The 36-credit program prepares students interested in animal behavior and conservation (ABC) to develop and enhance their research skills and understanding of the behavior of animals, and to acquire credentials for employment in fields related to ABC. This free-standing Master of Arts Program replaces the previous concentration in ABC within the Psychology MA program with no changes in requirements.

Criteria for Admission to the MA in ABC Program

The formal admission requirements are the same of those for the General MA Program.

Requirements for the MA Degree in ABC

The students who elect the ABC Master’s degree are required to complete 36 credits, consisting of a minimum of 15 credits in the ABC area in addition to the 12 credits in courses required for all Psychology MA students. All courses carry 3 credits.

Required Courses for all MA Students – 12 credits

            PSYCH 701 or 747 or 739 – A course in Experimental Psychology.

            PSYCH 702 – Proseminar in Psychology

            PSYCH 705 – Statistical Methods in Psychology

            PSYCH 707.01 – Thesis Research (on an ABC topic for ABC students)

Required Courses for ABC Students – 6 credits

            PSYCH 717 – Animal Behavior and Conservation in Captivity and the Wild

            PSYCH 751.03 – Basic Psychological Processes 1: Perception, Learning, and                                                    Comparative Cognition

Elective Courses for ABC Students – a minimum of 9 credits from the following:

            PSYCH 641 – Comparative Psychology

            PSYCH 690 – Independent Research

            PSYCH 716 – Animal Behavior I

            PSYCH 717.51 – Field Study in Animal Behavior and Conservation

            PSYCH 718 – Animal Behavior II

            PSYCH 730 – Psychology of Learning

            PSYCH 754 – Applied Animal Welfare and Behavior

            PSYCH 757 – Animal Thinking and Communication

            PSYCH 750.xx – Special Topics *

* Special Topics courses and Independent Research projects related to ABC will depend upon student and faculty interests. Recent topics included Companion Animals in Society and Conservation Biology/Psychology