Humane Society University in Washington, D.C. - Brief Overview

The Humane Society University in Washington, D.C., is a private nonprofit school offering online and classroom instruction in human-animal studies. It is operated as an affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States and is licensed as a degree-granting institution of higher learning by the District of Columbia Education Licensure Commission. The school offers more than training, students admitted to the school can pursue undergraduate degree and graduate certificate courses. Students pursuing non-degree academic study are offered various professional development courses hosted by the University.

The university started in 1999 as the educational branch of the Humane Society of the United States. The founders of the university wanted to create a way to foster the improved treatment of animals through formal education and continued training.

The bachelor of science degrees and graduate certificates offered by the university include Animal Studies, Animal Policy and Advocacy and Humane Leadership. The courses are described by the Humane Society University as "...academically rigorous" and include multiple distance learning options. Faculty members include leading scholars in animal related fields.

Admission to the Humane Society University is restricted to individuals who have completed at least 60 or more credit hours from an accredited institute of higher learning, the equivalent of an associate degree or two years of a four year college degree program.

Individual online professional development courses include:

--Animals in Disaster / Livestock in Disasters.

--Building an Effective Campaign.

--Dog Bite Prevention for Law Enforcement and Other First Responders.

--How to Become a Citizen Lobbyist.

Tuition assistance is available through various grants and third party foundations. Some members of the animal control / care community may already be eligible for discounted tuition rates or reimbursement programs offered by their current employers.

The Humane Society University offers information on their website regarding various animal related career options for those wanting to enter the animal care field. Careers profiled include control officers, animal behavior consultants, disaster relief specialists, wildlife rehabilitation, and veterinary technicians.

The Humane Society University is currently in the process of seeking accreditation from the Middle States Commission for Higher Education, an organization authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to regionally accredit institutes of higher learning.