If you want to study birds there are a few options for you to consider. While no colleges or universities in the US offer an ornithology degree, you’ll find excellent programs across the country offering unique opportunities to learn about birds.
Renowned research institutions, small liberal arts colleges, and large state schools all have strengths that could be a good fit depending on your needs. While rankings attempt to rate top schools, being an informed consumer and understanding your priorities is most important.
The best fit depends on your interests, goals, and learning preferences. This article explores factors to consider when researching colleges for a degree aiming at an ornithology career path.
Colleges oriented to ornithology
We highlight programs that showcase diversity of options. Keep an open mind about programs matching your talents, interests, and vision of a professional career as an ornithologist.
Cornell University
With the renowned Lab of Ornithology on campus, it’s no surprise Cornell is considered by many the top choices for those students interested in pursuing their passion for ornithology.
The Ivy League university offers multiple undergraduate degree paths allowing concentration in birds through coursework, research, and unparalleled extracurriculars.
The biology major enables students to take introductory and advanced classes on ornithology, animal behavior, and conservation.
Potential to specialize
Zoology majors get more specialized training in animal physiology, diversity, and evolution. The Natural Resources major combines wildlife ecology, conservation policy, and management.
All allow pursuing independent research mentorships and ornithology internships.
Ornithology experts at Cornell
The Lab of Ornithology provides workshops, seminars, projects like NestWatch and BirdSleuth, and access to world experts which can greatly enrich learning.
Students also frequent the Museum of Vertebrates and Cornell’s extensive natural areas. For those seeking rigorous academics grounded in natural history with proximate immersion in all things birds, Cornell is a top choice.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona in Tucson stands out for its remarkable diversity of bird species and habitats perfect for field studies.
Undergraduates can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, taking courses in avian biology, animal behavior, and conservation biology within the School of Natural Resources.
Ideal location for birders
Small advanced seminars facilitate discussions with faculty and peers on ornithological topics. The school’s geographic location enables numerous research collaborations across the border in Mexico, throughout the Southwest, and internationally.
Students frequently contribute to professor-led bird studies abroad analyzing tropical diversity and migrations. Campus resources include extensive natural history collections and the ABA Young Birder’s event.
Field skill training
Graduates gain highly marketable field skills. Bird-banding certification courses allow training in capture and tracking techniques.
For hands-on ornithology exploration in desert, mountain, and riparian ecosystems, Arizona offers prime opportunities.
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech has exceptional faculty conducting groundbreaking ornithological research that students directly participate in.
Undergraduates majoring in Fish and Wildlife Conservation or Biological Sciences can take classes encompassing avian evolution, ecology, and conservation biology.
Small, field-oriented courses allow close mentorship in field techniques including mist-netting, banding, and tracking.
Range of practical experience
Students assist professors studying topics like nest success, habitat selection, and effects of human disturbance on wild bird populations. Required internships provide crucial experience.
The school’s constant pursuit of sustainability and biodiversity preservation offers a supportive culture. Their active student chapter of The Wildlife Society provides excellent networking.
Field station opportunities
Virginia Tech runs an internationally renowned field station near the Appalachian Mountains hosting migratory bird research.
For undergraduates seeking immersion in hands-on, scientific bird studies with mentoring to spark ideas, Virginia Tech delivers outstanding opportunities.
Many other schools offer possibilities that allow students to tailor their interests and explore ornithological coursework, research, and resources.
Colorado College offers a unique block plan allowing intensive focus on topics like ornithology and animal behavior.
University of Massachusetts Amherst has a respected graduate program and hosts hobbyist events nearby.
Villanova University runs a graduate Banded Bird Program at an ecological reserve involving undergraduates.
Consider proximity to top birding
Proximity to excellent birding locations can also enhance programs. Southwestern University and Rio Grande College capitalize on the Rio Grande Valley along a major migration flyway.
Coastal schools like University of North Carolina Wilmington and Moss Landing Marine Laboratory provide access to shorebirds and seabirds.
Small liberal arts colleges like Earlham, Evergreen State, and Kalamazoo deliver close-knit learning communities.
State schools Colorado State, Ohio State, and Michigan State have renowned wildlife programs incorporating ornithology.
Important Factors to Consider
Choosing any college is highly personal based on individual needs and preferences. Ornithology enthusiasts should reflect on values like location, cost, program size, research resources, hands-on opportunities, and career goals.
First, reflect deeply on what environment you will thrive in. Some students prefer the resources and reputations of major universities.
Others seek the close-knit, discussion-based learning only found at smaller colleges. Consider your academic strengths and weaknesses.
Can you thrive in a challenging program? Do you prefer small discussion-based courses or thrive in larger setting?
Do you excel in big lecture classes or need personal attention to reach your potential?
Next, dive into the specific curriculum and research opportunities. Look beyond a school’s overall reputation and prestige.
Decide on your study priorities
The availability of specialized coursework, field experiences, and mentored projects make the difference for prospective ornithologists. Compile a list of “must-have” courses or electives and see which schools offer them.
For hands-on learning, research the field stations, migratory bird observatories, and partnerships connected to potential programs. Proximity to prime birding habitats like flyways or shorelines also enhances opportunities.
If conducting high-level research is a goal, examine the resources and access to mentors. Contact professors to learn about their specialties and openness to guiding students.
Balance both depth and breadth of study
Seek a balance enabling both deep focus and trying new subjects. Research the specific courses and electives at schools that interest you.
It’s less about the school’s overall ranking, and more about available classes, paths for specialization, field experiences, and research mentoring.
Look for opportunities facilitating bird-related activities year-round, from clubs to seminars to summer fellowships at field stations. Visit campuses and talk directly with students and faculty.
Try to tailor your tour
For a personalized college search process, go beyond basic campus tours. Meet with academic advisors in-depth about program requirements and philosophies.
Sit in on an ornithology class. Go birding on campus. Talk to current students about their experiences and the program culture.
While a school may boast excellent academics, the culture should also support your growth. Finding great mentors can be transformative.
With self-reflection and research, priorities emerge to choose a program that expands your skills, network, and passion for birds.
Getting the most from a campus visit
Go beyond basic school promotional materials when researching programs. Have in-depth conversations with academic advisors to understand requirements and educational philosophies.
Request to sit in on an upper level ornithology course. Ask to meet professors to discuss research interests and availability to mentor students.
Connect with current students about their experiences and perspectives on program culture. Campus visits provide the best sense of whether an institution will be the right home for your ornithology aspirations.
Choosing a college for an ornithology career – summing up
Selecting a college for an ornithology-oriented major requires assessing many factors: location, cost, program offerings, research resources, hands-on learning opportunities, career outcomes, and more.
Renowned schools known for strength in biology like Cornell embody excellence, and countless lesser-known programs also provide transformative learning experiences for bird enthusiasts. Include public universities, liberal arts colleges, and field stations in your search.
While no perfect formula exists, students who align programs with their abilities, interests, and professional aspirations gain advantages.
Which college is right for ornithology-focussed study?
The right college enables you to blend rigorous ornithology-related coursework with hands-on research and field experiences. An informed search process looking beyond rankings reveals diverse programs excelling in areas matching your needs.
Reflect on the environment and resources helping you thrive. Look for supportive mentors and experiential learning to complement rigorous coursework. Assess learning environments, specific curricula, research assets, and campus culture when weighing options.
Finding the ideal program that you can tailor to your ornithology interests takes time and effort. But it pays off with transformative learning preparing you for an engaging career working with birds.