Best Friends Animal Society + SUU Online

Whether you’re an experienced animal services professional looking to grow your career or new to the field, the partnership between Best Friends and SUU offers unique learning opportunities in contemporary animal services tailored to fit your needs - from degree programs to professional certifications and credentials.

Depending on educational backgrounds and goals, individuals have opportunities to earn academic credits that may be applied toward SUU bachelor’s or master’s degree programs.

  • Speedway | Bachelor of General Studies
  • Master of Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Professional Development Courses
Photos of animals

Online Programs Starting Soon

Summer 1st Session
Apply By: May 7th, 2025
Start Classes: May 12th, 2025

Summer 2nd Session
Apply By: June 23rd, 2025
Start Classes: June 30th, 2025

Fall 1st Session
Apply By: August 20th, 2025
Start Classes: August 27th, 2025

Fall 2nd Session
Apply By: October 8th, 2025
Start Classes: October 15th, 2025

Speedway | Bachelor of General Studies

The main reason people don’t start - or finish their college degree - is money. SUU wants to change that for you. The new 100% online Speedway | Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Program is an affordable, accessible way to earn your bachelor's degree in as little as 3 years. If you’re looking for a change, better job security, a promotion, or want to simply feel that sense of accomplishment for earning your degree, then this program is for you.

Program Highlights

  • Affordable Tuition: $119/credit (Resident) | $149/credit (Non-Resident)
    All students qualify for resident tuition during the summer semester.
  • Course Length: 7 weeks
  • Program Duration: As little as 3 years
  • 40+ Courses Available: Choose from a wide range of subjects across multiple fields
  • Clear Graduation Plan: Meet with an advisor and get a step-by-step course outline from day one
  • No Application Fees: Apply for free and start your journey today!

Apply to Speedway

Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS)

The online Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) allows you to create a master's degree that matches your unique needs. Designed for flexibility, this program allows you to select three distinct areas of study that match your personal passions and career objectives.

Built for those with busy schedules, the MIS offers multiple start dates and 7-week* courses to help you earn your degree in as few as 12 months.

Concentration Blocks:

  • Contemporary Animal Services Leadership (CASL)
  • Non-Profit Management
  • Public Administration
  • Leadership Studies
  • Business Administration
  • Social Media & Public Relations
  • Human Values
  • National Parks & Public Lands
  • Creative Writing
  • Writing & Rhetoric
  • General Studies
  • Online Teaching
  • Arts Administration
  • Aviation
  • Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
  • Education
  • Global Health
  • Music Technology
  • School Library
  • Special Education
  • TESOL

 

*7-week courses not available in all learning blocks.

Apply to MIS Program

Professional Development Courses

Credits from many of the professional development courses can be applied toward or earned concurrently with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. 

Introduction to Animal Services

Apply credits toward:

  • Associates Degrees
  • Bachelor's Degrees
  • Master of Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Master of Public Administration

Running a Lifesaving Animal Sanctuary

Apply credits toward:

  • Associates Degrees
  • Bachelor's Degrees

Cat Lifesaving Fundamentals

Apply credits toward:

  • Associates Degrees
  • Bachelor's Degrees

Dog Lifesaving Fundamentals

Apply credits toward:

  • Associates Degrees
  • Bachelor's Degrees

Finding Success in Animal Services

Executive Leadership Certification

Management Leadership Certification

Scholarships Available

Save on tuition with the Let’s GO Master's Degree Scholarship!

The Let’s GO Master's Degree Scholarship helps you take the next step in your education without the financial burden.

  • Get up to $1,000 per semester for 2 semesters
  • Applies to SUU Online master’s degree programs
  • Limited funds—apply now to secure your savings

The Let’s GO Master's Degree Scholarship has been approved for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 school year. Approval for the 2025-26 academic year is pending.

Apply Now!

Don’t miss out on free money for your education!

The Partner Plus Scholarship provides a one-time $500 award for eligible online undergraduate or graduate students. To qualify, you must:

  • Be newly admitted to a qualifying online program
  • Enroll in at least 3 credits
  • Be affiliated with an SUU partner organization

Programs include business, education, criminal justice, marketing, and more. Take the next step with SUU Online!

Apply Now!

Get Ahead This Summer with SUU’s Online Scholarship

The 2025 SUU Summer Scholarship helps online undergraduate and graduate students accelerate graduation with online courses. This one-time award is available to both full-time and part-time students, with priority given to those taking 9+ credit hours. Apply by May 1st to stay on track or get ahead!

Scholarship Requirements

The 2025 SUU Summer Scholarship is available for online undergraduate and graduate students who meet the following criteria:

  • Students must submit acceptance paperwork and register for the required number of credits by May 1, 2025, or the scholarship will be revoked and awarded to another student.
  • Students must take at least the number of credits listed on their application. Taking fewer credits will result in the scholarship being revoked.
  • Additional credits are not guaranteed to increase the scholarship amount. Students requesting an increase must email suuscholarships@suu.edu — adjustments are not automatic.
  • Non-resident, on-campus, and international students do not qualify due to already reduced summer tuition.
  • Speedway and Accelerated Program students are not eligible, as this scholarship is a tuition waiver.

Apply now to take advantage of this limited funding opportunity!

Apply Now

Need Help? Contact an Advisor

Jackson Riedlinger Portrait

Jackson Riedlinger

Book a Video Call

Phone:435-865-8659
Email: jacksonriedlinger@suu.edu