Applied Minor

Anthrozoology Applied Minor

Download Anthrozoology Applied Minor Declaration Form

Anthrozoology, the study of human-animal interactions, is a growing, interdisciplinary field. It covers a wide range of research topics, such as attitudes toward animals, the “human-animal” divide, animal behaviors/cognitions/abilities, wild-animal management/conservation, the roles/uses of animals within cultural contexts, and more. 

Given the integrated and overlapping ways in which humans and non-human animals engage with each other in the world, the anthrozoology applied minor is a wonderful, additional credential if you have interests in this area. However, it is especially beneficial if you’re considering careers in veterinary medicine, animal-assisted therapy, farming or conservation.

To earn an applied minor in anthrozoology, you must complete the following:

Courses
Complete four of the following courses, not more than two each list below:

Sub-Total Credit Hours
12-16

Biology

Course Code
Title
Credit Hours
4

Additional Courses

Course Code
Title
Credit Hours
4

Co-curricular activity

Complete one of the following co-curricular activities:

  • Volunteering/internship at a local animal shelter (e.g., HELP the Animals, 2nd Chance Animal Shelter)
  • Volunteering/internship at a local veterinarian’s office (e.g., Animal Hospital of Richmond, Animal Care Alliance)
  • Volunteering/internship at Sunrise (therapeutic riding barn)
  • Observing some type of animal-assisted therapy or search & rescue organization/person/training
  • Observing the local animal-control officers
  • Animal caregiving at the Joseph Moore Museum
  • Volunteering in a Bird Banding Station
  • Volunteering for small mammal trapping researcher
  • Semester-long leadership position at the Horse Barn

 

Culminating experience

Complete a poster presentation at Epic Expo or the spring academic fair. This poster must include:

  • the courses and co-curricular experience(s) you completed for the applied minor,
  • an explanation of how these experiences shaped your understanding of human–animal interactions,
  • a discussion of how this applied minor has influenced you/your future, and
  • discussion of a pressing issue in the field of anthrozoology.

In addition, you must submit this poster and a resume/CV with the applied minor on it to the convenor.