Animal Behavior Colleges Near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania boasts 130 colleges and universities between Philadelphia, its largest city, located on its eastern border, and Pittsburgh, its second largest city, located in the western part of the state. Two of Pennsylvania’s four-year institutions offer degrees in animal behavior and both are within 250 miles of Pittsburgh. Students also can pursue a degree in animal behavior at a New York college about 220 miles from the city. Students seeking certification in animal behavior can complete the necessary coursework through online programs.

Bucknell University

Students at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, can opt to earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in animal behavior. The difference between the two programs is principally in the number of science requirements, with the Bachelor of Science requiring additional credits in biology, physics and calculus; an additional research methods course; and an additional elective at the upper division level. The school offers several study abroad options, including programs in Africa, Asia and Australia. The campus is approximately 204 miles from Pittsburgh, and, according to the school’s website, drive time from the city is about four hours. The nearest airport, Williamsport Regional Airport, is about 40 minutes from the school. Visitors and students from Pittsburgh also can reach the school via Susquehanna Trailways bus line.

Canisius College

Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, offers a Bachelor of Science degree in animal behavior, ecology and conservation. Students within the program, as well as in related majors, also may earn a minor in animal behavior. According to the school's website, Canisius was one of the first colleges in the nation to offer a program linking the study of animals with ethical considerations. The school’s program in animal behavior aims to produce graduates who are equally educated in the scientific disciplines of the major and the ethical and moral aspects of animal welfare. Canisius College is approximately 219 miles from Pittsburgh. Several major and regional airlines offer connecting flights between Buffalo/ Niagara International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport. Bus service between the two cities also is available through Amtrak and Greyhound bus lines.

Franklin & Marshall College

Students willing to travel about 238 miles across Pennsylvania can pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in animal behavior at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, which is about four hours’ drive time from Pittsburgh. The animal behavior major, part of Franklin & Marshall’s biological foundations of behavior program, emphasizes hands-on experience for its undergraduates. Students work with faculty on research projects in an apprentice-type arrangement. Philadelphia International Airport is about 90 minutes from the school and offers several non-stop flights to Pittsburgh. The Amtrak, Greyhound and Trailways bus lines also service the city of Lancaster.

Animal Behavior Institute

The Animal Behavior Institute, a professional vocational school accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training, offers several certificate programs and specialized certificates in animal behavior and related animal studies. Students follow their course of study online via the Internet. While students can complete the certifications in less than one year, students in the certificate programs also must complete a 40-hour field requirement and students pursuing a specialized certificate most complete a 100-hour field requirement. Students may choose the location of their field requirement but also must receive approval of the location and internship or employment from the institute.