Animal Behavior & ConservationAbout the NEW Internship Track

The internship track of the ABC Master’s program requires the same coursework as the thesis track, but in place of a thesis seminar course and conducting thesis research, students will take an internship seminar course and complete a one-semester internship with an organization focused on animal behavior and conservation. Like the thesis track, the internship track requires 36 credits and is designed to be completed in two years.

The goal of the ABC MA internship track is to offer a real-world professional experience that enhances students’ marketability and provides the opportunity to form valuable connections that can open doors to diverse career opportunities in conservation, research, and in animal care, welfare, and behavior.

Small kitten being fed from a bottle

What is an Internship?

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting.

—The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

A piping plover perches on a gravelly beach

Internship Opportunities

Students will conduct an internship at one of many organizations in the New York City metropolitan area, including animal shelters, sanctuaries, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Diverse internship opportunities will be available, spanning animal welfare, care, training, zoos/aquaria, wildlife conservation, research, human-animal relationships, education, and outreach. 

Internship Process & Support

Students will collaborate closely with the ABC MA internship coordinator, a Hunter College faculty member, throughout the internship process. The coordinator will assist in identifying suitable internship programs, guide students through the application process, and provide professional development support, including preparing application materials. Throughout the internship, the coordinator will engage in one-on-one meetings with students to help them maximize their experience. Upon completion of the internship, students will present their experiences to ABC students, faculty, and staff.

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Timeline

Internships occur in the second year of the program. The duration of most internships is the length of a semester (approximately 15-16 weeks). Most follow the semester schedule (Fall & Spring). However, certain projects have alternative schedules. For instance, an internship tied to bird migration could be scheduled from April to July to coincide with migration events.

Time Commitment

While the absolute minimum of hours that must be completed to receive credit is 120 hours (approx. 8hrs/week for 15 weeks), most internships range from 180-240 hours (12-20 hours/week for 15 weeks).

Oysters underwater
Profile of a wolf in a sunbeam

Internship Selection

Internship opportunities vary. Some are local, some require travel outside the metro area (e.g., Westchester), and some are fully remote. Acceptance to internships and the availability of positions are contingent on the respective organizations. To aid students in the selection process, comprehensive information regarding travel requirements, compensation, hours, and schedules will be provided to students when they are selecting organizations to apply to.

Research Opportunities

This track does not provide opportunities for direct research mentorship in Hunter ABC research labs. There are research opportunities available through the internships.