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 This graduate degree program for professionals is the first of its kind offered by a U.S. college intended for those who wish to be employed by or operate an animal shelter, an animal control organization, a humane animal organization, SPCA, animal sanctuary or a related non-profit animal welfare organization. The curricula centers upon animal shelter operations and facility management, human resources and volunteer administration, community development and strategic fundraising, budgeting, planning management, animal behavior and enrichment, and current issues in animal shelter and welfare organizations in publlic animal control and shelter agencies, SPCAs, and in other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in animal welfare, management, planning, legislation and administration.
Students will learn to synthesize and apply theoretical knowledge, and thus solve novel problems, through online theoretical coursework, practical skills and research training in animal-related settings, faculty-guided face-to-face academic residencies and externships with animals, and a final empirical research thesis.
Theoretical learning and assessment is based on instructor-led, asynchronous online courses that include readings, video, individual and group projects, research, writing, and online class discussions and occasional teleconferences. Practical or applied learning takes place at 5-day regional academic residencies (workshops with animals).
Supervised experience is accomplished during an externship at an animal-related facility in the student’s community. Students will also design and run an empirical research project under the guidance of their thesis committee, write a thesis paper, and defend it orally via a teleconference.
The U.S. and many other countries are experiencing a rapid growth in government controlled and private no-kill animal shelters, sanctuaries, NGOs, and other animal welfare organizations. This graduate degree program will prepare the student to take a leadership role in the administration and operations of animal facilities and programs in order to develop and enact policies and programs that can result in a positive change for homeless and displaced companion animals.
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