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Bachelor of Arts in Human-Animal Studies
Explore the growing interdisciplinary field examining the relationship between humans and other animals with a Bachelor of Arts in Human-Animal Studies degree at University of Redlands.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
BiologySchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a human-animal studies degree?
Being the only program in California and one of only nine in the nation, the Human-Animal Studies (HAST) program will have you exploring ecological, biological, literary, psychological, and ethical connections between our own species and others. You will also acquire a greater understanding of the ways in which animals figure in our lives and we in theirs.
Why should you major in human-animal studies at Redlands?
In the HAST program at University of Redlands, you will be given agency to study what most interests you about the subject. Be it veterinary in nature, shelter or sanctuary work, zoos, non-profit organizations, animal law, or animal-assisted therapy, the education is tailored to you. You will apply knowledge gained through community volunteering or research opportunities, while discovering your career fit. Hands-on work will provide you with skills in communication, critical thinking, problem analysis, and teamwork for positions in animal control, shelter or rescue management, zookeeping, or animal-assisted therapy.
The HAST major can be combined with a second major and aligns well with biology, environmental studies, philosophy, or psychology.
Classes you'll take
Please check the latest university catalog for all coursework information, program requirements, and learning outcomes.
Review the major courses below.
Foundation: 4 courses (16 units)
- HAST 100: Introduction to Human-Animal Studies
1 Animal / Environmental Ethics course [Choose one.]
- PHIL 110: Contemporary Moral Issues*
- PHIL 211: Environmental Ethics
- PHIL 212: Humans & Other Animals
- PHIL 213: Animal Ethics & Policy
- REL 120: Religion & Ethics
- REL 122: Religion & Ecology: Environmental Ethics
* Assuming animal ethics content
1 Animal Behavior course [Choose one.]
- BIOL 352: Animal Behavior
- PSYC 350: Evolutionary Psychology
- 1 Ecology Course [Choose one.]
- BIOL 109: Contemporary Issues in Ecology
- BIOL 238: Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
- BIOL 340: Conservation Biology
- EVST 230: Biodiversity
Area of Emphasis: 4 Content Courses (16 units)
In consultation with a HAST Advisor, each student will select an Area of Emphasis consisting of four courses chosen from the lists below, an appropriate Methods course, and a Practicum relevant to the Area of Emphasis. The Area of Emphasis must be approved by the program Director.
Examples of Areas of Emphasis include (but are not limited to) domesticated animal care, industrial uses of animals, evolution of animal agriculture, animals in religion, animals as symbols in literature, or any other focused area of study in human-animal relationships.
Any science course listed above that is not taken for the Foundation*
- BIOL 320: Marine Conservation (May Travel)
- BIOL 334: Comparative Animal Physiology
- BIOL 339: Zoology
- BIOL 255: Ornithology
- EVST 281: The Palau Expedition (May Travel)
- EVST 283: Mapping Animals
- EVST 305: Ecology for Environmental Scientists
- * Exception: BIOL 340: Conservation Biology and EVST 230: Biodiversity may not both count toward the
major. - ECON 205: Ecological Economics
- ENGL 256: Native American Literature
- EVST 215: American Environmental Literature
- EVST 241: Environment & Society
- EVST 342: Food, Nature, Power
- EVST 376: Markets and Conservation Policies
- EVST 311: Environmental Law in Action
- EVST 325: Public Lands Policy
- HIST 226: Native American History
- PHIL 260: Animals & Science
- PHIL 301: Chinese Buddhism
- POLI 207: Environmental Politics & Policy
- POLI 394: Boundaries of Political Community: Humans, Animals, Cyborgs
- REL 120: Religion and Ethics
- REL 122: Religion & Ecology: Environmental Ethics
- REL 250: Compassion
- REST 334: Native American Environmental Issues
- REST 346: Native American Religions & Worldviews
1 Practicum / Internship appropriate to the Area of Emphasis
1 Methods Course appropriate to the Area of Emphasis [Choose one.] (4 units)
- ENGL 201: Critical Reading
- ENGL 202: Texts and Contexts
- SPA 110: Intro to Spatial Analysis & GIS
- HIST 290: Seminar in Historical Theories and Methods
- POLI 202: Statistical Analysis and Mapping of Social Science Data
- PSYC 250: Statistical Methods
- PSYC 300: Research Methods
1 Capstone Experience (4-6 units)
- HAST 401: Senior Capstone I (Fall only; 2 credits): Fieldwork, Career Preparation, Thesis Research.
- HAST 402: Senior Capstone II (Spring only; 2-4 credits): Interdisciplinary Portfolio or Thesis.
Additional Options and Restrictions:
Negotiable Courses: Other courses may count toward the HAST major electives provided that a major project in the course involves a HAST topic. Students should negotiate such arrangements with the instructor and obtain permission from the Advisory Committee before the beginning of the course.
Up to two Directed Studies may count toward the major, with permission of the instructor and the program Director.
To ensure depth of study, no more than three 100-level courses may count toward the major.
To ensure breadth of study, the major must include coursework in no fewer than three disciplines.
Why should you minor in human-animal studies at Redlands?
The minor in human-animal studies consists of six (3 or 4 credit) courses: two foundation courses, three electives, and a practicum. At least one course must be selected from the sciences and one from the humanities, at least three disciplinary areas must be represented in the minor, and no elective may duplicate a foundational course.
The HAST minor nicely complements majors in biology, environmental studies, philosophy, psychology, and others.
The minor in HAST consists of six (3 or 4 credit) courses; two foundation courses, three electives, and a practicum.
Foundation Courses
Complete one of the following courses:
- PHIL 212 Humans and other Animals
- PHIL 213 Animal Ethics and Policy
- PHIL 211 Environmental Ethics
AND one of the following courses:
- BIOL 331 Ecology
- BIOL 340 Conservation Biology
- EVST 230 Biodiversity
- EVST 305 Ecology for Environmental Scientists
- BIOL 352 Animal Behavior
- PSYC 350 Evolutionary Psychology
Elective courses
Three elective courses; at least one from the Science and one from the Humanities; at least three disciplinary areas must be represented in the minor, and no elective may duplicate a foundational course.
Practicum
Students must complete a practicum (3-4 credits), ideally taken after the completion of other HAST coursework in the spirit of the capstone. The practicum may take the form of any experiential project involving animals that is overseen by Redlands faculty and approved by the advisory committee.
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall 2025 - First Year
November 15, 2024 - Early Action
Fall 2025 - First Year
January 15, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Fall 2025 - Transfer
March 1, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
What you'll learn
Gain a comprehensive understanding of human-animal relationships through a multidisciplinary approach that spans historical, ethical, and ecological perspectives.
Develop a deep awareness of the ecological interconnections between humans and animals, emphasizing the critical importance of sustainable interactions.
Acquire practical skills and knowledge applicable to careers involving animal care, conservation, and management in various professional settings.
Critically evaluate the ethical dimensions of human-animal interactions, fostering a nuanced appreciation of the moral considerations involved.
What you'll learn
About Human-Animal Studies
University of Redlands Human-Animal Studies program is the only one in California and one of only nine throughout the nation.
The program is interdisciplinary, asking students to combine courses in Philosophy, Biology, Psychology, Environmental Studies, and other areas of study that address human-animal relationships.
Every student completes a Practicum – an experiential project that involves working hands-on with or for animals. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways; and students are connected with animal-oriented organizations in students’ hometowns, in the Redlands area, and around the world.
Upcoming and past lectures
Each year the HAST program brings faculty, students, and community members together for a lecture series featuring world-renowned animal scholars and activists. These lectures (usually three per year) draw a mixed and lively audience of from fifty to one hundred fifty people. Past themes of the series have included the mental lives of farmed animals, shared human-animal experiences at the margins of society, and living at the wildlife-urban interface. The lectures are followed by Q and A time and informal conversations.
What can you do with a HAST degree?
The HAST major is recommended for students who care about animals and wish to work with or for them in some capacity. Potential career paths for HAST graduates include, but are not limited, to the following:
Animal-Assisted Therapist
Animal-Assisted Social Worker
Animal Behaviorist
Animal Control Officer
Animal Nutritionist
Animal Photographer
Animal Rehabilitation Specialist
Animal Trainer
Animal Welfare Inspector
Graduate Study and Academic Research/Teaching
Humane Education
K-9 Police Officer
Find out more career paths through HAST resources website.
Student Science Research program splashes insight into California’s marine mammals
Students at the University of Redlands have the opportunity to participate in and contribute to research each summer through the Student Science Research program. This 10-week program enables students the opportunity to work on a research project while working alongside a U of R professor. Students are involved in all aspects of research: data collection, scientific writing, and even give a presentation on their work at the annual poster symposium.
“Students are able to focus full time on research and learn first-hand the challenges and rewards of doing scientific resources” Stelle explained. “The funding allows them to commit to this work without any other distractions, which is a rare opportunity. Many are considering a career as a researcher, so it's a great opportunity to determine if it's the best path for them. Some students have continued this path and others have gone on to other jobs including education, medicine, vet programs, etc. but all gained an appreciation for the value of science and the process of discovery.”
Read more of the story on Bulldog Bites.
Graduates pursue careers as
Studying animal behavior to improve animal welfare and human-animal interactions.
Protecting animal species and their habitats through research and conservation efforts.
Promoting compassion and respect for animals through educational programs and advocacy.
Examining the complex relationships between humans and animals across different cultures and contexts.
Graduates pursue careers as
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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