High Educational Value
Nationally recognized educational quality at an affordable price.
Sustainable Futures Start Here
Understanding Animals Through Science
The Animal Behavior and Welfare area of expertise prepares you to understand, care for, and advocate on behalf of animals in a wide range of settings. With a strong foundation in animal science, husbandry, and behavior, our programs examine the complex relationships between humans and animals, from building trust with companion animals to ethical care of livestock and zoo species.
Career-Focused
Turn Your Love for Animals Into a Purpose-Driven Profession
Graduates of this program are prepared to tackle a range of pressing challenges across diverse settings. They improve welfare standards in shelters and farms, develop enrichment strategies for captive animals, and promote humane behavior and training programs. They also shape forward-thinking policies that foster a more compassionate, ecologically responsible relationship between humans and animals. Their impact goes beyond animal well-being. It supports the resilience and health of human populations and the environments we share.
Transformative Learning
Choose Your Specialized Program
Prepare for careers in livestock management, animal health, and agricultural outreach. This program blends biology, animal science, and sustainability to support ethical, science-based animal care.
Gain the tools to manage farms, advise on feed and welfare, or work with agencies like the USDA to improve food systems.
You’ll focus on:
- Livestock behavior, health, and handling
- Anatomy, nutrition, and genetics
- Sustainable design and land use practices
Interested in career opportunities in zoos, aquariums, veterinary fields, or in animal welfare enforcement?
With online coursework covering both environmental and animal sciences, this bachelor’s program can help you pursue career opportunities immediately or further your education in a graduate program. You’ll explore:
- Concepts for the care of wild and captive animals
- Laboratory techniques used in animal care
- Training, health, and habitat needs for animals
Start your career in animal care with a program focused on the health and well-being of pets and other companion animals. This online degree explores ethical, science-based approaches to behavior, nutrition, training, and facility care.
Prepare for roles in training, shelter management, advocacy, and behavior research, all while supporting the growing needs of the pet care industry.
You’ll learn about:
- Humane handling, training, and behavior support
- Anatomy, genetics, and nutrition for companion animals
- Evidence-based care and facility management
Blend animal science with ethical equine care in this fully online program. You’ll build skills in training, health, and facility management while learning to protect both horses and the environments they rely on.
Graduates are ready for careers in training, behavior, policy, operations, and equine advocacy—grounded in science and driven by care.
You’ll focus on:
- Equine behavior, handling, and health
- Anatomy, genetics, and nutrition
- Sustainable, research-based facility management
Advance your understanding of animal behavior, welfare, and the human-animal bond with this 100% online graduate degree. Prepare for careers that promote compassionate, evidence-based care in shelters, homes, and beyond.
You’ll learn what it takes to:
- Evaluate human-animal interactions to improve safety and well-being
- Design low-stress, humane training methods
- Apply animal welfare laws in professional care settings
From climate change to habitat destruction, environmental factors can and often do make an impact on human health.
This online master’s degree explores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health — One Health — to develop sustainable solutions for a healthier, more resilient future for people and the planet.
Designed to help you advance your career opportunities in healthcare, environmental science, research, or advocacy, this program offers insights into pressing and emerging public health challenges like infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Learn how to:
- Use health data across species to develop strategies for disease surveillance and control
- Meaningfully contribute to the well-being of humans, animals, and the environment
- Analyze how environmental changes impact human and animal well-being
Real Stories, Real Impact
Real Stories, Real Impact
Read Full Testimonial“Being a student at Unity has really given me hope…”
Realizing Your Potential. Protecting Your Planet.
Why Unity Distance Education?
Sustainability Core
Committed to sustainable practices to prepare for a future of environmental awareness.
Personalized Guidance
Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.
Professional Readiness
Graduate with the tools, confidence, and credentials to lead in your chosen field.
Inspiring Faculty
Learn from experts who bring professional experience and are dedicated to your growth.
Future Success
Ranked #1 independent university in the U.S. by the Social Mobility Index.
Multiple Start Dates
With up to 8 terms a year, you can take a break without jeopardizing financial aid.
Learning Flexibility
Balance life, work, and education by studying when and where you want
