Animal Behavior Program || Bucknell University
Animal Behavior Program
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
In this Section
Animal Behavior
Read more about Meredith
375+
This growing number of animal behavior graduates creates recognition for Bucknell in the field, and serves as a valuable network for careers and internships.
associate professor of biology and animal behavior
Question
What kind of job can I get with an animal behavior degree?
Careers paths include, but are not limited to, research, veterinary, medical, zoo, museum or foundation work; communications; law; industry, foreign service and education.
Study social cues in capuchin monkeys, understand how bees learn or learn what motivates rats. Our animal behavior program combines both biology and psychology, gives students hands-on experience in both disciplines.
As an animal behavior major, you will work up close and personal with their subjects and often have opportunities to conduct research and work on articles published in peer-reviewed journals.
Courses You Could Take
317.
Comparative Animal Cognition
Examine issues of nature/nurture, learning, development and adaptation, and learn about behaviors such as foraging, mating and communication in several species.
321.
Behavioral Ecology
Consider behavioral adaptations to various ecological situations: habitat choice, foraging behavior, defenses against predation, mate choice and brood care.
355.
Social Insects
Explore the evolution and genetics of social behavior, caste, communication in foraging and colony defense, and queen and worker control over reproduction.
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Did You Know?
Bucknell established the first undergraduate animal behavior program 40 years ago. It is a joint program of the biology and psychology departments.
The animal behavior program balances scientific training with a strong liberal arts education.
Unlike animal science — a field associated with the use of animals for human needs — the study of animal behavior at Bucknell emphasizes the evolution of animal life.
In the last decade, three animal behavior students have received Marshall Fellowships for advanced study in the UK, three have received Rotary International Fellowships, nine have received National Science Foundation Fellowships and one has received a Truman Fellowship.
Faculty Spotlight
More about Professor Reeder
Why Animal Behavior?
We asked our students to tell us in five words or fewer why they love studying animal behavior.
opportunities
Internships
Bucknell works closely with students to help them arrange for internships in such areas as wildlife studies and administration.
Recently, animal behavior majors have had internships in zoo design, aquarium administration, research in physiology and anatomy, grant-making and nature photography.
beyond bucknell
Study Abroad
We encourage our students to study abroad. Recently students have studied in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Other programs in Europe, Asia, South and Central America also are a good fit. Students can explore the many study abroad opportunities through the Office of International Education
research
Undergraduate Research
Students in Bucknell's animal behavior program have collaborated with faculty on hundreds of publications in scientific journals. The number of conference papers and reports is even larger.