Master's Degree

Humane Society University is pleased to announce the addition of Master’s Degrees to it curriculum. Study with leaders in the humane movement and become part of the first higher education institution in the country with a curriculum dedicated exclusively to human-animal studies, animal welfare and advocacy. HSU is committed to providing students with an exciting education, which prepares future animal advocates and humane leaders as they strive to affect change. With HSU, you can find the unique coursework that will lead to a rewarding career within a broad spectrum of animal welfare, animal-advocacy, or other related industries. You can make a difference in the lives of people and in the lives of animals. Join HSU, become a better advocate and find a rewarding career.

Masters Degrees Now Offered In:

Animal Studies

The programs in the Department of Animal Studies are designed to give students a firm understanding of the scientific, ethical, and cultural bases for animal protection. Students gain familiarity with scientific discoveries regarding animal sentience and explore how animals are viewed and represented across academic, geographic, societal, and ideological axes. These studies are intended to inform the central question: How ought we to treat animals? The curriculum enables students to effectively challenge conservative, Cartesian views of animals, and in doing so to lay bare the profound disconnect between our current knowledge of animals and their capacities and how we continue to treat animals. Students who graduate from this program will possess knowledge and skills applicable to a range of careers, including animal protection, the life sciences, and education.

Students who graduate with a Master of Science in Animal Studies will be able to:

  • Apply critical thinking and communication skills to animal protection debates;
  • Formulate research questions and interpret, evaluate, and conduct qualitative and quantitative research on scientific, cultural, and philosophical animal issues;
  • Analyze and develop animal protection campaigns; and
  • Conceive, formulate, and execute a publishable independent study that advances our understanding of the animal protection landscape.

Animal Policy and Advocacy

Based in the study of social movements, public policy, and public administration, the programs in the Department of Animal Policy and Advocacy explore the correlates of social, political and institutional change in attitudes, policies, and practices related to animals. The courses in the department foster the development of analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills. The program seeks to prepare students for careers in the multi-faceted fields of animal protection, public policy, and the law. The program specifically prepares students to work for animal protection organizations, to work in the policy arena as administrators and legislative staff, and to transition to increasing opportunities in law, education, and other venues that allow graduates to apply their knowledge of animals, advocacy, and public policy.

Students who graduate with a Master of Science in Animal Policy and Advocacy will be able to:

  • Understand complex interactions among social movements, political institutions, and policy change;
  • Apply and critique theoretical frameworks in the context of the animal protection movement and public policy contests related to animals;
  • Formulate research questions and interpret, evaluate, and conduct qualitative and quantitative social science research related to animal policy contests and public policies;
  • Analyze and develop public policies related to animals;
  • Design and assess multi-faceted animal advocacy programs.

Humane Leadership

The Department of Humane Leadership emphasizes effective, ethical and compassionate services within animal-related professions. The curriculum integrates the history, philosophies, strategies, and concerns related to animal welfare with non-profit management subjects. Coursework in this major provides the necessary knowledge and skills for support and managerial positions found in shelter management, animal protection, and an array of nonprofit management organizations.

Students who graduate with an MS in Humane Leadership will be able to:

  • Evaluate the role that non-profits have within the context of animal protection.
  • Apply and synthesize knowledge of the principles, strategies, resources, and skill sets required to efficiently and ethically manage non-profit organization.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills of effective communication strategies in a non-profit leadership position.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking that will inform decision making strategies and skills.
  • Conceive, formulate, and execute a publishable independent study that advances the effectiveness of animal protection organizations.

Animal Assisted Intervention Graduate Certificate:

HSU is also proud to announce its’ latest Graduate Certificate offering, designed with the healthcare professional in mind. The AAI Certificate allows you to integrate animals within the context of therapy. In the last decade there has been a proliferation of therapeutic programs where animals assist people in reaching developmental and/or restorative achievements. However, the formal training necessary to safely maximize these benefits are limited. This Graduate Certificate offers aspiring and seasoned clinicians alike a specialization in animal assisted interventions (AAI). As a result of more dedicated AAI coursework, research and trained clinicians, standards in this field will inform its applied therapy.

Students who graduate with a Graduate Certificate in Animal Assisted Intervention will be able to:

  • Recognize the physical and psychological benefits of the human-companion animal bond.
  • Create, implement, and evaluate safe and effective animal assisted intervention programs for a range of ages and a myriad of physical, developmental and mental health conditions.
  • Integrate and demonstrate ethically sound judgment within the context of animal assisted interventions, with special attention to the welfare of animals.

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