Master of Animal Protection Policy (MAPP)

The Master of Animal Protection Policy (MAPP) degree program is designed to educate animal law and policy leaders. Through specialized courses and practical training, students gain skills to navigate law and policy landscapes and effectuate change for animals in a wide range of arenas and growing career paths.

Our innovative and specialized residential and distance learning courses focus on training students on the political, scientific, and ethical aspects of effective strategic animal advocacy. MAPP students choose either a thesis track with supervision from leading experts and accomplished scholars, or a practice track with unique experiential learning opportunities including clinics or externships with prominent practitioners.

VLGS master's degrees are designed for those who do not seek a professional law degree, however, law students may enroll to earn a joint degree. VLGS allows students from other schools and non-degree-seeking students to enroll in courses and provides a discount to audit for alumni. The MAPP degree, including online courses and summer sessions, offers flexibility and accessibility for students and professionals to learn how to be effective advocates for animals.

At a glance

• Program Center: Animal Law and Policy Institute
• Location: Online, on-campus, or a hybrid of both
• Credit Requirements: 34 credits
• Duration: As little as one year for full-time students, and 18 months to five years for online and part-time students

Animal law and policy is a rapidly growing field with expanding career pathways. Animal advocates include attorneys, lobbyists, consultants to non-profits, animal care professionals, authors, professors, and politicians, serving in government agencies, and in so many other capacities. Others have successfully incorporated animal law into their private practices, or provide pro bono services. Attorneys advocate for animal interests in civil matters including animal custody disputes, wrongful death, pet trusts, consumer protection, and veterinary malpractice. They protect animals who are victims of crimes in local, state, and federal jurisdictions. Advocates also lobby for more legal protections and expand regulatory and enforcement efforts through specialized divisions in federal and state departments.

VLGS has long been a leader in the field of animal law and policy, and graduates have been making a difference in the lives of animals for decades. VLGS alumni have positions in animal advocacy, wildlife conservation, and environmental protection organizations including Animal Legal Defense Fund, Animal Outlook, American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals, Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of Animals, Humane Society of the United States, Mercy For Animals, PETA Foundation, Sea Shepherd, and more.

Residential Practice Track

August

• Introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 0
• Professionalism 0

Subtotal 0 credits

Fall

• Legislation/Regulation Survey 3
• Environmental Research and Writing 3
• Animal Ethics 3
• Structural Inequality 1
• Public Participation 0
• Electives 2-3

Subtotal 12-13 credits

Spring

• Class Credits
• Policy Design 3
• Animal Protection Policy 3
• Clinic or Externship 4-6
• Negotiation and Consensus Building 0

Subtotal 10-12 credits

Summer

• Quantitative Analysis 2
• Science of Animal Law and Policy 3
• 2 to 3 Electives 5-6

Subtotal 10-11 credits