B.S. in Animal Studies

Major Requirements

Animal Studies is an interdisciplinary major that examines human-animal interactions, animal behavior, and the role of animals in society. The curriculum includes courses in the biological sciences, humanities and social sciences. The major also has a cross-cultural dimension. The major prepares students for work in the fields of animal advocacy, animal care, education, and public service and for graduate work in a variety of fields.

The learning outcomes of the major are to enable students to:

• Interpret the major historical and cultural forces that influence the treatment of animals.
• Demonstrate substantive knowledge of humane philosophies and ethics.
• Think critically about the position of animals in society.
• Understand how different disciplines contribute to the study of animals.
• Locate and conduct research in the field of animal studies.

The major seeks to accomplish these objectives through a series of courses and a variety of disciplinary lenses. 120 credit hours are required to complete a baccalaureate degree with HSU, 39 of these credits should be completed within the course work for the Animal Studies major, including:

• Core courses (27 credits)
• Capstone course (6 credits)
• Elective courses in the major (6 credits)

Core Courses (27 credits)
AS300 Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Animal Studies
AS301 Understanding the Human-Animal Bond
AS302 Sociology of Animal Abuse
AS305 Animals and Ethics
AS306 Animals in Literature
AS413 Global Animal Issues
AS416 Animal Behavior, Animal Minds, and Animal Protection
AS417 Animal Protection and the Environment
AP301 Animal Protection As A Social Movement

Major Electives (6 credits)
AS450 Independent Study
HL300 Humane Education
HL410 Animal Assisted Interventions for Youth At Risk
HL316 Animal Cruelty and Interpersonal Violence
AP302 Animals and Public Policy
AP402 Farm Animal Welfare
AP403 Wildlife Policy
AP404 Research Animal Policy
AP407 Special Issues in Companion Animal Policy: Dangerous Dogs

Capstone in Animal Studies
AS500 Animal Studies Capstone Course (6 credits)