Humans and Animal Assisted Interventions - UC

S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

About This Certificate

The Humans and Animal-Assisted Interventions (HAAI) Undergraduate Academic Certificate is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the human-animal bond and its application in therapeutic settings.

This certificate prepares students for careers in fields such as mental health, occupational therapy, social work, and animal-assisted therapy programs, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective and ethical animal-assisted interventions. The certificate can be pursued at both the undergraduate and post-bachelor's levels, enhancing professional opportunities in this growing field.

What You Will Learn

The program emphasizes the theoretical foundations of human-animal interactions, explores the physiological and psychological benefits for diverse populations, and ensures students understand the ethical considerations and welfare needs of therapy animals.

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At a Glance

College: S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Department: Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences Department

USU Locations:

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

This certificate is designed to complement a B.S. degree by providing specialized training that expands opportunities in careers such as those listed below. Students are encouraged to also consult the Degree Finder page for their B.S. degree to explore additional career pathways and outcomes.

Careers in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) often overlap and can be integrated with other professions, such as recreational therapy, psychology, behavioral therapy, counseling, social work, occupational therapy, education, and speech-language pathology. Additional careers also include therapy animal handlers and trainers.

Students enrolled will also receive academic preparation to take the Association for Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP) certification exam, leading to being a Certified Animal Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS).

Job Outlook

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Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

STATEWIDE CAMPUSES*

USU ONLINE**

*This degree is available at various USU locations.

**This degree is 100% available online. USU is a SARA-approved institution offering fully online programs nationwide; please visit USU's state authorizations for details.

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How to Apply

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