Courses

Enrich Your Career: Reach New Heights

Enroll today to gain valuable knowledge and skills!

AZA's Professional Development Courses are team-taught by experienced and knowledgeable professionals from the zoo and aquarium industry. Students are presented the unique chance to learn about the latest techniques, information, and tools available and are afforded an unequaled opportunity to network with current and future leaders. In general, each course is offered annually around the same time each year. Click here for course policies.

AZA offers a number of scholarships for Professional Development Courses. AZA scholarship applications are made available each summer.  Sponsor the AZA Professional Development Program and place your brand in the spotlight! To learn more, please click here.

Click on a course title below for more information.

Fall 2020

November 9 - 14, 2020 - Registration open now!
Hosted by Clayton Plaza in St. Louis, MO:

• Creating Successful Exhibits
• Population Management I
• Population Management II
• Principles of Ambassador Animal Management

Spring 2021

February 15 - 20, 2021 - Registration opens in August
Hosted by Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV: 

• Avian Management, Biology and Conservation
• Conservation Education: Effective Program Design
• Conservation Education: Leadership for an Evolving Field (NEW)
• Institutional Records Keeping
• Managing for Success: Career Development
• Managing for Success: Organizational Development
• Population Management I
• Principles of Elephant Management I 

February 27 - March 4, 2021 - Registration opens in August
Hosted by Disney's Animal Kingdom® in Orlando, FL: 

Postponements

The following courses have been postponed until further notice:

• Animal Transport for Animal Care Professionals
• Principles of Aquarium Husbandry, Design, and Leadership
• Best Practices in Animal Keeping

Questions? Contact AZA's Professional Development Program Department.