Primate
Program Overview
The graduate program in Primate Behavior at Central Washington University provides an opportunity for students to earn an MS degree in Primatology in the United States. The program focuses on interdisciplinary, problem-oriented, broad-spectrum knowledge relating to primates with a particular focus on conservation issues. Students entering the program are exposed to coursework and practical experience in the areas of anthropology, biology, and psychology and have opportunities to conduct sanctuary, zoo, and/or field research under the guidance of faculty mentors. The program serves students who will enter the work force for employment in sanctuaries, zoos, field research, conservation agencies, teaching, or who will continue on to Ph.D. programs.
Factors contributing to the unique nature of this program include:
- Central's Primate Behavior faculty are interdisciplinary, representing Anthropology, Biology, Philosophy, Primatology, Psychology, and Cultural and Environmental Resource Management.
- CWU has cultivated relationships with agencies that facilitate student research. Students can develop their own research site in consultation with program faculty.
- Although the program focuses on primatology, many theories and methodologies used by primatologists are more broadly applicable (e.g., evolutionary theory, comparative psychology). Students will be made aware of these interdisciplinary connections throughout the core curriculum and have opportunities to study species in addition to nonhuman primates.
- Students will leave the Master’s program with practical experiences in field techniques, behavioral data collection, research design, the use of cutting-edge software and hardware, and statistical analyses that will be vital in their careers or in their acquisition of a Ph.D. degree.
- The program focuses on humane, non-invasive behavioral research with nonhuman primates and emphasizes ethics in primatology and the importance of biodiversity.
The Primate Behavior program at Central Washington University is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program, through which residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands pay in-state tuition for approved WICHE programs. If you are a resident of one of these states, please indicate that on your application to the program.
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