Animal Assisted Social Work

Program Facts

Delivery Method:

Blended

Start Term:

Fall, Spring, Summer

Completion Time:

6-9 Months

Credits:

Request info about Animal Assisted Social Work

About Our Animal Assisted Social Work Certificate

Turn your passion for helping others and your love of animals into a powerful professional skillset. Slippery Rock University’s Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate trains you to incorporate therapy and crisis-response dogs into clinical practice, supporting the emotional and psychological needs of children and adults.

Courses can be applied toward SRU’s Master of Social Work (MSW) if you choose to pursue the full degree later.

Why Get an Animal Assisted Social Work Certificate?

Learn on your terms with a flexible hybrid format combining online and in-person instruction
Work directly with therapy dogs to gain real-world, hands-on experience
Study with experts — courses are led by licensed professionals with doctoral-level training
Build practical skills by designing and delivering animal-assisted interventions in authentic settings
Earn your certificate and MSW together if you choose to pursue both
Enhance your practice whether you're an MSW student, working professional, or someone looking to expand your expertise in animal-assisted care

Career Outcomes

The Animal Assisted Social Work certificate is designed to enhance your skills as a human services professional, preparing you to ethically and effectively incorporate animal-assisted interventions into your practice. This specialized, in-demand training allows you to better support the psychosocial needs of clients in a wide variety of professional settings. The certificate is a valuable credential for professionals in roles and settings such as:

Clinical Therapist or Counselor in private practice
School Social Worker or Guidance Counselor
Medical Social Worker in hospitals, hospices, or long-term care facilities
Child Protective Services and Advocacy Centers
Veterans' Services and trauma-informed care
Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Centers
Correctional Facilities and juvenile justice programs
Victim Services and crisis response teams

Requirements

What are the admission requirements for this program at SRU? Check out the requirements in the dropdowns of this section!

Program Director / Coordinator

Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Yvonne Eaton-Stull
Social Work
724.738.2619
yvonne.eaton-stull@sru.edu

When are applications accepted?

Email graduate.admissions@sru.edu or call 724.738.2051 for information regarding this program’s graduate application deadlines.

What are all of the admissions requirements?

All applicants must submit the following materials along with a completed online graduate application and a non-refundable application fee:

Official undergraduate degree transcript(s) and any graduate transcripts
Personal statement explaining applicant’s career interests and goals related to animal-assisted social work

Please note: For more information, visit www.sru.edu/graduate. Transfer course evaluation information can be found on our graduate website.

Resources from SRU

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

Animal Assisted Social Work (Certificate)