Animals Forward: Advancing Interspecies Justice

DU Executive Certificate

The DU Executive Certificate Animals Forward: Advancing Interspecies Justice is offered by the Animal Law Program at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Featuring in-depth academic and advocacy training, the program provides participants with the theoretical tools and practical skills to transform how society treats animals—across law, policy, advocacy, and public perception.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a University of Denver Executive Certificate in Animals Forward: Advancing Interspecies Justice. Certified animal advocates will receive a non-degree program. No transcripts or credits will be given.

Applications for the 2026–2027 program are now open. Click below to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why We Created This Program

Despite growing awareness, there is no accessible, interdisciplinary training pipeline for animal advocacy professionals, and limited legal literacy among frontline advocates and sanctuary leaders. With no comparable university program in the region, Animals Forward fills this gap—bridging academia and real-world impact together to create a pipeline for systemic change and equip leaders to: 1) challenge outdated legal frameworks for animals; 2) transform animal exploitation industries and institutions; and 3) build more just relationships between humans and animals.

Who This Program Is Designed For

The program is designed for: 1) seasoned advocates currently working in the animal advocacy sector (campaigners, policy advocates, communications professionals, sanctuary workers, legal advocates, grassroots organizers, etc.) who are looking to expand their skill set; and 2) new advocates looking to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to move into the animal advocacy sector.

Program Structure & Timeline

The Animals Forward program consists of seven course modules that can be completed in nine months, although participants may also complete the program part-time over two or more years. Classes will happen in person on a weekly basis, with at least four intensive Saturdays reserved for classes and networking with Executive Directors and leading advocates from animal advocacy organizations.

Course Modules
1. Introduction: Animals & Why They Matter
2. Animals' Treatment
  From Social Sciences to Law
3. Theories of Change
  On Social & Legal Change
4. Justice in Practice
  Getting Animal Rights Done
5. How to Be an Effective Advocate
6. Strategic Communication for Animal Advocacy
7. Capstone Project
  The Practicum
Key Topics Covered
- Foundations of animal ethics and animal rights
- Animal emotions and scientific evidence
- Social, political, and legal conditions of animal oppression
- The legal status of farmed and wild animals
- Theories of social and legal change
- Advocacy tools, campaigning, and strategic action
- Networking
- Law, policy, and legislative change
- Coalition-building, sector knowledge, and advocate sustainability
- Strategic communication, media, and public persuasion
Program Timeline

The program begins on September 30 with an in-person informal reception to be held at DU’s Sturm College of Law. Subsequent course modules will be offered in-person, on Tuesdays from 6–8 p.m. Each module will last between three and six weeks. Participants can expect a total time commitment of three to four hours per week—two hours of in-person classes and one to two hours of reading—as well as at least four in-person intensive Saturday sessions for networking and classes.
The program concludes in late June with a Capstone Project, which will be presented before a panel of experts and classmates.
Students will also have the option to receive individualized support through weekly one-on-one office hours with the program’s co-directors and module leaders.
Fees and Attendance Requirements
Total program fees are $5,075 (early bird), $6,000 after July 15. The fees will cover teaching, food during networking sessions, one-to-one weekly tutorials, and externships for a number of participants upon request.
Attendance Requirements
Participants who complete the program will receive the Executive Certificate Animals Forward: Advancing Interspecies Justice from the University of Denver.
Completion of the program will require:
- Substantial in-person participation (75% attendance) at each of the modules.
- The completion of a capstone project to be decided with the co-directors of the program and module leaders.
If necessary, students will be allowed an additional year to make up any incomplete/missed modules.

Important Dates

Final Deadline for Early Bird Application: July 15, 2026
Priority Application deadline: July 31, 2026
Applications submitted by this date are guaranteed review. Applications received after July 31 may be considered on a rolling basis until one week before the reception.
Acceptance notifications begin: by August 1, 2026
Program Launch Reception: September 30, 2026
In-Person Classes Begin: October 6, 2026

Course Schedule

	Time Commitment	Duration
Reception	2 hours	1 evening (Sept. 30)
Animals & Why They Matter	3-4 hours per week Tuesday classes from 6 – 8 p.m.	Six classes over six weeks
Animals' Treatment	3-4 hours per week Tuesday classes from 6 – 8 p.m. & 1 intensive Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Seven classes over six weeks
Theories of Change	3-4 hours per week Tuesday classes from 6 – 8 p.m. & 1 intensive Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Six classes over three weeks
Justice in Practice	3-4 hours per week Tuesday classes from 6 – 8 p.m. & 1 intensive Saturday with networking from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Eight classes over six weeks
How to Be An Effective Advocate	3-4 hours per week Tuesday classes from 6 – 8 p.m.	Six classes over six weeks
Strategic Communication for Animal Advocacy	3-4 hours per week Tuesday classes from 6 – 8 p.m. & 1 intensive Saturday with networking from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Six classes over five weeks
Capstone Project	3-4 hours per week Tuesday classes from 6 – 8 p.m. & 1 weekend day dedicated to the evaluation of capstone projects by a panel of experts.	Five classes over five weeks

Students will also have the option to receive individualized support through weekly one-on-one office hours with the program’s co-directors and module leaders.

How do I apply?

Apply Here!

Important Application Dates for 2026-2027 are Listed Below:

Priority Deadline for Applications: July 31, 2026
Applications submitted by this date are guaranteed review. Applications received after July 31 may be considered on a rolling basis until one week before the reception.

Acceptance notifications begin: by August 1, 2026

Help us build a more just future for animals by supporting Animals Forward: Advancing Interspecies Justice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the program created?

Despite growing awareness, there is no accessible, interdisciplinary training pipeline for animal advocacy professionals and limited legal literacy among frontline advocates and sanctuary leaders. With no comparable university program in the region, Animals Forward fills this gap—bridging academia and real-world impact together to create a pipeline for systemic change and equip leaders to: 1) challenge outdated legal frameworks for animals; 2) transform animal exploitation industries and institutions; and 3) build more just relationships between humans and animals.
Who is the program designed for?

The program is designed for: 1) seasoned advocates currently working in the animal advocacy sector (campaigners, policy advocates, communications professionals, sanctuary workers, legal advocates, grassroots organizers, etc.) who are looking to expand their skill set; and 2) new advocates looking to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to move into the animal advocacy sector.
What are the program courses?

The program features 7 course modules that can be completed in 9 months: 1) Introduction: Animals & Why They Matter; 2) Animals’ Treatment: From Social Sciences to Law; 3) Theories of Change: On Social & Legal Change; 4) Justice in Practice: Getting Animal Rights Done; 5) How to Be an Effective Advocate; 6) Strategic Communication for Animal Advocacy; and 7) Capstone Project.
Are courses online or in-person?

Coursework will be entirely in person at DU’s Sturm College of Law.
How long is the program?

The program can be completed in 9 months and will be held from early October to late June. Each module will last between 3-6 weeks. There will also be 4 In-person intensive Saturdays for networking and classes.
How much time will I spend per week?

Participants can expect a total time commitment of 3-4 hours/week: 2 hours per class, plus 1-2 hours of reading in preparation for class, and developing their capstone projects.
Students will also have the option to receive individualized support through weekly one-on-one office hours with the program’s co-directors and module leaders.
Are scholarships available?

Scholarships are not currently available but students can take the program part-time for up to five years. For more information, email animalsforward@du.edu.
What is the class size?

Cohorts will be small to maximize engagement and learning.

When does the program start?

The program will begin with an informal reception on September 30 from 6–8 p.m., and classes will begin on October 6, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. at DU’s Sturm College of Law.
Are there eligibility requirements? How do I apply?

There are no formal eligibility requirements. However, a demonstrated interest in entering the animal advocacy sector, or previous experience in the field, will be highly valued in the selection process. Admissions will begin after July 31 and applications may be accepted until one week before the reception. Acceptance notifications will begin to be sent by: August 1, 2026.
Click here to apply.
What is required to complete the program?

Completion of the program will require: 1) Substantial in-person participation (75% attendance) at each of the modules; and 2) the completion of a capstone project to be decided with the co-directors of the program and module leaders. If necessary, students will be allowed an additional year to make up any incomplete/missed modules.
What are the approved payment options?

Upon acceptance into the program, payment of the program fee can be made via check, wire transfer, or credit card. Payments may also be made in installments (1/2 by August 31, 2026 and 1/2 by September 15, 2026). Candidates who apply after July 31 may not be able to make payments in installments.
How much does it cost?

The total program cost is $5,075 (early bird), $6,000 after July 15. Note that fees do not include potential costs associated with the development of Capstone Projects.
Who are the instructors?

Participants will learn from DU faculty as well as leading advocates, policymakers, and world-renowned scholars in animal rights and animal studies.
For more information on course instructors, click here.
What certificate will I receive?

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a University of Denver Executive Certificate in Animals Forward: Advancing Interspecies Justice. Note that certified animal advocates will receive a non-degree program. No transcripts or credits will be given.

Faculty

The individuals listed below are among the scholars and practitioners who will teach or guest lecture in Animals Forward. This page will be updated as additional lecturers confirm their involvement.