There is increased scrutiny and concern for the welfare of animals used in research, education, food production, and companionship. Animal sciences departments have an opportunity and responsibility to provide education and expertise regarding animal welfare. Our general University learning goals include critical and creative thinking, quantitative reasoning, scientific and information literacy, communication skills, global diversity and integration of learning. The overall objective of the present study was to assess the effect of animal welfare and animal rights course on university learning goals of critical, creative thinking and communication skills related to animal welfare issues. A survey was conducted at the beginning and at the end of the semester. A total of 61 students (84% female and primarily third year) voluntarily answered the survey (questions ranked in a 5-point Likert scale) to assess perceptions and effectiveness of the course to achieve these goals. The course included discussions, assigned readings, term papers and a team project where students prepared a topic related to animal welfare and presented it to community groups (seniors, elementary school students, and high school students). At the end of the semester students agreed or strongly agreed that “this course increased their ability to define, analyze and solve problems” (90.2%, 55/61); “understand diverse philosophical viewpoints and cultural perspectives” (92%, 56/61); “evaluate arguments based on evidence” (88.5%, 54/61); “tailor messages to audiences” (90.2%, 55/61); “express concepts and beliefs in a coherent, concise and technically correct form” (98.3% 59/61) and “speak with comfort in front of groups” (95%, 58/61). Students felt this course improved and increased their ability to solve problems, engage in discussions with members of the society and also increased their ability to effectively learn.