Animal Cruelty Investigation Certificate

The link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence and other criminal behavior is well-known and understood, and can provide a mechanism by which the cycle of violence can be broken. Further, the legal standing of animals and lack of consistent definitions and laws can be a significant impediment in the successful investigation of an animal cruelty case. The graduate certificate in Animal Cruelty Investigation is designed for individuals who wish to learn and apply the principles of investigation and forensic science to animal cruelty. This certificate is designed for an external audience. Current students should consult their academic advisor regarding its suitability to their program.  

Students in this certificate will undertake courses in the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence, animal cruelty investigations and the application of forensic science to these investigations. Finally, the student undertakes a capstone Independent Study in an approved topic related to animal cruelty. All four courses are taken online and in four sequential accelerated terms.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

• Discuss key theories and principles of the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence
• Develop a comprehensive investigative response to an animal cruelty case
• Design an effective crime scene response to the major types of animal cruelty case including large scale scenes
• Generate a thorough forensic science response to each major type of animal cruelty case

Synthesize a comprehensive forensic report and accompanying expert testimony to support an animal cruelty investigation.