Exploring the Human-Animal Bond

Our lives as humans are closely connected to animals, with animals playing prominent roles in human society and culture. This certificate provides students interested in fields such as healthcare, animal-assisted therapy, agriculture, social work, and emergency services with expertise in companion and working animals by utilizing transdisciplinary approaches grounded in real-world scenarios.

Program Requirements

To complete the Companion Animal Studies (CAS) certificate, students must complete a minimum of 13 credit hours. All certificate students must take CAS 301, CAS 302, CAS 390, and CAS 490, and six credits of pre-approved electives.

CAS 301 Animals and Society
This course examines the many ways that people interact with non-human animals, the moral conflicts that people often face as a result, and the thinking that people use to resolve these conflicts and justify their choices. (3 credits) Prereq: None

CAS 302 Caring for Companion and Working Animals
This course examines animal care practices worldwide, focusing on companion and working animals. Students will explore animal care and management practices through the framework of diverse cultural and geographical contexts. Emphasis will be placed on the influence of cultural diversity, socioeconomics, and ethical considerations in the care and management of companion and working animals. (3 credits) Prereq: None

CAS 390 Companion Animal Studies Experience
The purpose of this course is to document one or more companion animal related experiences for completion of the CAS certificate requirements. (0 credits) Prereq: Admission to the CAS certificate

CAS 490 Advanced Seminar in Companion Animal Studies
A seminar and discussion-based exploration of advanced, specialized topics related to companion animals, with specific foci varying each semester based on course instructor expertise. Designed to culminate the CAS certificate, this course encourages students to integrate and apply their knowledge through in-depth exploration of contemporary issues, emerging research, and practical challenges in the care, management, and welfare of companion animals. (1-3 credits) Prereq: CAS 301, CAS 302, and CAS 390 (can be taken concurrently)

  • AEC 309 International Agriculture, World Food Needs and U.S. Trade in Agricultural Products
  • AEC 325 Equine Law
  • AFE 300 Special Topics in Agriculture, Food and Environment*
  • ASC 220 Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare
  • ASC 310 Equine Anatomy
  • ASC 325 Animal Physiology
  • ASC 364 Reproductive Physiology of Farm Animals
  • ASC 378 Animal Nutrition
  • ASC 380 Applied Animal Nutrition
  • BIO 302 Introduction to Neuroscience
  • BIO 350 Animal Physiology
  • BIO 375 Behavior Ecology and Sociobiology
  • BIO 447 Animal Senses
  • CAS 490 Advanced Seminar in Companion Animal Studies**
  • CED 250 Disability and Society
  • CED 300 Disability Across the Lifespan
  • CPH 250 Aging in Today’s World
  • DHN 210 Discovering Balance: A Personal Journey Towards Health and Nutrition
  • DHN 212 Introductory Nutrition
  • EDP 202 Human Development and Learning
  • EDS 375 Introduction to the Education of Exceptional Children
  • EDS 516 Creating Supportive and Respectful Learning Environments
  • ENT 340 Livestock Entomology
  • ENT/BIO/CPH 561 Insects Affecting Human and Animal Health
  • EQM 300 Topics in Equine Science and Management*
  • EQM 305 Equine Industry Issues
  • EQM 370 The Global Sport Horse Industry
  • HDF 252 Introduction to Relationships, Marriage and Families
  • HDF 254 Life Course Human Development
  • HDF 301 Supporting Hospitalized Children
  • NUR 518 Love Yourself: Introduction to Mindfulness and Wellness
  • PSY 312 Brain and Behavior
  • PSY 323 Development Psychology
  • PVM 201 Foundations in Veterinary Medicine
  • PVM 490 Pre-veterinary Medicine Capstone
  • SW 510 Understanding the Impact of Trauma
  • VS 300 Topics in Veterinary Science*
  • VS 597 Special Topics in Veterinary Science*

*Approved subtitles only
** Up to 3 credit hours in addition to 1 required credit

First Day of School Pictures. Photo by Pete Comparoni / UKphoto

Admission Instructions

  • Submit a request through myUK to add the Undergraduate Certificate in Agricultural Leadership as an “additional major”.
  • Once your request has been processed, you will receive an email outlining the next steps.
  • Navigate to UK’s Undergraduate Application Portal.
  • Apply to UK with a “Non-Degree Application”.
  • On the “Applicant Information” page under Applicant Type, select “Certificate”.
  • Under Program of Study, select “Certificate in Companion Animal Studies”.
  • Navigate to UK’s Undergraduate Application Portal.
  • Apply to UK with a “Non-Degree Application”.
  • On the “Applicant Information” page under Applicant Type, select “Visiting Student”.
  • Under Program of Study, select “Agriculture, Food and Environment – Non-Degree”.
  • Email CAFEAdvising and request to enroll in the Companion Animal Studies Certificate upon admission.
  • Under Program of Study, select “Certificate in Companion Animal Studies”.

Living Learning Program

The Living Learning Program (LLP) supports student success by placing students with similar interests into smaller communities in particular residence halls.

Academic Enrichment

Our college believes in learning by doing. Our students are required to complete at least one type of experiential or hands-on learning opportunity, such as undergraduate research, an internship or an education abroad experience.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous alumni, donors and community partners, we have one of the largest scholarship programs at UK. Only one application is required for our college’s scholarships, but there are hundreds of potential awards.

Student Services

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Director of Undergraduate Certificate
Melissa Morgan, PhD

Assistant Dean for Instruction
Kristine Urschel, PhD

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