Animals, Self, and Society

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.

The Animals, Self, and Society program is a non-degree course for international students at the University of Colorado Boulder. It lasts several weeks and is taught in English. This program helps students understand how animals and people interact within society.

The curriculum covers symbolic roles of animals, human-animal relationships, and animal representation in the media. Students will analyze how animals are portrayed and learn about the implications of these representations. They will also explore topics like animal abuse and domestic violence.

After completing this program, students can pursue careers as animal welfare advocates, wildlife conservationists, or environmental educators. They may work for organizations that focus on animal rights, conservation, or environmental protection. Possible job titles include animal behaviorist, conservation biologist, or environmental policy analyst.