Program Overview
The certificate in gerontology at the University of Nebraska Omaha requires completion of 18 credit hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all gerontology coursework. The requirements for the certificate can be completed online or on campus, and students choose coursework based on career objectives and interest areas. All students will also complete 156 hours in a practicum site of their choice, and the certificate program may be used as a minor or a concentration within other degrees.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This Masters program in Human-Animal Interaction explores the complex and multifaceted relationships between humans and other animal species. It delves into the diverse contexts of these interactions, ranging from pet ownership to animal-assisted interventions, zoos, farms, and conservation efforts.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Equip students with interdisciplinary approaches and a diverse range of methods used to research human-animal relationships.
- Provide a comprehensive understanding of the various factors influencing human-animal interactions, including human and animal behavior, ethical considerations, and the impact on both parties and the environment.
- Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate methods for measuring attitudes, interactions, and their outcomes.
- Offer practical experience through a placement and research project tailored to individual career goals.
- Foster learning from recognized experts in human-animal interaction, specializing in animal behavior, animal welfare, animal-assisted activities and interventions, and human-animal coexistence.
Outline:
Program Structure:
- The program can be pursued as either an MA or MSc, depending on the student's focus on qualitative (MA) or both quantitative and qualitative (MSc) methodologies.
- The program can be studied full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months).
- Selected components of the program can count as continuing professional development for those already working in the field.
Course Schedule:
- The program starts in September 2024.
- Modules and start dates are subject to review and potential changes in future years.
Individual Modules:
- Qualitative Data Analysis: This module is mandatory for both MA and MSc students.
- Quantitative Analysis Methods in Psychological Research: This module is mandatory for MSc students.
- MA Optional Modules: MA students can choose from a range of options, including Child Development, Autism, Cognition, and Neuropsychology.
- External Placement Module: This module provides practical experience tailored to individual career goals.
- Individual Research Project: This module involves a dissertation contributing to the final grade.
Module Descriptions:
- Qualitative Data Analysis: This module focuses on the methods and techniques used to analyze qualitative data, providing students with the skills to interpret and understand complex human-animal interactions.
- Quantitative Analysis Methods in Psychological Research: This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to design, conduct, and analyze quantitative research, enabling them to measure and evaluate human-animal interactions objectively.
- External Placement Module: This module offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a relevant setting, such as animal shelters, zoos, or research institutions, allowing them to apply their knowledge and develop professional skills.
- Individual Research Project: This module allows students to delve deeper into a specific area of interest within human-animal interaction, conducting independent research and producing a dissertation that showcases their findings and insights.
Assessment:
- Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Research proposals
- Critical reviews
- Logic models
- Reflective journals for placements
- Oral presentations
- Popular science articles
- Dissertation
- Assessment Criteria: The assessment criteria are designed to evaluate students' understanding of the subject matter, their ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations, their research skills, and their communication abilities.
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Online materials
- Tutorials
- Demonstrations
- Practical classes
- Seminars
- Faculty: The program is taught by recognized experts in human-animal interaction, who bring their specialized knowledge and experience to the classroom.
- Unique Approaches: The program encourages students to join the Behaviour and Evolution Research Group, which meets weekly throughout the semester, providing opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and networking.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths: The program prepares graduates for a range of careers, including:
- Animal welfare professionals
- Animal behaviorists
- Researchers in human-animal interaction
- Educators in animal-related fields
- Animal-assisted intervention practitioners
- Policy advisors in animal welfare and conservation
- Opportunities: The program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to pursue a variety of career opportunities in the field of human-animal interaction.
- Outcomes: Graduates of the program are equipped to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and humans, promoting understanding, ethical treatment, and responsible interactions.
Other:
- Research Overview: The University of Stirling is highly regarded for its research in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience, with a strong focus on human-animal interaction.
- Research Community: Postgraduate students are part of a lively research community, participating in weekly research seminars and informal specialist discussion groups.
- Faculty Facilities: The Division of Psychology boasts outstanding laboratory space, high-quality equipment, excellent computing infrastructure, and dedicated study and teaching rooms.
UK and Republic of Ireland: £10,350 for 2023/24 and £10,900 for 2024/25 The University of Stirling will automatically award a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies to University of Stirling alumni through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship. Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship. Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course. If you are studying part-time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course. If you are studying part-time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme. Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales. Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £5,500 from Student Finance NI. We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by installments.
