Animal Behavior

Degree: B.S.

Millersville University's Animal Behavior option is designed for students who wish to specialize in the causes, functions, development, physiological mechanisms and evolutionary history of animal behavior.

Why Study This Program?

Millersville University's B.S. in Biology option in Animal Behavior is designed for students who wish to specialize in the causes, functions, development, physiological mechanisms and evolutionary history of animal behavior. The program offers rigorous classroom instruction in a small-class setting, and opportunities to work with live animals both in the lab and in the field.

Students can select coursework that will prepare them for careers working with animals in the context of research, conservation, education, zoos and aquariums, or for graduate programs in research or veterinary medicine.

“While a student at Millersville, Jennifer worked with Drs. Brent Horton and John Wallace on a microbiome project focused on tracking the microbial community shifts in nestling birds from birth to fledgling. She has also focused her studies on the social behavior of Amazonian birds. ”

- Jennifer Houtz | 2018

What Will You Learn?

Students interested in this option will be placed with an academic adviser with expertise in animal behavior. Students take the same required core courses in biology as other biology majors before specializing in animal behavior.

In addition to formal coursework, students are required to gain practical experience working with animals. Options for such experiences include co-ops, internships, jobs with local veterinarians, animal shelters, zoos and aquariums, and animal training businesses. Participating in research with faculty or conducting an independent study is also counted as practical experience. Faculty will work with each student individually to tailor a program suited to that student's needs and interests.