Introduction
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a growing field that uses animals to help people with a variety of physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. AAT has been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression; improving mood and self-esteem; and promoting social interaction.
If you are interested in a career in AAT, there are a number of graduate programs available to help you get started. These programs typically offer coursework in animal behavior, human-animal interaction, and counseling techniques. They may also provide hands-on experience working with animals in a therapeutic setting.
Types of AAT Graduate Programs
There are several different types of AAT graduate programs available, including:
- Master’s programs: These programs typically take two years to complete and provide students with a comprehensive understanding of AAT. They may also include a research component.
- Certificate programs: These programs are typically shorter than master’s programs and provide students with a basic understanding of AAT. They may be a good option for people who already have a background in counseling or social work.
- Doctorate programs: These programs are the most advanced level of AAT education and typically take four to five years to complete. They provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct research and teach in the field of AAT.
How to Choose an AAT Graduate Program
When choosing an AAT graduate program, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Your interests and goals: What type of work do you want to do with animals? Do you want to work with people who have physical disabilities, emotional challenges, or cognitive impairments?
- Your background: What is your educational background? Do you have any experience working with animals?
- The program’s reputation: What is the program’s reputation in the field of AAT? What are the qualifications of the faculty?
- The program’s cost: How much will the program cost? Are there any scholarships or financial aid available?
- The program’s location: Where is the program located? Is it convenient for you to attend?
AAT Graduate Programs:
1. Colorado State University
* Master of Science in Human Dimensions of Family and Animal Relationships (with a specialization in Animal Assisted Therapy)
* Doctor of Philosophy in Human Dimensions of Family and Animal Relationships (with a specialization in Animal Assisted Therapy)
2. Purdue University
* Master of Science in Animal Assisted Therapy and Human Health
* Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Assisted Therapy and Human Health
3. University of Denver
* Master of Arts in Human-Animal Interaction with a concentration in Animal-Assisted Therapy
* Doctor of Philosophy in Human-Animal Interaction with a concentration in Animal-Assisted Therapy
4. University of Washington
* Master of Social Work with a specialization in Animal-Assisted Therapy
5. Antioch University
* Master of Arts in Animal Assisted Therapy
* Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Assisted Therapy
6. Lesley University
* Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Animal-Assisted Therapy
* Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Animal-Assisted Therapy
7. Alliant International University
* Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in Animal-Assisted Therapy
* Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in Animal-Assisted Therapy
8. North Carolina State University
* Master of Science in Animal Science with a specialization in Animal Assisted Interventions
* Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science with a specialization in Animal Assisted Interventions
9. Texas A&M University
* Master of Science in Animal Science with a specialization in Animal Assisted Interventions
* Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science with a specialization in Animal Assisted Interventions
10. University of California, Davis
* Master of Science in Animal Behavior and Welfare with a specialization in Animal Assisted Interventions
* Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Behavior and Welfare with a specialization in Animal Assisted Interventions
What Can You Do With an AAT Graduate Degree?
With an AAT graduate degree, you can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and community centers. You may work with people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
Some of the job titles that you may qualify for with an AAT graduate degree include:
- Animal-assisted therapist
- Animal-assisted counselor
- Animal-assisted social worker
- Animal-assisted teacher
- Animal-assisted researcher
Is an AAT Graduate Degree Right for You?
If you are passionate about working with animals and helping people, an AAT graduate degree may be the right choice for you. This field is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for qualified professionals.
Table 1: Comparison of AAT Graduate Programs
| Program | Degree | Length | Cost | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University | Master’s/PhD | 2-4 years | $20,000-$40,000 | Fort Collins, CO |
| Purdue University | Master’s/PhD | 2-4 years | $25,000-$50,000 | West Lafayette, IN |
| University of Denver | Master’s/PhD | 2-4 years | $30,000-$60,000 | Denver, CO |
| University of Washington | Master’s | 2 years | $25,000-$50,000 | Seattle, WA |
| Antioch University | Master’s/PhD | 2-4 years | $30,000-$60,000 | Keene, NH |
| Lesley University | Master’s/PhD | 2-4 years | $35,000-$70,000 | Cambridge, MA |
| Alliant International University | Master’s/PhD | 2-4 years | $40,000-$80,000 | San Diego, CA |
| North Carolina State University | Master’s/PhD | 2-4 years | $25,000-$50,000 | Raleigh, NC |
| Texas A&M University | Master’s/PhD | 2-4 years | $20,000-$40,000 | College Station, TX |
| University of California, Davis | Master’s/PhD | 2-4 years | $25,000-$50,000 | Davis, CA |
Table 2: AAT Graduate Programs by Specialization
| Specialization | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Assisted Therapy | Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO |
| Animal Assisted Therapy | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN |
| Animal Assisted Therapy | University of Denver | Denver, CO |
| Animal Assisted Therapy | University of Washington | Seattle, WA |
| Animal Assisted Therapy | Antioch University | Keene, NH |
| Animal Assisted Therapy | Lesley University | Cambridge, MA |
| Animal Assisted Therapy | Alliant International University | San Diego, CA |
| Animal Assisted Interventions | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC |
| Animal Assisted Interventions | Texas A&M University | College Station, TX |
| Animal Assisted Interventions | University of California, Davis | Davis, CA |
Table 3: AAT Graduate Programs by Degree Level
| Degree | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s | Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO |
| Master’s | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN |
| Master’s | University of Denver | Denver, CO |
| Master’s | University of Washington | Seattle, WA |
| Master’s | Antioch University | Keene, NH |
| Master’s | Lesley University | Cambridge, MA |
| Master’s | Alliant International University | San Diego, CA |
| PhD | Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO |
| PhD | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN |
| PhD | University of Denver | Denver, CO |
| PhD | Antioch University | Keene, NH |
| PhD | Lesley University | Cambridge, MA |
| PhD | Alliant International University | San Diego, CA |
Table 4: AAT Graduate Programs by Cost
| Cost | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| $20,000-$40,000 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO |
| $25,000-$50,000 | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN |
| $30,000-$60,000 | University of Denver | Denver, CO |
| $25,000-$50,000 | University of Washington | Seattle, WA |
| $30,000-$60,000 | Antioch University | Keene, NH |
| $35,000-$70,000 | Lesley University | Cambridge, MA |
| $40,000-$80,000 | Alliant International University | San Diego, CA |
| $25,000-$50,000 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC |
| $20,000-$40,000 | Texas A&M University | College Station, TX |
| $25,000-$50,00 |