While no undergraduate programs award a specific degree in ornithology, many schools do offer specific coursework in avian biology. Those seeking to pursue advanced studies in ornithology must obtain a Master's degree or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Undergraduate training should include extensive coursework in biology. Most of these programs require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in biology, testing the applicants knowledge of (1) cellular and molecular biology, (2) organism biology and (3) ecology, evolution and population biology. Additional required courses may include chemistry, mathematics (especially calculus), statistics, computer science with GIS and English. A strong academic transcript and recommendations from professors are essential for entry to most graduate programs.
Only a handful of institutions offer a specific graduate degree in ornithology. Many others allow for concentration in avian studies, with a graduate degree in a more generalized biological field, for example ecology and evolutionary biology or zoology. Some of these schools offer only a Master's degree or Ph.D., and others offer both. A Master's degree generally takes two to three years to complete and involves significant coursework and a research project or thesis. The Ph.D. takes four to six years to complete and is primarily focused on a dissertation consisting of original research that contributes to the field of biology. In exploring an advanced degree, one should match their specific area of interest to institutions employing faculty with similar research interests.
Master's degree programs require a minimum of 300 units of graduate-level coursework. The objective of the coursework component is to give students broad training in biology. Students specialize on a particular species or problem in the research project. Requirements for coursework vary in Ph.D. programs. Courses at the graduate level include fundamental disciplines of biology, such as neurobiology, animal behavior, ecology, molecular genetics, population biology, conservation biology and environmental toxicology. Courses specific to birds may include avian development and genetics, reproduction, management and companion birds, nutrition and conservation and biology of wild birds. Many programs are found at institutions that also have a veterinary school. In these cases, courses in avian medicine, immunology and husbandry can round out the curriculum.
Ornithology is one of the few fields where non-professionals regularly make significant contributions to scientific research. These citizen scientists help researchers better understand bird populations, distribution and habitat by collecting data on bird species. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has partnered with the public through programs such as the Great Backyard Bird Count and Project FeederWatch, both of which have helped scientists track movements of winter birds, as well as identify trends in their population and distribution. Audubon's Christmas Bird Count engages tens of thousands of volunteers from across the America's in a winter wildlife census that helps scientists assess the health of bird populations.