The Bachelor of Arts in Animal Health and Welfare provides students with opportunities to work with and on the behalf of animals outside the traditional medical/pre-veterinarian routes. Students will learn introduction-level biological mechanics of the animals, gaining a breadth of knowledge in various animal roles/groups (e.g., companion, farm, wildlife, shelter, rescue and animals) and animal welfare (treatment of animals and their rights across cultures).
Animal health and welfare is so much more than just whether an animal is injured or sick; it involves being able to understand what the animal is trying to communicate, being able to read their environment and atmosphere, as well as how they are being treated by humans, both in the wild and in captivity. It’s incredible to be able to learn all the factors that tie into animal health, and the professors and advisers are all amazing.
Kimberli Blanco-Ruiz ’27 | Animal Health & Welfare and Spanish majors | Environmental Studies minor
The Bachelor of Arts in Animal Health & Welfare has a robust interdisciplinary curriculum with the majority of the course within humanities and social sciences, but with core classes in natural and life science-based courses that prepare students 1) to critically evaluate the roles of animals in our society, 2) for careers in animal care and health upon graduation and 3) for graduate school in animal health-related fields. Students gain the knowledge, skills and professionalism necessary to promote and safeguard the health and welfare of animals across various species and settings, including rehabilitation clinics, rescues, shelters, research institutions and animal welfare organizations.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
Apply fundamental principles of animal health and welfare to solve relevant health and treatment of animals related to problems in our society.
Apply laboratory techniques and properly analyze data generated using those techniques.
Communicate information from multiple sources to peers and to society.
Evaluate health and welfare needs of various animals and develop best treatment plans for multiple settings.
All students seeking a degree in animal health are required to complete the following core courses in Animal Health (30 credits):
Course Number
Course Name
Credit Hours
AH 101
Introduction to Animal Health and Welfare
3
AVS 211
Animal Anatomy & Physiology
3
AH 291
Animal Health Literacy Seminar
3
AH 301
Ethical Treatment of Animals & Their Environment
3
AVS 311
Animal Nutrition
3
AH 350
Internship in Animal Health
3
AH 390
Careers in Animal Health Seminar
3
AVS 411
One Health Approach
3
AVS 450
Animal Health Clinical Experience
3
AVS 330
Social Behavior of Animals
3
Animal Health and Welfare B.A. Required Courses
Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree in Animal Health and Welfare are required to complete the following courses (29 credits):
Course Number
Course Name
Credit Hours
BIO 111
Biology and Society
4
CHEM 105
Chemistry and Society
4
CJ 344
Environmental and Wildlife Crime
3
PH 202
Global Health
3
PH 310
Food Systems
3
REL 204
Dialog Across Difference
3
Critical Thinking (choose one)
MATH 100
Mathematical Thinking
3
MATH 101
College Algebra
3
MATH 207
Introduction to Statistics
3
Communication (choose one)
MCOM 305
Public Relations Writing
3
MCOM 318
Environmental Communication
3
MCOM 350
Business and Professional Communication
3
Writing (choose one)
WR 250
Fundamentals of Writing Practice
3
WR 350
Professional & Technical Writing
3
Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Requirement
Students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Animal Health and Science are required to successfully complete courses to promote equality, embrace diversity, and foster a more inclusive society. Students may choose 1 course below for a total of 3 credits:
Course Number
Course Name
Credit Hours
AAG 101
African American/Global Black Studies
3
ENG 287
African American Literature
3
ENG 351
African American Women Writers
3
ENG 403
Africana Studies
3
GLS 101
Introduction to Global Studies
3
GWST 301
Theories of Gender
3
GWST 320
Interdisciplinary Seminar in Gender and Women’s Studies
3
GWST 322
History of Gender in Advertising
3
GWST 329
Gender and Women’s Literature
3
GWST 425
Psychology, Gender and Culture
3
REL 202
Navigating Religious Diversity
3
REL 332
Christianity and the African-American Experience
3
SOC 312
Social Class and Inequality
3
SOC 315
Gender Issues
3
SPAN 300
Making Sense: Exploring the World Through Spanish
3
SPAN 311
Spanish Civilization and Culture
3
SPAN 312
Latin American Civilization and Culture
3
Students interested in this program should also look into these other majors and minors:
Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.
Submit your application, review required admission materials, and find our admissions standards.
The Honors Program is a multidisciplinary Honors Program for students who are curious, creative, self-motivated, and eager to engage in their education and community.
Not only do Honors Program students partake in honors courses that emphasize collaboration, service, and communication, but they will also have the opportunity to develop aspects of the program based on their own interests and goals. By participating in the Honors Program you will acquire the tools, knowledge and experiences necessary to make meaningful contributions to your community – whether it be globally, locally, or specific to your life’s work. You will have access to unique courses, exciting experiences and a community of peers and faculty who never stop asking questions and striving for excellence.
