HOW TO APPLY
 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
 COURSE SCHEDULE
 FINANCIAL AID
 ABOUT THE PARTNERS
 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Humane Society University and Duquesne University's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement (SLPA) have developed an online Bachelor of Science degree program with a major in Humane Leadership. The accelerated degree-completion program is designed for individuals working in animal care and control facilities in the United States and provides targeted, specific knowledge that will support their career goals in animal advocacy and shelter management.  

Designed for the adult learner, this degree-completion program is open to persons with prior college credits (a maximum of 60) or an associate’s degree from an accredited community college.  Duquesne University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

HSU and The School of Leadership and Professional Advancement provide the opportunity to obtain a Duquesne University degree entirely online, without coming to campus. Students entering with a maximum of 60 credits or an Associate's degree can complete their degree in 2 years or less by taking online classes in Duquesne's accelerated 8-week format. Student services, including advising, registration and learning support, and access to Duquesne's library, are all available online. Students may enroll in individual Humane Leadership courses without matriculating as long as they already have a bachelor’s degree. Contact DU’s student services for details.

·    Learn from distinguished faculty who bring academic and industry expertise to the online classroom.

·      Be a part of a peer-learning community with other adult students.

·      Apply what you learn both professionally and personally to advance your career goals.

DEADLINES

See Duquesne's Academic Calendar.

CURRICULUM

The program curriculum, as outlined below, was developed jointly by the School of Leadership and Professional Advancement and The Humane Society of the United States with the help of leaders in the field of animal care and control. It is based upon the in-depth knowledge possessed by The HSUS of the educational needs of the employees working in animal care and control facilities.

The program calls for completion of the core curriculum of SLPA's existing bachelor's degree completion program, together with 36 hours of focused study in the major area of humane leadership. Courses are 8 weeks in length.

University Core Curriculum (33 credits)
Eleven courses including: Thinking and Writing Across the Curriculum (English 1), Imaginative Literature and Critical Writing (English II), Fundamentals of Statistics, Survey of Sociology, and Biology (or other natural science course).

Professional Core Curriculum (24 credits)
Eight courses including: Computer Applications for the Professional I and II, Accounting, Structure of the Legal Environment, and Understanding the Marketplace and Competition.

Electives (27 credits)
Nine courses; students can choose from a number of course topics.

MAJOR: Humane Leadership Courses (36 credits)
Twelve courses. Humane Leadership topics will provide the students with the ability to handle the internal organizational, community-based, and personal demands of working in and operating an animal shelter.

Courses in the Major

 Animal Protection as a Social Movement
 Animal Health and Behavior in the Sheltering Environment
 Compassion Fatigue
 First Strike: Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence
 Studies in Humane Education
 Special Topics in Animal Sheltering (topics vary)
 Fundraising and Financial Resource Development
 Financial Management
 Strategic Planning and Organizational Effectiveness
 Marketing and Public Relations
 Human Resource and Volunteer Management
 Risk Management and Decision Making

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• This degree is designed especially for the adult learner.  Two years of professional work experience and/or successful completion of some prior college credits is required for admission. 
• All students are required to have graduated high school. 
• All applicants must fulfill all admission requirements of Duquesne University. See the How to Apply section for details.
• For non-native English speakers, Duquesne requires either a 550 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 213 or higher on the computer-based version.

Personal Goal Status

• Students who already have a bachelor’s degree may enroll in individual courses in the Humane Leadership program with special status. Contact Duquesne student services for details.

TUITION AND FEES 2007—2008 ACADEMIC YEAR

$581 per credit hour
3 credit course: $1,743

Books, application fees*, and graduation fees are additional.
*Application fee is waived if you apply online.

TRANSFER CREDITS

Credits taken at other accredited universities or colleges, including community colleges, may be applied toward your degree. Certain rules apply: no more than 60 credits can be transferred from a two-year institution, at least one-half of the major must be completed via Duquesne University courses (including online courses). Please contact an academic advisor to discuss your transfer credits. Only course grades of "C" or better will be considered for possible transfer. (Note: We transfer only the credit, not the Q.P.A.) Other restrictions may apply depending on the program of enrollment.

ABOUT THE FACULTY

Duquesne University distinguished faculty bring a wealth of academic and industry experience to the classroom. Faculty are drawn from a number of Schools within Duquesne University including the School of Leadership and Professional Advancement, A.J. Palumbo School of Business, and McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts, as well as the professional community.

Humane Society University faculty are leaders and experts in the field of animal care and control. They bring years of hands-on experience and depth of knowledge that is unparalleled.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

You must have Internet access. Your computer must have a minimum configuration required for an online course.  Students must also have a working knowledge of computers and have appropriate software. View minimum requirements.

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