Anthrozoology
Anthrozoology FAQs
1. How will this “modified online” program be implemented?
In nearly every respect, the Canisius College MS in Anthrozoology is an online program. Nearly all of the coursework can be completed from any geographic location via a computer interface with the instructors and the college. The only exception is that most of the course work will also involve a single visit to the Canisius campus for an intensive, four-day long series of classroom meetings, seminars, and exercises. The timing of these in-person meetings will coincide for all Anthrozoology courses so full-time participation in three courses will entail only a single campus visit each semester.
2. What will be the dates for the required visit?
The dates for the Fall-12 on-campus component will be September 6, 7, 8, & 9 (2012). The dates for the Spring-13 on-campus component will be January 17, 18, 19 & 20 (2013).
3. Will every course be available in every semester?
No. To keep things efficient, each of the Anthrozoology elective courses will be offered on an every-other year basis, with four electives available in any given semester. In this way, every elective will be available either in a student’s first or second year. With careful planning, the student will be able to custom tailor course selections to coincide most directly with interests.
4. How long will it take to complete this program?
For full-time students, this is a two-year program. The full-time student takes three courses per semester (nine credit hours) for the first three semesters. In the fourth semester, the student can complete a single nine-credit internship (or Independent Research project), or take two additional electives along with a single three-credit internship.
The typical progression for a full time student is as follows:
- Year 1, Semester 1: ANZ501, plus any two Anthrozoology electives
- Year 1, Semester 2: Any three Anthrozoology electives
- Year 2, Semester 1: Any three Anthrozoology electives
- Year 2, Semester 2: ANZ601 (and two additional Anthrozoology electives, if applicable)
Part-time students can progress through the same sequence of courses at a pace that best fits their own needs. This can be either one or two courses per semester.
5. How much does this program cost?
Tuition for the program during School Year 2013-2014 is $750 per credit hour. Rates for the school year are effective May 2013.
6. Is this program new?
Yes. Canisius College admitted its first-ever Anthrozoology graduate students in Fall-2011. Its second class will enter in Fall-2012. Its third class will enter in Fall-2013.
That it is new, however, should not be any cause of concern. The program has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by the New York State Department of Education, and Canisius College is fully accredited to offer master's degrees in this discipline.
7. Are the GREs really optional?
Yes. We are looking for excellent students, and we recognize that evidence of excellence takes many forms. Each applicant is welcome to submit GRE scores, or not, depending on his/her own inclination. The same applies to letters of recommendation and other supplementary material. It should be emphasized, however, that is does behoove each prospective applicant to submit sufficient material to convince the admissions committee of his/her promise of success at the graduate level of study.
8. What undergraduate background is expected in the applicant?
We will readily entertain applicants with any undergraduate major. One of the strengths of Anthrozoology as a discipline is that it draws from almost every other field of study. Our program will be accessible to student with backgrounds as diverse as biology, social sciences, economics, philosophy, and jurisprudence. Our Anthrozoology program will be a big tent, with students participating from every angle on human-animal relationships.
Nevertheless, there is one caution that is worth mentioning. The expectation of having a diverse student body does not mean that the program will have low expectations regarding the level of science covered or the level of academic excellence expected generally. Canisius College is highly ranked among northeastern universities in the USA, and our Anthrozoology program will be matching the high standards we hold here. Participants should anticipate a very rigorous academic program. Regardless of their backgrounds, students will be expected to engage in each course at a graduate level of proficiency.
