Animals and Institutions

The University of Colorado Boulder, founded in 1876 and set against the Rocky Mountains, is a major research university serving more than 37,000 students with nearly 3,000 international learners. CU Boulder is recognized for academic excellence, expansive research programs and a sustainability-driven campus culture. Students benefit from an array of undergraduate, graduate and professional offerings that encourage innovation across science, engineering, business, arts and humanities.

Research, entrepreneurship and experiential learning are central to the CU Boulder experience, with extensive laboratory facilities, innovation labs and co-op or internship pathways that connect students to industry and civic partners. The university supports cross-disciplinary projects and provides robust advising, career services and student organizations that help translate academic interests into practical outcomes and start-up ventures.

Boulder's outdoor lifestyle and proximity to tech hubs create strong opportunities for networking, recreation and balanced living. International students are supported by dedicated offices for admissions, orientation and visa guidance, making the transition smoother. With a large program portfolio and a campus culture that values sustainability, creativity and collaboration, CU Boulder is well suited to students seeking high-impact research experiences and an active campus community.

Animals and Institutions is a non-degree program that explores the relationships between animals and human institutions. It is taught in English and lasts several weeks. The program is suitable for anyone interested in understanding the complex roles of animals in human society.

The curriculum examines the use of animals in laboratory science, the transformation of animals into livestock and meat, and the perspectives of people committed to rejecting animal exploitation. You will also study the roles of animals in human entertainment, such as dog fighting and zoos, and investigate animal health and welfare through the lens of dilemmas in veterinary medicine and decisions in animal shelters.

After completing this program, you can pursue careers such as Animal Welfare Specialist, Conservation Biologist, Veterinary Technician, or Wildlife Rehabilitator. You can work in industries like animal welfare organizations, wildlife conservation, or veterinary medicine, and for employers such as animal shelters, zoos, or conservation organizations.