorist, and comparative psychologist.
It takes education and experience to become a comparative psychologist, and while a bachelor’s degree can get you entry-level employment in this field, you might want to consider working on a master’s or doctoral degree. This profession involves the study of animal behavior, which requires years of experience and training. Most universities do not have a specific degree program for becoming a comparative psychologist, and students often opt to receive their bachelor’s degree in a broader psychology discipline. There are graduate programs that focus specifically on comparative psychology, however, and you can research these programs to determine the degree program you need for graduate school admission.
After choosing a degree program in a field of psychology, you will need to enroll in electives that will prepare you to become a comparative psychologist. In addition to fundamental psychology courses, you will typically need to take courses in biopsychology, evolutionary psychology, and psychological research studies. Some of the topics covered in these advanced courses include hormones and behavior, biochemical models of behavior, and the biological basis of cognition. These courses can prepare you for the fieldwork required to become a comparative psychologist. Internships can also be important to break into this profession and most companies may prefer that you have completed certain courses before applying.
Most internships in this field last at least eight weeks and focus on extensive research procedures. You should be comfortable interacting with a variety of animals, because most stages will require interaction during research projects. These experience opportunities will increase your research and analysis skills, which can increase your chances of becoming a comparative psychologist.
Upon completion of your undergraduate studies, you may seek an entry-level position in this profession to enhance your experience while continuing your education. A graduate program in comparative psychology might include courses in psychobiology, fundamentals of comparative psychology, and anti-predator behavior. Most of your courses in these graduate programs will be heavily based on fieldwork and laboratory work. Studying animal and human development will be important to becoming a comparative psychologist, and future employers may want letters of recommendation from past laboratory directors.
There are many career options available in this field, including research psychologist, animal behaviorist and comparative psychologist. Research facilities and medical laboratories are some of the places you might want to inquire about employment. Due to the highly specific nature of this career, you may want to conduct an Internet search for jobs in your field.
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