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 from the same division:
Natural sciences
Social sciences
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 panel presentation at the spring Presentation of Learning event, discussing how your courses and co-curricular activity fit together and how you believe the applied minor has influenced your future plans, major and/or self.