Graduate School of Social Work
Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate
About the certificate program
The Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate is the first of its kind in the nation. It explores the therapeutic use of animals in many types of social work practice—a new and exciting aspect of the field.
By earning this certificate, you'll learn how to create, implement and evaluate AASW programs in which an animal becomes a teacher, therapist, facilitator and companion. You'll learn how to choose the most appropriate animals for particular therapies, and how to care for the animals in accordance with nationally recognized standards.
You'll also understand how to identify, assess and intervene in "link" violence—the frequent connection between animal-abuse and violence toward people.
The AASW certificate adds specialized courses to the MSW curriculum and includes a field internship offering opportunities for AASW practice.
Learn more
For more information, contact Clinical Professor Philip Tedeschi, LCSW, AASW certificate program coordinator.