Academic Considerations

Prerequisite courses must be completed prior to accepting a position into the Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program. These courses will help prepare you for the rigorous curriculum in the EATM program. Typically, about 40% of the students in the program have Associate Degrees, and 25% of the students who start our program already have a Bachelor's Degree. The age range of the students may vary from 18 - 50+. Students who have recently graduated from high school, or those without an adequate academic preparation, may find the course work load & other time demands very difficult. Check out the demands of the Program to learn more.

Five Prerequisite Courses 

1. General or Introductory Biology or Zoology course with a lab  - 4 or more semester units or 5 or more quarter units
2. Freshman College English Composition - must be 3 or more semester units or 4 or more quarter units
3. Public Speaking Course (Speech or Communication class or Acting class) - must be 3 or more semester units or 4 or more quarter units
4. Intermediate Algebra Math course (or higher)  - must be 3 or more semester units or 4 or more quarter units
5. Safety and/or  First Aid Course by accredited organization*
             * If you take a Red Cross or similar first aid course, this will count for your pre requisite.  If you desire obtain an               Associated Science degree when completing the program ( and do not already have a degree), you will need             to fulfill this GE requirement. 

The unit values may differ at various colleges, check with a Counselor if you have questions or see equivalence charts below.

All Prerequisite Courses Must:
 Be completed before you accept a position in the Exotic Animal Training and Management - you may only have 2 prerequisite courses in progress at the time of applying. In progress courses must be completed by June. 

 Be completed at an Accredited College - They do not have to be completed at Moorpark College, yet need to appear on a College Transcript.

 Be completed with a grade "C"  or better.

See Below For Moorpark College Courses & Other Equivalents.

Some Classes that are part of the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program can be taken at Moorpark College before entering the program. These Courses are: 

ANSC M09 Animal  Behavior

ANSC MO9L Animal Behavior lab

ANSC M17 Animal Diversity

Certificate of Achievement 

Upon completion of the curriculum within the Exotic Animal Training & Management Program a Certification of Achievement is awarded.

If classes needed to complete other General Education requirements for an Associates Degree have previously been completed either individually or as part of another Associates or Bachelor's Degree at an Accredited College it will then earn the student an Associate of Science Degree from Moorpark College. 

If you do not have other College General Education Classes completed. It is strongly recommended to complete these additional recommended classes before starting the program. Taking them while in the program may prove difficult with the already heavy course and work load. 

See below for Other Recommended College Courses needed to complete an Associate of Science Degree at Moorpark College.