The need for humane education is acute as widespread environmental devastation and abuse of nonhuman animals threaten human health and well-being. Humane education demonstrates how strengthened bonds between humans, animals and Earth can bring about lasting social, emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual and psychological change. The humane education philosophy aims to heal our planet to allow it to maintain humanity, and for humans to live with each other and other species in peace and with compassion.
The Institute for Human-Animal Connection professional development certificate in humane education and interventions focuses on humane education training for teachers, mental health professionals, parents, caregivers, informal educators, and more.
0-100+
Students learn to create humane education programming & interventions for all ages, 0-100+!
12
Enrollment is capped at 12 students per cohort for a high quality learning environment.
27
The certificate earns 27 continuing education units documented on a University of Denver transcript.
Application Information
Featured Courses
IHAC 0112
Introduction to Humane Education
About this Course
This course will examine the history and theory behind the teaching of compassion for other-than-human animals, other humans and Earth. It will also begin to explore some of the most important topics in contemporary studies of humane education. Examples of topics included in this course are celebrating human diversity, bullying, human rights and the global economic machine, the sixth mass extinction, animals in agriculture and the pet trade, global environmental change, climate change, human overpopulation and the interconnections between violations of human, other animal and environmental rights. This course will also include content related to the development of empathy, moral and behavioral development, controversy inherent in teaching ethical subject matter, and how humane education is situated within other educational frameworks.
IHAC 0122
Humane Pedagogy
About this Course
This course provides students with strategies to develop influential humane education programming of their choice. Readings and videos will cover educational pedagogy, modeling, and mindfulness, with an introduction to program development. This course will continue to examine and analyze ethical and controversial issues in humane education, while exploring how to effectively teach for a more humane world without indoctrinating or alienating your participants. In this course, students will explore established organizations that design, host and promote humane, moral, mindfulness, environmental stewardship, human rights and animal rights educational programming. Educational pitfalls that may cause more harm than good will also be explored.
IHAC 0132
Humane Education Program Design
About this Course
This course provides students with strategies to develop influential humane education programming of their choice. This includes the setting within which they work or plan to work, the audience the program is for, and the topic(s) covered. Readings and videos will cover concrete program development guidance, and will guide students through the process of developing their own humane education programming. The thrust of this course is teamwork with your cohort and instructor in creating your personalized programming. Much focus will be placed on peer mentoring in your program design, piloting parts of your program, and revising based on your results, and mentoring from your instructor. This course centers on development of humane education programming that will help prepare students for situating humane education in their career path. The product from this course will form the basis of your Capstone Presentation and will be a program and curriculum ready for implementation in your chosen setting.

Certificate Faculty & Staff




Maggie Lantzy
Assistant Director of Professional Programs, Institute for Human-Animal Connection; Adjunct
Learn More
CHEP Related Stories

Humane Education in China
The Humane Education Practitioner certificate helped Cherie Gu develop critical thinking and teaching skills, as well as a compassionate approach to the delivery of humane education.

Humane Education Practitioner Certificate: Creating Change
The purpose of humane education is a systems approach to creating a more just, compassionate, and regenerative world for the health and well-being of people, other species, and the natural environment. IHAC’s Humane Education Practitioner Certificate was developed to help professionals learn about humane education and design high-quality humane education programs and interventions.