Master’s in Animal Science and Behavior

Improve Welfare with Behavior

In a culminating course project, students apply their knowledge of biological and psychological principles of animal behavior to create a Behavior Husbandry Plan. This scenario-based assignment directs students to focus on specific behavioral issues at an animal facility and provide behavioral modification recommendations to improve animal health and welfare.

Training & Care Handbook

Graduate students are challenged to create a handbook that demonstrates proper techniques for both training & care of animals for a made-up organization. This project allows the students to practice their knowledge of the coursework they’ve learned throughout the term, as well as asking them to present best practices in the field. Students create a training philosophy, present instructions and describe reinforcement tools and techniques.

Citizen Advocate for Animal Issues

Learn how to advocate for animals and their rights by effectively communicating the issue and solutions to engage public attention and support, and influence policymakers to take a stand. Knowing how to influence stakeholders and lawmakers to create change is an important part of ensuring that the field of Animal Assisted Intervention continues to advance appropriately, focused on best practices, sound science and animal welfare.

Amber Ramos

Graduate Adjunct Faculty

Amber Ramos has been working as a marine mammal trainer and animal care specialist for over fifteen years. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Arizona State University. Currently, she is a Ph.D. candidate studying Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Her research focuses on behavioral health and welfare of marine mammals under professional care.

She is interested in all aspects of behavior, cognitive enrichment, and the human-animal relationship that promotes positive welfare. Amber works for The National Marine Mammal Foundation, as a lead trainer, supporting the US Navy Marine Mammal Program since 2007. She has been lucky enough to develop relationships with a large variety of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, ranging from neonates to geriatric animals.

In addition to the animals under her care, she has had the unique opportunity to utilize her expertise by assisting with marine mammal rescue centers along the California coast.  When she is not working or studying, Amber loves to visit Hawai’i, or relax at home with her husband and their 2 cats.