The Human Services Technology/Animal Assisted Interactions concentration prepares individuals for entry-level positions in service organizations providing animal interactions. The curriculum prepares students to incorporate specially selected animals in goal-directed interactions to improve human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning.

Course work includes a history of the field of animal interventions, relevant scientific evidence regarding the benefits of interactions, theoretical models, application of animal interventions and current trends. Students gain skills in measurement methodology and in animal handling and management.

Graduates should qualify for employment in mental health, youth services, social services, rehabilitation, correction, elder, and educational agencies. Upon completion of the degree, students may be eligible for certification through national or international organizations.

Students may be required to take one or more developmental courses as a result of pre-enrollment placement tests; therefore, the student may need more than the minimum number of contact hours listed for graduation.

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