Evolutionary Anthropology (Behavior Ecology and Cognition)
The Evolutionary Anthropology (Behavior, Ecology and Cognition) program at the University of Duke provides an interdisciplinary framework for understanding human and non-human primate behavior within evolutionary and ecological contexts. Spanning four years, this program integrates the study of biological anthropology, primatology, behavioral ecology, and cognitive evolution. Students explore how behavior has adapted over time in response to environmental pressures and social organization, drawing from both field and laboratory research. The curriculum introduces concepts such as natural selection, social behavior, reproductive strategies, communication, and learning in primates and humans, offering a comprehensive view of behavioral complexity across species.
Through core coursework, students engage in topics like social bonding, foraging behavior, parental investment, and the evolution of intelligence. The program emphasizes data collection, observational methods, and hypothesis testing, equipping students to think scientifically about how behavior evolves and varies across ecological settings. With opportunities to participate in research projects, field studies, and seminars, students gain practical skills and theoretical insight. Faculty mentorship supports independent inquiry, and interdisciplinary electives allow connections to fields like psychology, environmental science, or neuroscience. With its focus on behavioral adaptation, ecological interaction, and cognitive development, the program fosters a deep and integrative understanding of evolutionary processes.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Evolutionary Anthropology (Behavior Ecology and Cognition)
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: Duke University, United States
- Field of Study: Anthropology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Evolution and Behavior
• Introduction to Evolutionary Anthropology
• Biological Principles of Behavior
• Academic Writing in the Sciences
• Human Origins and Prehistory
Year 2 – Ecology, Social Systems and Methodology
• Primate Behavior and Social Structure
• Behavioral Ecology
• Statistical Methods in Anthropology
• Observation and Field Techniques
Year 3 – Cognition and Comparative Analysis
• Primate Cognition and Communication
• Evolution of Intelligence
• Comparative Brain and Behavior Studies
• Independent Research Seminar
Year 4 – Specialization and Research Synthesis
• Seminar in Behavior and Ecology
• Senior Thesis or Capstone Project
• Advanced Topics in Cognitive Evolution
• Interdisciplinary Elective in Psychology or Environmental Science
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared to enter a variety of careers where scientific reasoning, observational skill, and interdisciplinary thinking are highly valued. Many find roles in research institutions, wildlife and conservation organizations, education, and public science communication, where their understanding of behavior and cognition informs both policy and practice. Some choose to continue their studies in graduate programs focused on anthropology, animal behavior, neuroscience, or environmental science. The program also supports careers in science writing, museum curation, or nonprofit sectors that focus on human-animal interaction, ecological education, or global health. With a strong foundation in evolutionary theory, empirical research, and ecological awareness, graduates bring analytical depth and behavioral insight to any field concerned with living systems and social dynamics.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers students a rare opportunity to explore the evolution of behavior and cognition through a scientific lens that values both biological principles and ecological context. Students engage deeply with questions about why animals behave the way they do, how intelligence emerges and adapts, and how social structures shape survival and reproduction. Through hands-on research, field experience, and interdisciplinary study, they learn to observe, question, and analyze complex behavioral patterns. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, methodological rigor, and communication, helping students develop a scientific mindset and the ability to apply knowledge in both academic and practical settings. The program’s commitment to uniting ecological understanding with behavioral science makes it a powerful and thought-provoking path for those interested in the evolution of minds, behaviors, and societies.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 (919) 684-8111
Email: admissions@duke.edu
Address: University of Duke, Durham, North Carolina, United States
