Sociology: Animals In Human Society Concentration
Dr. Cheryl Joseph and co-teacher Ebony |
The Sociology: Animals in Human Society major offers students the opportunity to study Sociology while focusing on the unique social relationship humans share with other species. This major is designed for those students who enjoy interaction with people and also find interest in the world of animals. Students explore our bond with animals on the interpersonal, institutional, and global levels.
Animals of all sorts are being incorporated into therapy modalities. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and even some farm animals are utilized regularly in hospitals, schools, group homes, therapists' offices, senior centers, homeless shelters, workplaces and prisons. Within the last thirty years, modern science has consistently demonstrated a link between animal cruelty and the abuse of humans. Conversely, recent studies reveal that children who experience the companionship of an animal show greater acceptance of people with characteristics different from their own both during childhood and as adults.
See the NDNU General Catalog for the program requirements and course descriptions.
Program Distinctions
Currently, the Sociology: Animals in Human Society major is the only one of its kind in the world. The core of the major is the two-semester internship where students work directly with animals at an on-site location of their choice, including humane societies, zoos, wildlife museums, marine reserves, and other animal welfare organizations.
Students who major in Sociology at NDNU are prepared to work with diverse populations of people in a variety of physical and social environments. The level of professionalism required to work with animals has increased significantly in the past decade making a college education indispensable and competition stiff among applicants. The two-semester internship at the core of the major can help students determine, even before they graduate, if they are suited for an animal-related career. In addition, the work history provided by the internship gives our majors a competitive edge in the labor market and among graduate school applicants.
Career Outcomes
This area of study focuses on the social dynamics between people and animals and lays a foundation for careers in such areas as shelter and sanctuary management; humane education; animal law; animal protection; policy analysis; wildlife conservation; nature writing, photography and filmmaking; animal advocacy; and endangered species coordination. Other career options are for the animal behaviorist; therapy animal trainer; therapy activities designer; therapy liaison; wildlife museum curator; and zoo designer. Our majors will also find jobs in ethology; humane and depredation investigation; animal nutrition; media showmanship; and research on the social bond between animals and people. Still other majors will direct their careers into businesses and services related to animal care and fund-raising for humane causes.
Students work with VET-SOS providing care to the companion animals of homeless people |
Admission Process
NDNU admits students throughout the year for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Please review the NDNU General Catalog for complete admission requirements.
Contact
Cheryl Joseph, Ph.D., Major Advisor
(650) 508-3586, cjoseph@ndnu.edu
Undergraduate Admissions
Tel: (800) 263-0545 or (650) 508-3600
Fax: (650) 508-3426
E-mail: admiss@ndnu.edu
M-Th 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.