Animal Management, A.A.S.

Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program

Degree/Certificate:   Associate of Applied Science
HEGIS Code:           5403
SUNY Code:            7450
Major Code:            ANIM

The Career

Persons professionally prepared in this field are concerned with the care, management, breeding and environmental requirements of a wide range of animals. They generally have a broad range of responsibilities in zoos and other animal facilities. These responsibilities typically include animal care, public interaction, exhibit design, record keeping, animal restraint and training.

The SUNY Niagara Approach

Classroom and hands-on learning are effectively combined in the program. After the first semester, students typically spend one day per week at the Buffalo Zoo, Aquarium of Niagara, SPCA, veterinary hospitals or other animal facilities and two days per week for the summer school session. The Buffalo Zoo and the Aquarium of Niagara are AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited facilities. Students become proficient in various aspects of the zoo as well as the care of animals in other facilities.

Admission and Curriculum Change Requirements

Final acceptance into the Animal Management program depends on the student submitting and the Wellness Center approving the physical examination report. Health records must remain current for the entire period of enrollment in the Animal Management program. The student is responsible for all costs related to the physical examination report.

In order to meet the objectives of the Animal Management program, certain essential technical activities are required. These essential technical activities are available from the Wellness Center. The student must meet technical standards based on the results of the physical examination.

Annual Immunization for seasonal flu (influenza) is required.  Due to current, changing global conditions regarding public health and zoonotic diseases, please see the Program Coordinator for additional, updated information. 

All applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

1. High school diploma or equivalency diploma.
2. Applicants will be tested for Academic Foundations in reading and mathematics. To be accepted into the program, applicants must earn the minimum required score on these tests or pass the Academic Foundations courses listed below. 
3. Students who fail the math exam may appeal to the program coordinator in order to enroll in the program while completing the math foundation course below.

If below the required score in	Will need to pass
Reading Mathematics	AAC 042 or ENG 099 or ENG 088* MAT 012*

*These academic foundation courses do not count toward the degree.  

Students wanting to change curricula must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and must also have successfully completed all three academic foundation requirements listed above. Students changing curricula may not register for any AMG courses or BIO 207-210 without prior approval from the program coordinator.

Due to safety concerns with first semester freshmen and the challenges inherent in live animal internships, the minimum grade required for AMG 100 in order to continue to progress in the program and into AMG 102 is a C.

Repeat Policy:  a student enrolled in the Animal Management program that fails or withdraws from, or leaves any AMG course (AMG 102, 103, 104, 105) in a failing state (W, X, or repeated non-attendance) or receives a grade lower than a C in AMG 100 may be considered for re-admittance, and is limited to one opportunity to repeat the “incomplete” or failed course. 

Students must re-apply to the College and the Animal Management program to be considered for return.  Acceptance is based on meeting the eligibility requirements for admission, academic history, program GPA, and space availability. There is no guarantee of re-admittance for students who were unsuccessful in completing an AMG course. 

Students are accepted and start fall semester only.  Space in the program is limited and potential students are not guaranteed a seat in the program.

Program Goals and Objectives

• To prepare students for successful entry-level employment at a zoo, aquarium or animal care facility
• To develop the students’ verbal, spoken, written and visual communications skills and abilities within the framework of a liberal arts education
• To assist students in meeting 4 to 5 of the 10 SUNY General Education Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the required courses a graduate will:

• Describe the role of keepers as a part of the overall organization of zoological gardens and aquariums and their interaction with the public.
• Implement procedures to ensure safety in zoological gardens, as well as other animal facilities.
• Explain the scientific basis for proper diet and nutrition for animals and apply this knowledge in the clinical setting.
• Practice proper sanitation procedures and pest control to prevent disease.
• Discuss various aspects of animal behavior especially as it relates to the basic psychological needs of captive animals.
• Describe the principles and historical trends involved in designing and constructing a suitable animal exhibit.
• Consider the role and demonstrate an understanding of genetics and the general concepts of reproduction and breeding of animals, particularly captive species.
• Explain the importance of record keeping and its role in an animal caretaker’s daily routine and use various computer and software packages to maintain records.
• Discuss the taxonomy, origin, evolution and history of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
• Explain conservation laws and the role of zoos and alternative facilities in animal conservation.