Below you'll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about courses at the Animal Behavior Institute. Pick the category that you want to learn more about or just scroll down to see all of the FAQs. If you don't find what you're looking for, please contact us at support@animaledu.com.

1) Are online classes right for me?
2) Which courses should I take?
3) Are all courses online?
4) How much do courses cost?
5) How long will it take?
6) Where do I buy my books?
7) Where are you located?
8) Do you provide career assistance?
9) How do I get started?
10) How do I contact ABI?

1) Are online classes right for me?
* What are the characteristics of a successful online student?
A successful student in online education needs to be motivated and self-disciplined. While online courses provide great flexibility and freedom, they also require that students will complete readings and assignments independently.

* What is needed to take classes online at ABI?
To take a course, you will need a computer (obviously!) and a connection to the internet, preferably a cable or DSN line. All material will be accessed via the internet except the readings, which come from the textbook(s) accompanying the class. You will need to obtain the text, and possibly software, for each course. All texts and materials are available from Amazon.com and numerous other vendors.

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2) Which courses should I take?
Clearly this depend on your individual goals. Ask yourself why you wish to take our courses, what do you want to gain? Reviewing the questions below may help you determine the best path to meet your needs. See our list of academic programs for more information on each of our certificate programs. Of course, you can also contact us for individual consultation.

*Do you have an interest in animal assisted activities?
If you are a teacher, counselor, therapist or AAA/T/E volunteer, we recommend starting with either Animal Assisted Therapy or The Human-Animal Bond. You may also be interested in related courses such as Animal Training, Animal Behavior, or Practical Psychology.

* Do you require continuing education credit for your certification?
If you are a laboratory animal technician, many of our courses will satisfy your continuing education requirements for continued certification by AALAS. We recommend Animal Enrichment and Animal Training in particular. If you are seeking continuing education credit for one of the many dog training certification programs (such as APDT), check with your professional organization to determine which courses will be accepted for continuing education. and Animal Training and Animal Behavior are excellent choices.

* Are you primarily interested in courses for your personal development?
Are you seeking a more thorough understanding of your animal companion? Several of our courses, particularly Animal Minds & Emotions and Animal Enrichment are very appropriate for those that want to develop a deeper awareness of their animal's emotional and psychological needs in order to maximize their quality of life.

* Do you want to complete a certificate programs?
If you are interested in our certificate programs, review the courses required for each certificate - as well as the semesters in which each course is taught - at our Registration site.

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3) Are all courses online?
Yes! Through our partnership with eCollege we are able to offer a true virtual classroom, complete with interactive discussions and assessments. Courses are taken completely online, there is no need to travel to any physical location.

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4) How much do courses cost?
* What is the total cost of an online course?
Tuition at ABI is $325 per credit, or $975 per course. In order to ensure the highest quality platform for online education, we use eCollege, a professional course management firm that provides the software used in all courses. The technology fee of $140 provides unlimited access to all online materials, electronic tutoring, forums, chat rooms, and a 24/7 technology support desk accessible via telephone or email. Thus, the total cost of a typical course, not including specific class material (such as a textbook), would be:

There are no registration fees or other hidden costs. Textbooks or other class materials typically cost $30-80.

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5) How long will it take?
* How long does it take to complete a course?
Each course runs for 10 weeks, and a course will generally require about four hours of study per week. Each weekly module requires outside reading, completion of all online study guide activities, and participation in class discussion.

* How long does it take to complete a certificate program?
Each certificate program requires 15 credits or 5 courses. We recommend taking no more than two courses per semester. We offer our classes on a trimester basis (three times per year) thus a certificate could be completed in under a year.

If you have already taken similar courses elsewhere, it is possible to receive transfer credit for up to two courses, reducing the time needed to complete the total program.

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6) Where can I buy my books?
You are free to purchase textbooks through the vendor of your choice. Note that you can often find used books at a substantial discount at some booksellers such as Amazon. Books are usually available at:

a) Amazon.com
b) Barnes & Noble
c) DogWise

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7) Where are you located?
Our administrative offices are located in Durham, North Carolina, but we do not hold traditional courses or require students to travel or meet with our professors physically. There are no residential components - all teaching and discussion takes place online.

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8) Do you provide career assistance?
Absolutely! Of course, your education with ABI is one of the primary ways to prepare for a new career or advancement in your current position. But we also offer many other forms of assistance, including career advising, job and internship leads, and free reviews and assistance with your resume, cover letters, and job interviews. We stay with you every step of the way.

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9) How do I get started?
* What registration information do I need?
At our Registration site you can review the semesters each course is offered, the starting and enrollment dates, and which courses are required for each certificate program. Then you can choose the desired classes at our enrollment site.

* Where do I go to enroll?
Proceed to our course enrollment site to select your courses and enroll.

* What forms of payment will you accept?
Our secure online enrollment site requires online payment via credit card. We accept VISA, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

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10) How do I contact ABI?
* Can I telephone the institute?
Yes, you can call us toll free at 1-866-755-0448.

* What is your address?
Animal Behavior Institute, Inc.
2625 McDowell Road
Durham, NC 27705

* How do I email the institute?
Email us at support@animaledu.com. You may also contact us via our feedback form.

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