Human-Animal Studies (BS)

Why major in Human-Animal Studies?
Human-Animal Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the complex relationships between animals and human culture, history, and society. The Human-Animal Studies major prepares you to enter a variety of expanding animal-related fields, including animal control, shelter management, zookeeping, forensic investigations, or animal-assisted therapy. It will equip you with the skills employers value most: effective communication, problem analysis, and creating collaborative solutions.
Aurora University is one of the few universities in the nation that offers a Bachelor of Science in Human-Animal Studies degree. Our program begins with building a foundation in animal care, animal-assisted therapy, environmental stewardship, psychology, and statistics. After completing the core requirements of the major, you will choose one of two tracks:
- Animal-Assisted Therapy: You will explore therapeutic recreation, special education, psychology, and animal-assisted interventions, culminating in an internship at an agency that utilizes these therapeutic approaches.
- Welfare and Bonding: You will take courses in animal public policy, forensic investigations involving animals, and animal behavior, training, and rehabilitation. You will also complete an internship in your specific area of interest.
You can also expand your career opportunities with a double major in Biology, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Parks and Recreation Leadership, Social Work, or Therapeutic Recreation, among many others. Even with a second major, you’ll still be able to graduate in four years.
If you are interested in a career as a veterinarian, you can follow the Pre-Veterinary Medicine program at AU and work closely with your professors to make sure you take the courses you need to succeed. AU has a strong track record of success in preparing students to gain acceptance to veterinary school.
The Animal Welfare class showed me how to merge my passion for science and animals into a meaningful career in the field and shaped my future.Aimee Herrera '22
animal care and service workers in the U.S. in 2023
2023-2033 projected job growth rate
Clearly, animals know more than we think, and think a great deal more than we know.Animal research scientist Irene M. Pepperberg
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Animal disease prevention
- Animal science
- Animal welfare
- Forensic investigations involving animals
- Training and rehabilitation of animals
- Aurora Criminal Justice Association
- Aurora University Students’ Association
- Social Work Association
- Unleashed Human-Animal Studies Club
A class on behavior and training sparked my passion for animal enrichment. Researching ways to support animals mentally and physically deepened my commitment to proper socialization and well-being for all animals.Lindsay Ferris '24

Experiential learning
Animals and the deep bonds they have with humans are at the center of the program. You will experience hands-on learning with an internship in your field of study. The internship opportunities will prepare you for graduate study or for a career in animal-assisted therapy, animal control, shelter or rescue management, and more. A team of students participates in the national Animal Welfare Assessment Contest each year.
Career possibilities
- Animal-assisted therapist
- Animal behaviorist
- Animal control warden
- Animal photographer
- Animal rehabilitation specialist
- Animal trainer
- Animal welfare inspector
- Humane education
- K-9 police officer
- Lab animal technician
- Naturalist
- Shelter manager
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary assistant
- Wildlife rehabilitator
Where our graduates work and intern
- Anderson Animal Shelter
- Boarding and training facilities
- Brookfield Zoo
- Disney Animal Kingdom
- HorsePower Therapeutic Riding
- It’s a Pittie Rescue
- Naperville Humane Society
- Oaken Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
- Oregon Wildlife Safari Park
- Phillips Park Zoo
- Reef Plus
- Veterinary clinics