Animal Behavior & Conservation-MA

Program

The growing scientific and public sentiment, awareness, and interest in conservation and animal welfare science and the importance of enrichment for zoo, laboratory, and farm animals, recently reflected in new legislation and in zoo policy has created a growing need for highly trained scientists and professionals.  This 36-credit Master’s Program within the Psychology Department 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.

Admission Requirements

Students must hold a bachelor’s degree comparable to that from Hunter College. Twelve undergraduate credits in psychology, including courses in statistics and experimental psychology, are generally required; however, students lacking this but with high undergraduate GPA and general GRE scores may be admitted without a strong background in psychology. Applicants are ranked according to their undergraduate grade point average, GRE exam scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statement, as well as prior course work and experience relevant to animal behavior and conservation. General GRE scores are optional for those students who hold the Advanced Certificate in Animal Behavior and Conservation from Hunter College.

Note: There is no foreign-language requirement for the MA in psychology

Curriculum

The MA consists of 36 credits in graduate-level course, and all courses listed carry three credits. Most courses are offered after 5:30 p.m. so that students can work while in the program. The sequence of course offerings enables students taking 3 courses (9 credits) per semester to graduate in 2 years.