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Utica University
Dr. Buchanan and student observe a bear skull

Animal Behavior

  1. Academics
  2. Our Programs
  3. Animal Behavior

About This Program

You’ve always been fascinated by how and why animals behave the way they do. If you want to take your curiosity to the next level by learning how to be a scientist of behavior, Utica University’s research-focused Animal Behavior major may be the perfect fit. Here at Utica, you will work closely with our Animal Behavior faculty and use experimental methods to uncover the evolutionary, ecological, and physiological bases of behavior. 

Department

Biology Department

Why Utica University

Taught by expert faculty, Utica’s research-intensive program gets students out of the classroom with field experiences and independent research projects. A partnership with the Utica Zoo gives student the opportunity to experience zoo research, animal care and husbandry firsthand.

Related Programs

  • Biology

Contact Information

Sarah M. Keesom, Ph.D.

Department Chair and Program Director
(315) 792-3177
smkeesom@utica.edu

Office of Admissions

(315) 792-3006
admiss@utica.edu
Get More InfoApply Now

General Information

Track

  • Major

Degree

  • B.S.

Location

  • Utica Campus
Utica Excellence, Utica Value

Animal Behavior at Utica

"Utica University's Animal Behavior Program allowed me to take a walk on the wild side by providing me with opportunities to participate in collaborative research and giving me the behavioral knowledge necessary to succeed in my internships."

Marshall Hildreth '26 Animal Behavior

Career Opportunities

The animal behavior major provides a foundation of courses and experiences for students interested in pursuing graduate training in:
    • Animal Research
    • Conservation Biology
    • Veterinary Medicine
    • Zoology
    • Animal Handling
Professor Tom McCarthy and students

Capstone Project Options

Animal Behavior students have two options of Capstone Projects - Seminar or Research
Academic quad at Utica College

Immediate Research Opportunities

Animal Behavior majors are given the opportunity to jump into research the very first semester.

What You'll Learn

Utica University’s animal behavior program provides students with a concentrated study of the evolutionary, ecological, genetic, neurological, and cognitive mechanisms that influence animal behavior. It's an exciting, hands-on program that promotes a deep scientific understanding of the field from a biological and psychological perspective.

Full Animal Behavior Curriculum and Learning Objectives
Iguana

Animal Behavior Faculty

Dr. Bryant Buchanan
Bryant W. Buchanan, Ph.D.
  • Distinguished Professor of Biology
Sarah Keesom
Sarah M. Keesom, Ph.D.
  • Associate Professor of Biology
Amy Lindsey
Amy E. Lindsey, Ph.D.
  • Associate Professor of Psychology
Professor Tom McCarthy and students
Tom M. McCarthy, Ph.D.
  • Distinguished Professor of Biology
Dr. Adam Pack
Adam K. Pack, Ph.D.
  • Distinguished Professor of Biology
Dr. Provost and students
Terri L. Provost, Ph.D.
  • Distinguished Professor of Biology
Sharon Wise, with shoulder-length hair and waering a green top, smiles at the camera.
Sharon E. Wise, Ph.D.
  • Dean of Natural Sciences & Math and Distinguished Professor of Biology

Animal Behavior at Utica University

Fausto Martinez, Marshall Hildreth, and Dr. Sarah Keesom at 33rd Annual Enimal Behavior Conference

Chat and Mouse

Marshall Hildreth in shorts, green t-shirt, and hat, sits in the back of a pick-up truck.

When a squeak is not just a squeak – Marshall Hildreth ’26

Sarah Keesom

Social Work: Dr. Sarah Keesom, students, make surprising discoveries about social interaction and health

A Degree That Works

The animal behavior major provides a foundation of courses and experiences for students interested in pursuing graduate training in animal research, conservation biology, veterinary medicine, zoology, and animal handling.

Utica College - DePerno Hall
Utica Zoo

Hands-On Learning

Students will be introduced to zoo research, animal care and husbandry, and animal training through our partnership with the Utica Zoo.

Student Voices - Kate RosbrookPlay Video

Student Voices: Kate Rosbrook

Kate originally came to Utica University to study physical therapy, then quickly developed an interest in experimental psychology. Partly on the basis of her research at Utica, she was selected for a research assistantship at Yale School of Medicine’s John B. Pierce Laboratory. The lab director’s acceptance message described Kate as someone whose skills and abilities are a great fit to the position and to the laboratory.

Science at Utica University

Woman with blond hair past her shoulders, wearing a blue top stands in front of a brick structure.
Student

Small Particles, Big Applications: Kayla Dunn ’26

Nanoparticles may be smaller than the wavelengths of visible light, but there’s nothing small about the potential applications being researched...
Marshall Hildreth in shorts, green t-shirt, and hat, sits in the back of a pick-up truck.
Student

When a squeak is not just a squeak – Marshall Hildreth ’26

What a mouse is "saying" is exactly what researchers like Marshall Hildreth ’26 have set out to determine alongside colleagues and mentor Dr. Sarah Keesom.
Fausto Martinez, Marshall Hildreth, and Dr. Sarah Keesom at 33rd Annual Enimal Behavior Conference
Student

Chat and Mouse

Marshall Hildreth discusses research at the 33rd Annual Animal Behavior Conference in Bloomington, Indiana. From medications to organ transplants, therapies...
All Stories

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