To work as a comparative psychologist, you’ll need both education and experience, and while a bachelor’s degree will get you started, you should consider pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree. Animal behavior is studied in this profession, which necessitates years of experience and training. Because most universities do not offer a specific degree program to train as a comparative psychologist, students often choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a different field of psychology. However, there are graduate programs that specialize in comparative psychology, and you should look into these programs to determine the undergraduate program required for graduate school admission.
After you’ve decided on a psychology undergraduate program, you’ll need to take electives to prepare for a career as a comparative psychologist. You’ll probably need to take courses in bio-psychology, evolutionary psychology, and psychological research studies in addition to fundamental psychology courses. Hormones and behavior, biochemical models of behavior, and biological bases of cognition are some of the topics that these advanced courses may cover. These classes will help you prepare for the fieldwork required to work as a comparative psychologist. Internships may be necessary for entry into this field, and most employers prefer that you have completed certain courses prior to applying.
The majority of internships in this field last at least eight weeks and are primarily focused on conducting extensive research. Because most internships will require interaction with various animals during research projects, you should be comfortable interacting with them. These opportunities to gain experience will improve your research and analytical skills, potentially increasing your chances of becoming a comparative psychologist.
After completing your undergraduate studies, you may want to look for an entry-level position in this field to gain experience while continuing your education. Psycho-biology, comparative psychology fundamentals, and anti-predator behavior may all be covered in a graduate program in comparative psychology. Fieldwork and laboratory work will make up the majority of your coursework in these graduate programs. To become a comparative psychologist, you’ll need to study the development of animals and humans, and future employers may ask for letters of recommendation from previous laboratory directors.
Research psychologist, animal behaviorist, and comparative psychologist are just a few of the career options available in this field. Some of the places where you might want to inquire about employment are research facilities and medical laboratories. Because of the specialized nature of this job, you may want to conduct an Internet search for openings in your area.