Anthrozoology

Unleash Your Passion for Animals With an Anthrozoology Major 

If you are considering becoming an anthrozoologist, you already have a deep curiosity for the extraordinary relationships between people and non-human animals across a wide range of real-world applications. At Canisius, you’ll have the opportunity to delve deeper into this fascinating topic. Here, you can look forward to:

• Honing practical skills for working with humans and animals in a variety of settings, from education to therapeutic interventions and in shelters.
• Developing research skills and knowledge from our social science curriculum in your pursuit of your anthrozoology major.
• Specializing in specific areas of interest, such as the role of companion animals in shelters and in the home, as well as the roles of zoos and sanctuaries in modern society.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to enter a diverse and meaningful workforce or pursue advanced study to further sharpen skills and gain expertise in this fascinating field.

Anthrozoology Degree Program Highlights

• Emphasis on experiential learning and building practical skills to prepare for diverse anthrozoologist careers
• Anthrozoology courses focusing on the history of horse and human relationships, animal learning with kittens and dogs, and animal-assisted therapy
• Proximity to the Buffalo Zoo and numerous animal shelters and rescues
• Customized career and internship advising with faculty, based on your personal interests and professional goals
• Small classes with close interaction with professors and peers

Featured Courses in Our Zoology Major

• Animal-Assisted Interventions — Examine the integration of non-human animals in various therapeutic and educational settings. Understand the distinctions among animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), animal-assisted therapies (AATs), animal-assisted activities (AAA) and service and emotional support animals. You’ll also explore the inclusion of companion, farmed and wild/exotic animals in other assisted endeavors.
• Equine Evolution and Behavior — Become familiar with the latest theories on how horses evolved and were domesticated, with a focus on contemporary research into horse behavior, learning, cooperation and cognition. Study human-horse relationships and partnerships in the past and present.

Career Opportunities for Anthrozoology Program Graduates

Anthrozoology majors at Canisius College receive a broad social sciences education that translates into a variety of career fields. We’ve seen graduates in similar programs go on to work in the nonprofit and private sectors, or go on to graduate school.

Aspiring anthrozoologists can easily transition their skills to work in zoos, animal rescues and sanctuaries, education settings, art and academia, in areas like philosophy or ethics.

The need for animal advocates and service workers is growing fast: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for these roles will grow by 29% over the next decade — more than three times the average growth rate for all occupations. Your anthrozoologist degree will also be a great asset in many other careers, including:

• Wildlife rehabilitation
• Working with therapy animals
• Working with marine animals
• Non-human animal advocacy