Education about Human-Animal Interactions

MSW Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate

The first of its kind in the nation, our animal-assisted social work certificate explores partnership with animals and nature in many types of social work practice. It is paired with a Denver Campus master of social work (MSW) degree for added specialization that prepares you to work with human and nonhuman animals in a variety of practice settings.

• Hands-On Experience

  In addition to courses and internships, students have numerous options for gaining hands-on, real-world experience incorporating animals into practice and programming, including our Scholars with Collars program, in which dogs and their handlers are trained together in preparation for the Canine Good Citizen Test and other therapy dog certifications.

• Experiential Learning Labs

  Experiential learning labs support student learning outside of classes and internships. Labs cover a range of topics, such as advocating for animal-welfare legislation at the Colorado State Capitol, exploring nature-based therapies or practicing hands-on horse handling skills.

• Research Opportunities

  As research assistants, students help to advance our innovative research agenda while exploring their interests in the fields of therapeutic human-animal interactions, animal-assisted interventions, animal welfare and the One Health paradigm. Research assistants are involved in a wide variety of activities— from literature reviews, to qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, to meetings, seminars and conference presentations.

• Field Internships

  Students gain field experience through internships that match their particular interests—whether that’s animal-assisted clinical interventions, humane education, animal welfare advocacy or conservation social work. International internships have included studying biodiversity protection at the Giant Panda Research Base in China or participating in animal welfare efforts in Kenya.

Continuing Education Options

Broaden your understanding and enhance your professional skills through our professional development certificate programs, which can be completed alongside full-time employment or study, regardless of where you live. Our professional development programs have enrolled students from across Colorado and throughout the U.S., as well as international locations such as Canada, China and the United Kingdom! Programs are taught primarily online, with community-based assignments and one or more in-person residential workshops.