Master of Science in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare
Program Quick Facts
100% Online
$548 per credit hour**
36 Credit Hours
24 Months*
The online M.S. in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare will prepare you to further develop your approach to understanding and caring for animals. This graduate program will build on the B.S. in Animal Care and Behavior or develop foundational expertise in animal welfare and behavior for those with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. The only fully online master’s degree of its kind in the country, this program explores essential theory and concepts in animal behavior, health, nutrition and training to equip graduates to work in animal production centers, rehabilitation organizations, zoos, animal shelters and many more animal welfare career settings.
*Based on a student taking 6 credit hours per term. **Rate effective May 1, 2022. All rates subject to change.
Upcoming Start Dates:
Term 3: January 21, 2025
Term 4: March 17, 2025
Course Spotlights
AB 701 Advanced Animal Behavior
In this course, students will study the biology of animal behavior across a variety of species. Students will follow a data-driven approach to examine the role of anatomy and physiology, genetics, and evolution in animal behavior, with a focus on a species or a behavior of their choice.
AB 642 Animal Welfare: Environment, Stress, Behavior and Biology
In this course, students will build on their knowledge of animal welfare, laws and regulations by examining the role of biology, behavior, and environmental factors in different aspects of animal welfare and well-being. Students will also assess emerging research and global perspectives on animal welfare to develop management strategies that will improve animal welfare and well-being.
AB 711 Animal Cognition and Consciousness
In this course students will study current research topics in animal cognition and consciousness and evaluate the application of these concepts to different fields of work in the animal science community. Students will also discuss and develop new proposals for research in this field and collaborate on ideas for using emerging research to improve opportunities for animals in their respective industries.
AB 621 Applied Animal Management: Zoos, Farms and Shelters
In this course students will study how the missions of zoos, farms, and shelters can aim to support animal and human welfare. As part of this course, students will explore management considerations for zoos, farms, and shelters, including finances, staffing, and services. Students will evaluate the efficacy of different business models for zoos, farms, and shelters in the context of animal and human welfare.
ACCREDITATION
Husson Online programs are accredited through NECHE and prepare students for professional career opportunities.
ZERO OBSTACLES
Admissions, financial aid, degree planning, enrolling in the right class — going back to school can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be.
TRANSFER CREDITS
Generous transfer credit policy and lifelong career services.