4 Educational Programs That Can Help You Change The World For Animals

If you’re passionate about the well-being of animals and are dedicated to helping make the world a more compassionate place for them, it’s important that you arm yourself with the knowledge and skills that will empower you to be the very best voice for the animals that you can be.

Remember, like Sir Francis (veggie) Bacon once said, “scientia potentia est.” Or, for those of you who didn’t study Latin in school, “knowledge is power.” Wherever you are in life, and no matter what your current profession may be, having a solid understanding of the issues that affect animals can make a world of difference in your success in fighting for them.

So, whether you are looking to expand your horizons with a new volunteer opportunity, or would like to turn your passion into a career, there are several wonderful educational programs that can help pave your path to bettering the world for animals.

Here are four that you might want to consider!

1. The Institute for Humane Education

The Institute for Humane Education (IHE) is a one-of-a-kind program that combines the core concepts of human rights, animal protection, environmental stewardship and cultural issues to cultivate a new class of educators and mentors, which the Institute calls “Humane Educators.”

Led by renowned author, speaker and pioneer of the humane education movement, Zoe Weil. the Institute is based in Surry, Maine. Its course of studies, which include both graduate and general learning level courses, welcome students from all over the world by embracing online learning technology. Although geared toward educators, the courses offered by IHE are of great value to anyone looking to make a difference in the world and its wonderful, online resource center is full of inspiring ideas for activists and concerned citizens, as well as teachers.

2. Cambridge E-Learning Institute

The Cambridge E-Learning Institute (CEI)’s certificate programs, training and coursework are geared toward professionals working in animal-related careers but are open to anyone who is interested in making positive changes for animals. This U.K. based organization offers online courses and has partnered with several animal organizations throughout the U.K. to offer students (studying locally) to gain valuable, hands-on experience. Students opting for online studying can choose CEI’s award-winning Animal Welfare program or the Animal Ethics program.

3. Humane Society Academy

The Humane Society Academy (HSA) is an educational program offered by the Humane Society of the United States. The program courses are designed for a variety of audiences, including animal care professionals, volunteers, animal advocates and students have the choice of taking individual courses or completing a certificate program. Courses are held online and scholarships are available for students seeking certification in the Humane Education Specialist and Animal Sheltering Basics programs. In addition, HSA offers a free webinar series which is open to anyone, and covers a broad spectrum of animal-related topics, ranging from feral cats to Meatless Mondays.

4. Animals and Society Institute/Arizona State University School of Social Work

The Animals & Society Institute (ASI), in conjunction with the Arizona State University School of Social Work, offer a one-of-a-kind program, called AniCare. AniCare offers education for counselors who treat animal abusers. The program recognizes a direct link between animal abuse and other offenses, such as domestic violence. With this in mind, the AniCare certificate program can be applied to professionals working in the fields of social work, psychology, nursing, counseling and other human services. In addition, ASI maintains a comprehensive listing of human-animal studies courses that are offered through educational institutions around the globe.

Green Monsters, have you completed animal-related coursework? Tell us about it!