The study of human-animal interactions is an exciting and growing field focusing on human relationships with animals, animal welfare, and the psychological and physiological benefits of the human-animal relationship. This unique online program combines the study of animal behavior, animal welfare, psychology and animal-assisted therapy, to provide students with comprehensive experience that prepares them for careers that integrate animals into mental and physical healthcare practices.
Program Outcomes:
- Describe the biological and psychological factors that influence animal behavior, cognition, and human interactions.
- Explain the physiological, psychological, and ethical considerations for optimal care and welfare of domesticated animals.
- Follow best practices for written and oral professional communication.
- Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental psychological principles underlying the care and welfare of domesticated animals.
- Analyze the physiological and mental health benefits of the human-animal bond.
- Interpret the legal, ethical, and beneficial aspects of animal-assisted therapies.
- Describe the biological and psychological factors that influence animal behavior, cognition, and human interactions.
- Evaluate psychological information using quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills.
- Apply animal-assisted therapy, wellness, and welfare standards of best practice.
Notice: As a student enrolled in Husson University's online animal-focused program/course, you may engage in activities that involve live animals. Such activities are not required by the course and are done on a voluntary basis. Participation in such activities has inherent risks. Neither Husson University nor its faculty and staff are responsible for any injuries, damages, or other harm to self or property that may occur to you and/or the animals with which you engage.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| EH 105 | College Writing | 3 |
| HE 114 | Husson Experience & Building Professional Skills | 3 |
| MS 132 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| PY 111 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PY 141 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| Fine Arts Elective | 3 | |
| Foreign Culture or Conversation Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Lab Science Elective (BY 191/BL 191 recommended) | 3-4 | |
| Literature Elective | 3 | |
| Math I Elective | 3-4 | |
| Perspectives Electives | 6 | |
| Philosophical Elective | 3 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| AB 101 | Foundations of Animal Studies | 3 |
| AB 110 | The Human-Animal Bond: Animal Behavior, Evolution and Therapeutic Applications | 3 |
| AB 201 | Animal Behavior | 3 |
| AB 210 | Emotional Support and Service Animals | 3 |
| AB 211 | Animal Cognition | 3 |
| AB 224 | Research Design for Animal Studies | 3 |
| AB 301 | Animal-Human Interactions | 3 |
| AB 310 | Animal-Assisted Therapy: Understanding Techniques, Regulations and Risks | 3 |
| AB 410 | Canine- and Feline-Assisted Interventions | 3 |
| or AB 411 | Equine-Assisted Interventions | |
| AB 441 | Animal Welfare | 3 |
| AB 491 | Animal Care and Behavior Capstone | 3 |
| PY 232 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PY 431 | Behavior Modification/Seminar in Learning | 3 |
| Animal Behavior Elective | 9 | |
| Open Electives | 30 | |
| Total Hours | 120-122 | |