Courses span animal health and disease, behavior and handling, veterinary medicine, animal production and management, and animal science research. You can explore areas like welfare in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, cognition in Dog Emotion and Cognition, and livestock care in Dairy Production and Management. Learners also dive into species-specific topics such as Equine Welfare and Management and broader ecology in Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions.
Coursera’s animal health offerings serve beginners, pet owners, and enthusiasts, as well as students and professionals pursuing veterinary or animal science paths. Courses come from top universities like Duke, Edinburgh, Florida, and Penn State, and are accessible online for flexible learning. Whether you’re exploring a new interest or upskilling for work, there’s content for every level.
No—Coursera includes introductory options that require no background, alongside intermediate and advanced courses for deeper study. If you’re exploring veterinary careers, try EDIVET: Do you have what it takes to be a veterinarian?. Learners with more experience can build on foundational knowledge with targeted topics in behavior, welfare, and animal care.
You can develop fundamentals in anatomy and physiology, diagnosing and treating common diseases, and nutrition and wellness management. Courses also cover preventive healthcare, emergency care, and zoonotic disease awareness, plus ethics in veterinary practice. These skills apply across pets, equines, wildlife, and livestock contexts.
Yes—Coursera features courses for companion animals and farm animals. For pets, explore The Truth About Cats and Dogs and Dog Emotion and Cognition; for livestock and equines, see Dairy Production and Management, The Horse Course, and Equine Welfare and Management. This mix helps you focus on the animals most relevant to your goals.
When you complete a course, you can earn a shareable Course Certificate, and select programs offer Specialization or Professional Certificates. Coursera also offers MasterTrack Certificates in health-related areas, and some animal health content may support continuing education needs for professionals. Choose the credential that aligns with your learning and career objectives.
Many learners begin with Animal Behaviour and Welfare or Dog Emotion and Cognition to build a foundation in welfare and behavior. If you’re interested in equines or livestock, try The Horse Course or Dairy Production and Management. For a broad pet-focused overview, The Truth About Cats and Dogs is a popular option.
Learning in animal health can support roles such as veterinarian, veterinary technician, animal care specialist, wildlife conservationist, and animal science researcher. The page also notes strong job growth for veterinarians and veterinary technicians based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Courses help you build relevant knowledge whether you work in clinics, farms, shelters, zoos, or research settings.