PhD in Animal Behavior in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The Animal Behavior Graduate Group focuses on students passionate about exploring the adaptive and evolutionary foundations of animal behavior. The program prepares participants for teaching and research careers across diverse fields such as animal science, anthropology, ecology, entomology, neurobiology, psychology, physiology, veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, and zoology. Faculty and students collaborate on research involving various species and multidisciplinary approaches. Key study areas encompass behavioral ecology, sociobiology, animal communication, welfare and management, physiology-behavior interactions, conservation behavior, primate studies, behavioral modeling, and developmental behavior. A yearlong core curriculum ensures broad foundational knowledge, while the rest of the program is customized to align with each student's academic focus.

UC Davis boasts a renowned legacy in life sciences education and research, particularly in animal behavior. This interdisciplinary graduate program brings together faculty from multiple departments, schools, and colleges. Researchers utilize diverse species and employ varied theoretical frameworks and methodologies. Beyond departmental facilities, students access specialized resources including the California National Primate Research Center, Center for Neuroscience, Center for Aquatic Biology and Aquaculture, John Muir Institute of the Environment, Information Center for the Environment, Tahoe Environmental Research Center, Bodega Marine Laboratory, UC Davis Natural Reserve System, and agricultural field stations. The university libraries maintain comprehensive collections of biological and behavioral science literature.