The Animal Behavior & Conservation Advanced Certificate program provides formal recognition of the training in Animal Behavior & Conservation for students who already possess a baccalaureate or graduate degree in another area, and, by virtue of prior educational or practical experience.
Animal Behavior and Conservation Advanced Certificate
15 Credits, 5 courses
The Adv. Cert. program curriculum consists of the following.
Required Coursework
6 credits, 2 courses
PSYCH 71700 – Animal Behavior and Conservation in Captivity and the Wild
PSYCH 64100 – Comparative Psychology
Elective Coursework
9 credits, 3 courses
Animal Behavior Electives
PSYCH 64100 – Comparative Psychology
PSYCH 68066 – Urban Animals
PSYCH 71600 – Animal Behavior I: Mechanisms of Behavior
PSYCH 71700 – Animal Behavior and Conservation in Captivity and the Wild
PSYCH 71751 – Field Study in Animal Behavior and Conservation
PSYCH 71800 – Ethology (Animal Behavior II – Behavioral Ecology)
PSYCH 73900 – Research Methods in Animal Behavior
PSYCH 75048 – Behavioral Ecology: Applications to Wildlife Conservation in our Changing World
Students must demonstrate research skills, either through relevant work outside of the program or by the successful completion of an independent research or field project.
Applicants will be ranked according to grade point average, two letters of recommendation, personal statement, as well as course work and experience relevant to animal behavior and conservation.
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
Two letters of recommendation from appropriate academic or professional references
A statement of purpose of approximately 500 words or fewer
While specific career paths and salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and industry demand, here are ten potential career paths for individuals with a Master's in Animal Behavior and Conservation in New York City (NYC), along with approximate average salaries:
Working with animals in settings like zoos, sanctuaries, or training facilities.
Salary Range: $30,000 – $50,000
Working with government agencies or nonprofits to shape policies and advocate for wildlife conservation. S
Salary Range: $50,000 – $80,000
Working on projects that assess and mitigate the impact of human activities on wildlife and ecosystems.
Salary Range: Highly variable; $50,000 – $90,000
Managing programs or initiatives that aim to protect wildlife and their habitats.
Salary Range: $40,000 – $60,000
Educating visitors about wildlife, habitats, and conservation in parks or natural reserves.
Salary Range: $30,000 – $60,000
Conducting research on animal behavior and ecology in academic or research institutions.
Salary Range: 50,000-80,000
Studying animal behavior, habitats, and populations to inform conservation efforts.
Salary Range: $50,000 – $80,000
Capturing images and videos of wildlife for educational or conservation purposes. Income can vary widely based on freelance opportunities, sales, and reputation.
Salary Range: Highly variable
Providing care and rehabilitation for injured or orphaned wildlife. Salaries may vary widely but might start around $30,000 to $50,000 per year, often working for nonprofits or animal care facilities.
Salary Range: $30,000 – $50,000
Educating the public about animal behavior, conservation, and environmental issues.
Salary Range: Varies, typically $40,000 – $60,000
Application Deadline
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Hunter College may consider late applications on a rolling basis pending space is still available in the program.
Fall
February 1
Some programs may extend their application deadlines beyond those listed above. Please contact Graduate Admissions for specific information. For information on how to apply, click the link below.
Nicolina Steinhoff Graduate Advisor Animal Behavior & Conservation MA and Advanced Certificate Department of Psychology 212-772-5550 gr_psych@hunter.cuny.edu