This unique online degree incorporates the study of animal behavior, biology, and animal health and nutrition to prepare students for careers in an animal-related settings such as zoos, aquariums, animal rehabilitation facilities, nature preserves, and veterinary clinics.
Program Outcomes
1. Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental biological and psychological principles underlying the health and wellness of domesticated animals.
2. Describe the biological and psychological factors that influence animal behavior and cognition.
3. Explain the physiological, psychological, and ethical considerations for optimal care and welfare of domesticated animals.
4. Evaluate biological and psychological information using quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills.
5. Follow best practices for written and oral professional communication.
6. Evaluate standards of best practice for animal care, wellness, and welfare.
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 | ||
| BY 191 & BL 191 | General Biology I and General Biology Lab I | 4 |
| EH 105 | College Writing | 3 |
| HE 114 | Husson Experience & Building Professional Skills | 1-3 |
| or HE 111 | The Husson Experience | |
| MS 132 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| PY 111 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PY 141 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| CH 180 & CX 180 | Principles of Gen Chemistry and Prin of Gen Chemistry Lab I * | 4 |
| or CH 181 & CX 181 | Chemistry I and Chemistry Lab I | |
| Fine Arts Elective | 3 | |
| Foreign Culture or Conversation Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Literature Elective | 3 | |
| Math I Elective | 3-4 | |
| Perspectives Elective | 3 | |
| Philosophical Elective | 3 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| AB 101 | Foundations of Animal Studies | 3 |
| AB 201 | Animal Behavior | 3 |
| AB 211 | Animal Cognition | 3 |
| AB 221 | Animal Comparative Anatomy | 3 |
| AB 224 | Research Design for Animal Studies | 3 |
| or SC 224 | Research Design | |
| AB 234 | Animal Health and Nutrition | 3 |
| AB 333 | Animal Disease | 3 |
| or AB 334 | Animal Breeding and Genetics | |
| AB 341 | Animal Care and Wellness | 3 |
| AB 441 | Animal Welfare | 3 |
| AB 491 | Animal Care and Behavior Capstone | 3 |
| BY 192 & BL 192 | General Biology II and General Biology Lab II | 4 |
| Open Elective or CH/CX182 * | 3-4 | |
| Animal Behavior (AB) Electives | 12 | |
| Open Electives | 27 | |
| Total Hours | 118-122 | |
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| AB 101 | 3 | AB 201 | 3 |
| BY 191 & BL 191 | 4 | BY 192 & BL 192 | 4 |
| EH 105 | 3 | PY 141 | 3 |
| HE 111 or 114 | 1-3 | Math I Elective | 3-4 |
| PY 111 | 3 | ||
| 14-16 | 13-14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| AB 211 | 3 | AB 234 | 3 |
| AB 221 | 3 | AB 333 or 334 | 3 |
| CH 180 & CX 180* | 4 | Literature Elective | 3 |
| MS 132 | 3 | Perspectives Elective | 3 |
| Philosophical Elective | 3 | AB Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| AB 224 or SC 224 | 3 | AB 341 | 3 |
| Foreign Culture and Conversation Elective | 3 | AB 441 | 3 |
| AB Elective | 3 | Humanities Elective | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | AB Elective | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | Open Elective or CH/CX 182* | 3-4 |
| 15 | 15-16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| AB 491 | 3 | AB Elective | 3 |
| Fine Arts Elective | 3 | Open Elective | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | Open Elective | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | Open Elective | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | Open Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours: 118-122 | |||
*If CH/CX 181 are selected, then CH/CX 182 must be taken as open electives.
*Depending upon credit allocation, students may need to take an additional elective course to meet the minimum 120 credit requirement.