Masters Degree in Companion Animal Behavior Counseling

MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAMS

Master of Science
Companion Animal
Behavior Counseling

Master of Science
Animal Shelter Administration

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Program Description and Objectives:
This clinical graduate degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to work as a professional companion animal behavior counselor and to apply for board certification with various professional membership organizations. Students will learn to gather data on companion animal and caregiver behavior through written histories, interviews, clinical observations and behavioral testing; assess the animal’s problematic behavior, arrive at a diagnostic impression, and develop and implement a behavioral intervention program. Normal, but unwanted, and abnormal behavior in companion animals is considered. Companion animals include domesticated canine, feline, equine, avian, reptilian, small mammal, and aquatic species. Applied companion animal behaviorists work as part of a management team that includes the behaviorist, the family veterinarian, and the animal’s caregivers.

Online theoretical courses in animal learning, behavior, husbandry, motivation and reinforcement, qualitative and quantitative statistics, research methods and design, family counseling and ethics, developmental psychobiology, psychopharmacology will precede the practical hands-on courses with animals at the college's 20-acre Dream Pond Science Field Station and Reserve in Northern Florida, the extrenship within the student's community, and the Master's thesis project. Students select three (3) companion animal species to concentrate on.

Graduates may enter the field of companion animal behavior counseling as employed or self-employed professionals working at animal shelters, sanctuaries, humane organizations, NGOs, government agencies or work as private practioners, college or vocational school instructors, consultants to veterinarians and caregivers, or expert witnesses (forensic consulting) in animal injury matters. Veterinarians will be capable of expanding their practice services into companion animal behavior consulting, training and treatment. Veterinary technicians can also work at their practices. Graduates may also choose to be animal trainers at theme parks or in other enetertainment businesses, train for television and films, or become service and assistance dog trainers, guide dog trainers, dog obedience instructors, animal shelter personnel, wildlife park staff, writers and educational program developers, or K-9 law enforcement officers.

Upon successful completion of the MS program in Companion Animal Behavior Counseling graduates will have satisfied the theoretical and practical requirements for professional certification as a Board Certified Companion Animal Behaviorist (BCCAB) granted by the Board of Professional Certification of the Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors.

The program typically takes from two to three years to complete. There are twelve 12-week online courses, a comumity-based externship, a thesis project, and several 5-day residential workshops (depending upon the species seleted).

Total Credits/Clock Hours = 56 credits/896 clock hours

CABC 501 - Exploration of Learning Theory - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This course serves as an examination of basic scientific assumptions as they apply to the practice of applied companion animal behavior analysis. Focusing on applied use of theory, this course will explore the theoretical framework of animal learning. Students will be report on peer reviewed research in specific areas of learning theory. It is expected that students will come into the course with an undergraduate level learning course.
This is an online course.

CABC 502 - Exploration of Behavior Theory - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This course explores the major theories in animal behavior. From Ethology to comparative psychology, a vast amount of research and theory has been developed. Students will compare and contrast these theories, as the course works toward developing students ability to assess the applicability of theory to Companion Animal Behavior Counseling. This is an online course.

CABC 503 - Companion Animal Behavior and Husbandry - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This course provides an overview of health, biology, behavior and other issues impacting the care of companion animals. With a focus on behavior, this course will examine issues specifically relating to birds, dogs, cats, reptiles and small animals.
This is an online course.

Prerequisites: None

CABC 504 - Animal Motivation and Reinforcement - 3 credits/48 clock hours
Explores the phenomenon of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and reinforcement. A comparison of cognitive evaluation theory and operant theory is addressed as well as the newest research in learning and operant conditioning. Further, students will learn the newest applied methods of these theories.
This is an online course.

STAT 501 - Qualitative and Quantitative Statistics - 4 credits/64 clock hours
Introduction to theory and application of some of the more advanced parametric and non-parametric statistical techniques employed in behavioral research. Topics will include but are not limited to multiple regression, analysis of covariance, factor analysis, causal modeling, discriminant function analysis and qualitative concepts. Prerequisites: Introduction to Statistics or its equivalent and consent of the instructor.
This is an online course.

Prerequisites: None

STAT 510 - Research Methods - 4 credits/64 clock hours
This course is designed to assist students in developing skills necessary to design and execute a research protocol. Topics include the nature of scientific inquiry, library skills, formulation and testing of hypotheses, experimental design, reliability and validity, statistical analysis of data, ethical use of human and animal subjects, experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs and professional responsibility in research.
This is an online course.

CABC 506 - Family Counseling and Ethics - 3 credits/48 clock hours
Certain principles governing behavior are common to all life forms by means of interplay between biological, genetic, psychological, and sociological factors in determining individual behavior. This course will explore the potential for collaboration among families, the family veterinarian and the animal behavior professional with the goal of shaping appropriate companion animal behavior to meet reasonable expectations. Principles of family systems theory will be considered. Students will learn to consider the behavior of individuals and families responsible for the care of a companion animal and will employ strategies to increase the probability of success in the animal's treatment program and reaching determined goals. Included is development of flowcharts to guide decision making for family intervention, client history and survey forms, and methods for graphing client progress.
This is an online course.

CABC 523 - Developmental Psychobiology - 3 credits/48 clock hours
The fields of evolutionary biology, developmental neuroscience and dynamic systems theory have impacted our understanding of the development of brain and behavior. This course synthesizes nature and nurture by exploring developments in the areas of evolution, genetics of development, ontogeny, and other areas.
This is an online course.

CABC 530 - Psychopharmacology - 3 credits/48 clock hours
The applied animal behavior field is rich with research in the area of psychopharmacology. Many pets lives have been saved through a combination of aggressive behavior modification and pharmacological intervention. This course will focus on the brain and behavior, as well as the complexities of pharmacological interventions.
This is an online course.

CABC 700 - Masters Thesis. Three Terms - 9 credits/144 clock hours
This Masters Thesis course is a requirement for students enrolled in a Masters Degree program in the School of Companion Animal Sciences. Enrollment for three terms is required. This course provides a structure in which students will research, write, revise, present and defend the Masters Thesis paper. The schedule and deadlines for work in the course are geared to due dates in the thesis process. The course begins with discussion and review of the thesis proposals and an overview of the thesis process. Writing and research strategies, critical evaluation of source material, and methods of incorporating research in writing will be addressed at the beginning of the course. As research progresses, the focus of activity will shift to discussions about research in progress and critical review of sources. First and second drafts of the thesis paper will be critiqued by the instructor who will serve on the two person thesis committee with another faculty member chose by the student. The student will then prepare for the oral defense of the thesis via a recorded telephone conference. Students will consult with their faculty mentors to determine how frequently they must meet with them during the project.
This is an online course.

CABC 710 - Masters Externship - 6 credits/96 clock hours
The externship is designed to give the student an opportunity to focus on the dynamics of learning from direct experience in new situations. Imagine shadowing an animal behaviorist, a veterinarian or an animal shelter executive director in New York City, Orlando or in your own community. Externships provide current ACAS graduate students with an on-the-job experience during a regular quarter. A research paper is required at the end of the project. Students are responsible for their own expenses, including travel and lodging. See the ACAS Externship Policy for more information.
This is a residential externship.

Electives Part 1: Choose 2 of the following 5 below:

CABC 520 - Canine and Feline Nutrition and Wellness - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This course provides a through examination of the science of companion animal nutrition and practical feeding management information for dogs and cats. Topics covered include the basic principles of nutrition, nutrient requirements for cats and dogs, animal feed production and selection, feeding management through life's stages, feeding problems, and dietary management of nutritionally responsive diseases. Current research is reviewed and balanced discussions of controversial issues of dietary management are presented. Differences between the nutrient requirements and feeding practices of cats and dogs are addressed.
This is an online course.

CABC 601 - Canine Behavior and Treatment - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This course focuses on the domestic dog including its behavioral development period, social life, signaling, group-living, aggressive behavior towards humans, interspecies aggression, domestication and history. In addition, normal dog behavior, aggression, elimination disorders, fears, anxiety, stereotypes, prevention, and treatment of behavior problems will be covered. The student will learn to create assessment forms, take a behavioral history from the human family, and use methodical observations in order to formulate a clear and concise diagnostic impression of the problem. Using this, the student will develop a living plan for the family members and the companion animal.
This is an online course.

CABC 604 - Feline Behavior and Treatment - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This course focuses on the domestic cat including behavioral development, the mother-kitten relationship, individuality, social life, signaling, group-living, density, spatial organization and reproductive tactics, predatory behavior, domestication and history, and the human-cat relationship. In addition, normal feline behavior, aggression, elimination disorders, fears, anxiety, stereotypes, behavioral pharmacology, prevention, and treatment of behavior problems will be covered. The student will learn to create assessment forms, take a behavioral history from the human family, and use methodical observations in order to formulate a clear and concise l diagnostic impression of the problem. Using this, the student will develop a living plan for the family members and the companion animal.
This is an online course.

CABC 605 - Equine Behavior and Treatment - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This course will investigate the history and species-specific behavior of the domestic horse. Topics include general characteristics, ontogeny and reproduction, ecology, stereotypes, nutrition and behavior, maternal behavior and foal development, breeding behavior, reproductive behavior related performance problems.
This is an online course.

CABC 608 - Avian and Reptile Behavior and Treatment - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This course will investigate the history and species-specific behavior of domestic reptiles and birds. Topics include general characteristics, ontogeny and reproduction, ecology, stereotypes, nutrition and behavior, maternal behavior and development, breeding behavior, reproductive behavior related performance problems.
This is an online course.

Electives: Part 2 Choose 2 of 6 below:

CABC 609 - Dog Behavior Residency I - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This is 6-day, residential workshop with dogs presenting normal, but possibly unwanted, behavior. It is designed to develop a student's dog training and instructor skills for the purpose of training dogs in basic obedience and to teach pet owners how to train their dogs in private and group settings. Humane operant and respondent conditioning techniques will be employed to shape present behaviors and create new ones using clicker training and Gentle Leader ® head collars when possible. Motivational, non-aversive and non-punishment techniques will be stressed. Students may elect to bring their own dogs, however, the emphasis will be on working with many dogs and dog breeds. A review of animal learning theory is also included.
This is a residential workshop.
Dog Trainers Pack required with this residency

CABC 610 - Dog Behavior Residency II - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This 6-day, residential workshop with dogs is designed to build upon Dog Training Residency I. It introduces students to abnormal dog behavior including fears, phobias, aggression, compulsive disorders, anxiety disorders and other behavior problems that dogs may present in a family environment. Assessments will be preformed, diagnosis made, and treatment plans will be developed that includes an 8-point behavioral plan intended to modify behavior. Family counseling sessions will occur as well as activities designed to prepare clinical behavior reports for the family veterinarian.
This is a residential workshop.

CABC 611 - Feline Behavior Residency - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This 6-day, residential workshop with cats is designed to build upon the information received in the Feline Behavior and Treatment theoretical course. It introduces students to domesticated cats in an animal shelter facility. Students will handle and work with cats and kittens using humane operant and respondent conditioning techniques to counter-condition current behavior and create new behaviors using clicker training. Motivational, non-aversive and non-punishment techniques will be stressed. A review of applied animal learning theory is also included. Family counseling sessions will occur as well as projects designed to prepare clinical behavior reports for the family veterinarian.
This is a residential workshop.

CABC 612 Equine Behavior Residency - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This 6-day, residential workshop with horses is designed to build upon the information received in the Equine Behavior and Treatment theoretical course. It introduces students to horses in an equestrian riding stable. Students will handle and work with horses including feeding, care and handling. Horseback riding will not be emphasized in this course although students will have the option of taking English or Western riding lessons for one hour each day at a small additional charge (U.S. $40- 50 per day). Use of humane operant and respondent conditioning techniques to counter-condition current behavior and create new ones using clicker training will be examined. Motivational, non-aversive and non-punishment techniques will be stressed. A review of applied animal learning theory is also included. Family counseling sessions will occur as well as projects designed to prepare clinical behavior reports for the family veterinarian.
This is a residential workshop.

CABC 613 - Avian Behavior Residency - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This 6-day, residential workshop with domesticated parrots and related species of birds is designed to build upon the information received in the Avian Behavior and Treatment theoretical course. It introduces students to birds at an avian care and breeding facility. Students will work with birds including feeding, care and handling. Use of humane operant and respondent conditioning techniques to counter-condition current behavior and create new ones using clicker training will be examined. Motivational, non-aversive and non-punishment techniques will be stressed. A review of applied animal learning theory is also included. Family counseling sessions will occur as well as projects designed to prepare clinical behavior reports for the family veterinarian.
This is a residential workshop.

CABC 614 - Reptile Behavior Residency - 3 credits/48 clock hours
This 6-day, residential workshop with reptiles and snakes kept as companion animals is designed to build upon the information received in the Reptile Behavior and Treatment theoretical course. It introduces students to these animals at a reptile care and breeding facility. Students will work with animals including feeding, care and handling. Use of humane operant and respondent conditioning techniques to counter-condition current behavior and create new ones will be stressed. A review of applied animal learning theory is also included. Family counseling sessions will occur as well as projects designed to prepare clinical behavior reports for the family veterinarian.
This is a residential workshop.

Total Credits/Clock Hours = 56 credits/896 clock hours

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