The objective of the training program is to prepare students for careers in research, teaching, extension/engagement and service related to the sciences of Animal Welfare. The core aim of the Animal Welfare program is to facilitate the well-being of animals and our local and global communities through understanding and applying concepts pertaining to animal ethology, physiology, psychology, husbandry, care and management, ethics and economics. Related topics include: metrics of animal welfare, effects of animal housing, care, and management on animal behavior and welfare, human factors impacting animal welfare, ethics and perceptions of animal care and use, relationships between animal and human health and well-being, and animal welfare epidemiology. Current focal areas of study involve animal species used for food and companionship. Opportunities for study in additional species exist depending on funding availability. Employment following degree completion may be in a variety of institutions, such as academia, industry, or private practice.
The following list provides a sample of appropriate courses for students seeking to focus their graduate program in Animal Welfare.
Students are encouraged to tailor their individual programs with appropriate coursework to meet their needs and requited credit hours as advised by their graduate committees. Coursework may be chosen from a variety of academic disciplines to provide understanding and competence in the primary area of research. At a minimum, students are expected to complete a class in animal welfare and ethics. Each program of study will include coursework in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology as well as external Departments, such as Animal Sciences, Biology, Zoology, Philosophy, Psychological Sciences, Educational Studies, Statistics, and others. The faculty in these departments may also serve on the students' graduate advisory committees.
Students are encouraged to tailor their individual programs with appropriate coursework to meet their needs and required credit hours as advised by their graduate committees. Coursework may be chosen from a variety of academic disciplines to provide understanding and competence in the primary area of research. At minimum, students are expected to complete a class in animal welfare and ethics. Each program of study will include coursework in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology as well as external Departments, such as Animal Sciences, Biology, Zoology, Philosophy, Psychological Science, Child Development and Family Studies, Educational Studies, Statistics, and others. The faculty in these departments may also serve on the students’ graduate advisory committees.
The following list provides a sample of appropriate courses for students seeking to focus their graduate programs in Animal Welfare and Human-Animal Interaction.
* CPB 61800/GRAD 61200 may be taken to satisfy the department’s ethics course requirement.
All students in the program will be affiliated with the Center for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS) and the Center for the Human-Animal Bond (CHAB). Each center hosts leading experts in the associated field of study. Association with the centers promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and world-class mentorship in topics related to Animal Welfare and Human-Animal Interaction. Students will be encouraged to participate in other CAWS, CHAB, and departmental activities including: participation in the collegiate animal welfare judging competition, assistance with teaching of undergraduate courses and outreach activities, development of additional research questions related to the main project and travel to present research findings. Professional development opportunities are also available.
A limited number of university assistantships and fellowships are available to highly qualified students. Incoming and continuing students can also apply for individual pre-doctoral training awards from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. These fellowships provide 12-month support and fee remission and have award periods of up to 3 years. These fellowships require a separate application to the awarding agency by the student with a letter of support from the major professor. Additional information about the application process can be obtained directly from the agency:
For currently enrolled students, Purdue awards a number of Fellowship Incentive grants on a competitive basis (https://www.education.purdue.edu/graduate-students/graduate-funding/fellowships-scholarships/) for students applying for extramural support from selected agencies or programs.
The American Psychological Foundation also offers a variety of awards and grants each year. The APA Science Council web page offers links to these opportunities and can be found at: http://www.apa.org/about/awards/index.aspx.
Candidates interested in applying to the graduate program in Human-Animal Interaction should send an email to cpbgradc@purdue.edu or a letter of inquiry to:
Graduate Program CoordinatorPurdue University is an EEO/AA employer. All individuals are encouraged to apply.
