Animal behavior is ordinarily a discipline pursued in graduate school. However, Canisius College offers a suite of animal-focused courses at the undergraduate level. In fact, Canisius offers more undergraduate courses in animal behavior than any other four-year college or university.
Regular internships offered at The Buffalo Zoo and at the Aquarium of Niagara are a distinguishing feature of our program. Canisius students have also participated in internships at animal facilities around the country including Chicago's Brookfield Zoo and the Dolphin Research Center in Florida. Our students also work outside the classroom on exciting research projects. Partnering with faculty who conduct research on marine mammal social behavior and on neo-tropical bird migration, they participate at every level. Many serve as co-authors with the faculty at national meetings and on peer-reviewed publications.
Members of the Canisius Ambassadors for Conservation (CAC) are on the front line of conservation. They travel to remote field sites to observe wildlife and then return to Western New York to serve as public educators at our zoos. Click here to learn more.
Another way Canisius animal behavior minors gain outstanding field experience is through student activities. The Canisius Zoological Society is a pre professional student club that engages in animal enrichment projects, professional networking, and wildlife-focused fieldtrips. Click here to learn more.
It is important to recognize that the more a student puts into pursuing opportunities in this program, the more he or she will get out of them. The coursework is challenging, but it offers an outstanding introduction to animal science for students who pursue it seriously. The Canisius Zoological Society provides a fun way to spend time with friends, but it also provides valuable animal and field experiences. Our animal-related internships, research opportunities and/or the CAC program also enhance learning and help students build personal and professional interests.
There are two aspects of this program that are guaranteed. The animal behavior coursework and membership in the Canisius Zoological Society are open to all students. Beyond that, participation in internships, research, and/or with CAC is selective and competitive. They are programs for serious students who show a special commitment demonstrated by extra effort. Interested students should begin by volunteering, and they should be persistent. It is a good idea for students to become involved early so that they can develop and build skills. The bottom line is that those students who show extra efforts are rewarded with a sequence of amazing experiences.