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

1) How do I get started?
* How do I apply?
You can begin the admission process by submitting your Student Application online. You will need to pay the $25 application fee and submit evidence that you have completed high school before you will be able to enroll in courses.

* What constitutes evidence of high school completion?
Evidence of high school completion can include copies of any of the following:

• High school transcript
• High school diploma
• GED or equivalency completion
• College transcript

* What happens after I am accepted at the Animal Behavior Institute?
Once you have been accepted you will go to the Registration site to see when each course is offered, the starting and enrollment dates, and which courses are required for each certificate program. Then you can enroll in the classes of your choice.

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

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2) 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 (of course!) 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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3) Which courses should I take?
Clearly this depends on your individual goals. Are you looking to enter a new career or advance in your existing position? Do you have clearly defined career goals? Reviewing the questions below may help you determine the best path to meet your needs. Of course, you can also contact us for individual consultation.

* Do you want to complete a certificate program?
If you are interested in our certificate programs, review the program descriptions, objectives and required courses for each certificate. Contact us at (866) 755-0448 or support@animaledu.com for more guidance on choosing the program that will help you meet your career goals.

* Do you require continuing education credit for your certification or advancement?
Courses at the Animal Behavior Institute are accepted for continuing education credit by hundreds of professional associations. Our credits are also pre-approved for specific continuing education units in many professions. For example, if you are a laboratory animal technician, many of our courses will satisfy your continuing education requirements for continued certification by AALAS. Our Laboratory Animal Behavior program is specifically geared towards animal technicians. Veterinarians or veterinary technicians can receive continuing education credit via the American Associate of Veterinary State Boards for our pre-approved courses. Wildlife Rehabilitators can receive credit for our courses through theInternational Wildlife Rehabilitation Council or many state wildlife associations.

* Are you primarily interested in courses for your personaldevelopment?
Are you seeking a more thorough understanding of your animal companion? Several of our courses, such as Animal Minds & Emotions, 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.

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4) 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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5) How much does it cost?
* How much does a course cost?
Tuition at ABI is $325 per credit, or $975 per course. In order to ensure the highest quality platform for online education, we use E-college, 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:

* What is the total cost?
The total cost of the five required courses for each certificate program is $5,575. There is a one time application fee of $25; textbooks or other class materials usually cost $30-80 for each course.

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6) 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 quarterly basis (four times per year). Thus, a certificate could easily be completed in a year or less.

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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7) 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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8) 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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9) 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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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 mailing address?
Animal Behavior Institute, Inc.
4711 Hope Valley Road
Suite 4F-332
Durham, NC 27707

* 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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