The Animals and Human Health Certificate (AHH) is a great addition to any career because it teaches professionals from all backgrounds how to include animals into your work. The main goal of AHH is to assist professionals in learning the benefits of the human-animal bond while creating an animal-assisted intervention program utilizing high ethical standards and evidence-based research. AHH students develop and present their final program proposal for their Capstone session. 

The AHH program consists of three online courses taken in succession, followed by a two-day Capstone session on campus at University of Denver. Groups of students progress through the program together in a cohort model to build camaraderie and create a shared learning environment. The AHH curriculum is quite intensive and prepares students for practice in the field of Animal-Assisted Interventions.   

Participants can access the online courses on our educational platform (Canvas) from any computer that meets the technical requirements.  The courses are a mix of readings, videos, discussion boards with instructors and students, community assignments, and written assignments.  There are no specific times you must be online; you are free to complete your coursework on your schedule.  However, there are due dates each week for readings and assignments.  Students are expected to adhere to due dates and times in Mountain Time. Please be aware that students are also assigned several community assignments during the online courses that require community outings such as observations, interviews, and program assessment. 

The only face-to-face component of the AHH program is the two-day Capstone session in Denver that occurs after the three online courses are successfully completed.  The main focus of the Capstone session is to integrate learning from the online courses into a cohesive program plan and consists of both written and oral components. Capstone sessions are also an opportunity to meet other practitioners in the field, receive feedback from instructors and fellow cohort members and visit local programs. Please note that for our international students we may be able to accommodate a virtual face-to-face component if traveling to the US is too costly. Due to COVID-19, some Capstone sessions may take place virtually instead of in-person. 

We estimate about 8-12 hours per week for students to spend on coursework.  Of course, depending on your level of investment, you may spend more or less time on coursework.  Upon completion, students earn 35 professional continuing education credits. Many of our students complete their coursework at night and on the weekends because of outside work responsibilities.  Since the AHH program is a professional development program, it is very common for our students to work full-time and participate in the AHH program as their individual schedule allows.  However, please be aware that this program was designed at the graduate level, so it will require a significant amount of time and energy to be successful. Many of our students go on to practice in the field of animal-assisted interventions upon completion of the AHH program.  The courses are designed to give you the tools to design a program of your own, with all the proper considerations and feedback from professionals already practicing in the field. 

In our opinion, having the AHH certificate enables a practitioner to advance the professionalism of these approaches and demonstrates evidence of a higher level of training and knowledge than one's peers.  It is important to emphasize that the AHH certificate program does not train you to be a professional counselor, social worker, etc.  The AHH curriculum is designed to enhance your previous education and professional experience.  Our students join us from around the world from diverse professional backgrounds such as veterinarians, social workers, counselors, educators, animal welfare advocates, law enforcement and more. 

The 2021 Cohort dates are listed on our website, along with the details about the $3,500 program fee. Our registration system allows applicants to select and register for specific cohorts.  You can find more information about the AHH program, including specific dates and the link to the online application at: https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection/education-certificates/animals-human-health-certificate 

Animals and Human Health Certificate | IHAC | GSSW | University of Denver

https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection/education-certificates/animals-human-health-certificate