PhD in Psychology - Animal Behavior in Seattle United States | University of Washington

Our graduate program is mentor-based. Students train under the direct guidance of one or more specific faculty members whose scholarly interests parallel their own. Prospective students are expected to identify faculty they view as potential mentors. The department is divided into seven general areas of study. Students apply to a specific area of study and not to the department as a whole. Students collaborate with their mentors and other faculty in their area of study to determine the coursework and training that best meets the student's career goals. Psychology is a dynamic field. With its focus on the understanding of behavior of both humans and animals, our field is poised at the juncture between biological and social forces. New discoveries are constantly informing our work and changing the way we go about our business, whether in terms of theory, application, or methods. If you are curious, creative, and energetic, there is no better time for you to be pursuing advanced study in psychology. We welcome your interest.

The Animal Behavior Program is an interdisciplinary graduate training program that integrates psychological and zoological approaches to the study of animal behavior and behavioral ecology. The program leads to the Ph.D. in Psychology (Animal Behavior). Training emphasizes development of a broad perspective on the study of behavior as well as expertise in areas of special interest. Research opportunities involve field, laboratory, and zoo environments. Participants can take advantage of a large interdepartmental network of resources. Faculty are active in a broad range of research areas, with major emphasis on animal communication, development, primate behavior, evolutionary psychology, behavioral neuroscience, behavioral genetics and social behavior.