Certification in Beginning Marine Mammalogy now requires the completion of two classes which focus on working with marine mammals.

(Historically, this certification included a 5 day minimum live internship at the now-closed SLEWTHS facility at Calstate university).

The two courses required for the completion of a Beginning Marine Mammalogy certification are: Animal Training 101 online class, and the Working With Marine Mammals online class. Both courses are available anytime on demand through the ATR online academy.

The class requirements may also be completed in conjunction with California State University at Monterey Bay (CSUMB) by earning university credit through CSUMB extended education:

Bio 347: Working With Marine Mammals: This 3 credit course (offered Winter and summer sessions CSUMB) is designed to assist people who are interested in developing a career in marine mammalogy. It will provide practical information about marine mammals and careers working with them, drawing on the rich background of marine mammal work in the Monterey Bay area. The course will include videos of experiences with the marine mammals at Moss Landing Marine Labs and in the surrounding areas.

This class will instruct students in captive marine mammal husbandry (care and maintenance), training, basic physiology, an overview of common research topics and techniques, as well as public display, education, and current issues in marine mammalogy. Students will experience a virtual intern day at the lab assisting in the care of research-trained California sea lions. They will also develop a resume.

Bio 148: Introduction to Animal Training:  This 3 credit course (offered Winter and Summer sessions CSUMB) provides students an in-depth understanding of the discipline of animal training across many different types of terrestrial and aquatic animals and techniques. It provides an exceptional background in relevant animal behavior and psychological principles related to the practical goal of modifying animal behavior.

These techniques are demonstrated using trained sea lions, horses, and other domestic and exotic animals. Students will experience a virtual internship at the historical ATR animal care center demonstrating the care and training of research-trained sea lions. Topics covered will include: Captivity, Why Train? Communication, Motivation, Desensitization, Aggression, and Practical Training. (sometimes offered as PSY395)