At a Glance: program details
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Location:
- Second Language Requirement: No
Program Description
Degree Awarded: PHD Animal Behavior
The PhD program in animal behavior is a transdisciplinary graduate degree program that provides doctoral-level training in mechanistic and functional approaches to understanding behavior in a variety of animal taxa.
The study of behavior is at the interface of several scientific disciplines, including anatomy, ecology, evolution, neuroscience and physiology. This program offers the diverse but specialized array of skills and knowledge needed to produce excellent research in animal behavior.
Students gain expertise with applied scientific value in areas such as veterinary science and mental and behavioral health in humans. The ecological focus of the program feeds into local, state and global priorities in biological conservation and ecosystem sustainability.
Degree Requirements
Curriculum Plan Options
- 84 credit hours, an oral and written exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (8 credit hours)
ANB 601 Research Strategies in Animal Behavior (4)
ANB 602 Current Issues in Animal Behavior (1)
Electives or Research (64 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
ANB 799 Dissertation (12)
Additional Curriculum Information
Core course ANB 602 is a one credit hour course taken four times.
The department and the student's advisor determine a plan for elective and research courses in conjunction with the student.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants must submit the following:
- graduate admissions application and application fee
- official transcripts
- academic record form
- personal statement
- curriculum vitae or resume
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Learning Outcomes
- Communicate the rationale and results of their research, both orally and in writing.
- Execute a research plan of their own design that addresses a significant scientific question about animal behavior.
- Review the literature relevant to the research question in animal behavior that they address in their dissertation.
Career Opportunities
A doctorate in animal behavior provides strong preparation for academic careers at every level, including community colleges and research universities. The skills and knowledge obtained in this program are also valuable for government careers in federal and state agencies responsible for wildlife management and conservation, and for conservation-related careers in nongovernmental organizations.
Career examples include:
- animal scientist
- biology professor
- conservation biologist
- postsecondary biology teacher
- wildlife biologist
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.