Study animal behavior at Franklin & Marshall College

🎓 What: B.A. in Animal Behavior Studies 📍 Where: Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 💡 Why It’s Unique: Hands-on research with live animals, including primates, reptiles, and aquatic species

Franklin & Marshall College (Photo source: F&M College)

🧠 What You’ll Learn

At F&M, the Animal Behavior Studies major delves into the biological and social foundations of animal behavior. Students explore how these behaviors impact conservation, education, and environmental interactions. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to work directly in laboratories, the field, zoos, and international settings with various species, including aquatic invertebrates, fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds.

🐾 Facilities & Research

F&M's Barshinger Life Sciences & Philosophy Building houses state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories in animal behavior, behavioral ecology, and comparative psychology. The on-campus vivarium supports student-focused learning and scientific research, housing a variety of rodents, reptiles, birds, fish, invertebrates, and nonhuman primates.

🌍 Why It’s Great for International Students

• Global Exposure: Study-abroad opportunities in countries like Ireland, Russia, New Zealand, and Australia.

• Research Opportunities: Engage in original research projects that may lead to presentations at national and international conferences or co-authorship in journal publications.

• Supportive Community: Join a diverse student body with access to dedicated faculty and staff.
  

💼 Career Outcomes

Graduates have pursued careers as animal care technicians, wildlife rehabilitators, and researchers. For instance, Sara Dollen ’23 utilized her experience from F&M's vivarium to design an enrichment system for a wildlife center, enhancing animal welfare practices.

💰 Tuition & Financial Aid

• Annual Tuition for International Students: Approximately $65,652 (Based on F&M's website)
  

• Financial Aid: F&M offers need-based financial aid to international students, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all four years on campus.
  

Ready to explore the world of animal behavior?  Discover more about F&M’s Animal Behavior Studies program and how it can shape your future in animal science.