The main purpose of the Orientation to Human-Animal Interactions course is to introduce students to the career field of human-animal interactions by studying the micro, mezzo, and macro applications. If you are interested in working with people and animals, but you aren't quite sure where to start, this is a great overview of the various ways professionals are incorporating animals into the workplace. Alternatively, if you already know how you'd like to incorporate animals, this is a great introduction to the concepts and research of why these interventions can be so powerful. 

Program Details 

Students will gain practical knowledge about the power of the human-animal bond across lifespans and communities, in a self-paced, asynchronous online course model. Through an overview of micro or clinical applications, students will become familiar with the concept of animal-assisted interventions (including animal-assisted activities, education, and therapy), terminology and implications for different working animals (including therapy animals, service animals, and emotional support animals), and considerations for the welfare of working companion animals. Through a mezzo and macro lens, students gain education on the role of pets in communities, humane education, LINK violence, policy implications, and the One Health model. 

This course is self-paced and can easily be completed by busy working professionals who need to learn on a flexible schedule and timeframe. Students have up to three months to access the course and complete five modules of content. This class is open to people from any experience or education level. We welcome anyone who is interested in this topic to register for this introductory class. 

Students will learn through recorded lectures, book and article readings, videos and other media. In each module, students will need to pass a content check and complete a self-assessment. This course does not require any lengthy assignments.  

Program Outcomes 

The course provides an overview of the field of human-animal interactions. Students will enjoy and benefit from an introduction to this expansive field, and upon completion will feel prepared to pursue their specific area of interest through further education and training.  

Course Overview 

• Module 1: The Human-Animal Bond and Redefining Our Relationship with Animals 
• Module 2: Animal-Assisted Interactions: Terminology and Applications 
• Module 3: Considering Animals in Helping Roles and Animal-Assisted Interactions 
• Module 4: Community-Based Applications of Human-Animal Interactions 
• Module 5: Future Opportunities in Human-Animal Interactions 

Course Fee and CEUs 

The course fee is $300 USD. There is not a textbook for this course, instead all learning materials (lectures, readings, videos, and more) are included in the online classroom. Students who complete the course earn 5 continuing education units (CEUs) on a University of Denver transcript. 

I’m so excited for this new offering and can assure you that it will contain the newest research and materials in the HAI field. Please understand this is an introductory course and if you are wanting to eventually develop your own animal-assisted intervention program, then I’d recommend considering our Animals and Human Health certificate at some point. The Orientation course will provide a great overview of the possibilities in the field of human-animal interactions. Visit the website to learn more: https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection/education-certificates/orientation-human-animal-interactions 

Orientation to Human-Animal Interactions | IHAC | GSSW | University of Denver

https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection/education-certificates/orientation-human-animal-interactions