In the Master of Science in Animal and Public Policy program, students will

• examine the changing roles of animals in society and the dynamic relationship between animals and people.
• learn how to evaluate research and policy arguments.
• polish communication skills needed to implement and advocate for effective policy.
• pursue individual interests through electives, externships, and research projects.
• choose between a “research track” and an “applied track.”

The pet factor--companion animals as a conduit for getting to know people, friendship formation and social support.
Wood L; Martin K; Christian H; Nathan A; Lauritsen C; Houghton S; Kawachi I; McCune S.
PLoS ONE. 10(4):e0122085, 2015.  article PDF

Human and animal factors related to relinquishment of dogs and cats in 12 selected animal shelters in the United States.
Salman MD; New JG Jr; Scarlett JM; Kass PH; Ruch-Gallie R; Hetts S.
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 1(3):207-26, 1998.  article PDF

Domestic Dogs as Facilitators in Social Interaction: An Evaluation of Helping and Courtship Behaviors.
Guéguen N; Ciccotti S.
Anthrozoös. 21(4):339-49, 2008.  article PDF

Moving as a reason for pet relinquishment: a closer look.
Shore ER; Petersen CL; Douglas DK.
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 6(1):39-52, 2003.  article PDF

Breeding dogs for beauty and behaviour: Why scientists need to do more to develop valid and reliable behaviour assessments for dogs kept as companions.
Kinga T; Marstona LC; Bennett PC.
Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 137(1-2):1-12, 2012.  article PDF

Surrendering pets to shelters: the relinquisher's perspective.
DiGiacomo, N. Arluke, A. Patronek, G.
Anthrozoös. 11(1):41-51, 1998.  article PDF