Canisius College in Buffalo, New York is really taking a leadership role in the academic examination of animals and society. The school has so many different aspects to its animal studies program that it has created an Institute for the Study of Human-Animal Relations.
This Institute coordinates a number of different programs: There is an undergraduate major in Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. There are also three undergraduate minors — in Anthrozoology (which is defined as “a new scientific discipline that focuses on humankind’s interactions with other species”), Animal Behavior, and Zoo Biology (hmmm…). Finally, the school is offering a masters program in Anthrozoology. Other cool, awe-inspiring aspects of the program include its commitment to interdisciplinary coordination with the college’s Philosophy and Religious Studies programs, as well as an Anthrozoology speaker series (a few days ago, Dr. Jane Goodall graced the stage).
The place to be for human-animal studies.
That masters program is particularly intriguing. Headed up by the incomparable animal studies scholar Paul Waldau (whom you can hear on our recent podcast), it is basically an online program that only requires you to be present on campus for a four-day intensive session once each semester. Other than that, the 36 credit (10 course) program can be completed from anywhere. Among the course offerings: Animal Ethics; Religious Perspectives on Animals; Animals, Public Policy, and the Law; the Mental Lives of Animals; and Animals in the Food Industry.
Sign me up.