Online Class: Cryptozoology 101

An online course providing students with accurate information in an unbiased format so they can decide for themselves if each cryptid (a creature of cryptozoology) is real, a myth, a hoax or a misidentified animal.
Self-Paced, Online Class
Library Subscription
 
  • 17
    Lessons
  • 22
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 6
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.6
    CEUs
  •  
    Video Audit
    Available
 
 

Course Description

The field of cryptozoology is considered a true science by some and by others it ranks somewhere in between UFOlogy and paranormal research. Our goal with this course is to provide students with the most accurate and factual information available, presenting it in an unbiased format so that students can decide for themselves if each cryptid (a creature of cryptozoology) is real, a myth, a hoax or a misidentified animal. 

The course begins by introducing students to cryptozoology and examining the true definition of this interesting field of research. While many who are unfamiliar with the field may dismiss it as "ridiculous", there is a scientific basis for its merit, including the discovery and capture of animals that were once thought only to be of myth and legend, like the platypus, for instance.

Section two of the course focuses on the most popular cryptid of all time: Bigfoot. This huge, hair-covered creature has mystified mankind for centuries. Students will be able to read intriguing stories of sightings, see still photographs of evidence and read what experts have to say about Bigfoot's identity.

The third part of this course focuses on other famous cryptids, including the Loch Ness Monster, Chupacabras, Mokele-Mbembe or "living dinosaurs", and Thunderbird. Each has its own cult-like following of believers intent on proving that their beloved creature does indeed exist.

The last part of the course deals with cryptids that are specific to one area but whose stories have been sensationalized all across the nation. Whether it's the catchy name, like "Dover Demon" or the twilight zone-like stories, these cryptids are known worldwide and most locals are proud to live in their made-famous-by-a-cryptid town.
 
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Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.7 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,951 votes)

  • Lesson 1: What is Cryptozoology?

    In this section, you will learn about cryptozoology, cryptids and the basis for their study. This will include learning about some of the many zoologically-recognized animals that were once cryptids.

  • Lesson 2: The Foundations of Cryptozoology

    Given past findings, cryptozoologists believe that the search for cryptids is not only meaningful, but is one of the most fruitful paths toward zoological discovery.

  • Lesson 3: Famous Cryptozoologists

    Here is a condensed list of some of most highly-regarded and dedicated researchers in cryptozoology.

  • Lesson 4: Existing Species That Were Once Cryptids

    Here is a list of animals now classified in zoology that were once thought to be just myths and legends.

  • Lesson 5: Living Species Previously Thought to be Extinct

    Here is a partial list of animals that prove that there may indeed be many more animals waiting to be brought out of "extinction".

  • Lesson 6: What Keeps Unnamed Species Hidden?

    Many species may go unnoticed due to their environment and their biological makeup.

  • Lesson 7: Understanding Bigfoot

    In this section, you will learn about the origin of Bigfoot and hear the stories that began the sensationalism that surrounds this creature today. The amount of sightings and evidence is massive, however, for this course we chose to focus on the informati

  • Lesson 8: Bigfoot Evidence

    While no researcher has produced any skeletal remains of Bigfoot, there has been an incredible amount of evidence collected that points to the existence of Bigfoot.

  • Lesson 9: Sightings: Tales or Truths?

    The following lesson is a list of the most famous of Bigfoot sightings.

  • Lesson 10: Loch Ness Monster and Other Sea Serpents

    This section focuses on some of the most interesting, and equally mysterious, cryptids. For each creature, you'll find information on its origin, as well as theories, sightings and evidence to help prove or disprove its existence.

  • Lesson 11: Chupacabras

    This lesson discusses blood-sucking creatures and the notorious Chupacabra.

  • Lesson 12: Mokele-Mbembe

    While these creatures are thought to spend most of their time underwater, they have been reportedly seen lifting their heads and necks up, crossing swamps and even tramping through the rainforests.

  • Lesson 13: Thunderbird

    While there have been sightings of huge birds in various countries throughout the world, Thunderbirds are native to the United States.

  • Lesson 14: Mothman

    While it seems almost every region across the world has its own "local legend", this section focuses on those that have the biggest following and who have received the most amount of media attention. One thing is for sure, each makes for an interesting re

  • Lesson 15: Jersey Devil

    The Jersey Devil is most often described as having the head of a horse, a long neck, skinny legs with hooves, and large bat-like wings.

  • Lesson 16: Dover Demon

    Three teenagers in Dover, Massachusetts claimed to each have a separate encounter with a creature that would later be dubbed the Dover Demon.

  • Lesson 17: Cryptozoology Websites

    Additional Resources: Websites
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define cryptozoology.
  • Summarize the origins of cryptozoology.
  • Summarize the famous cryptozoologists.
  • Summarize the existing species that were once cryptids.
  • Summarize which species were previously thought to be extinct.
  • Summarize what keeps unnamed species hidden.
  • Describe what bigfoot is and compare and contract various evidence of its existence.
  • Summarize the history of sightings and evidence of the Loch Ness Monster.
  • Summarize the history of sightings and evidence of the Chupacabra, Mokele-Mbembe, Thunderbird, Mothman, Jersey Devil, and Dover Demon.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Cryptozoology 101
Course Number: 9770642
Lessons Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars (2,951 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
Last Updated: February 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.6 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

  • "It was a lot of fun to take this course, now I know a lot more about unidentified creatures. It was fun learning about all of the tales and stories about these mysterious creatures. I had a good time taking this class." -- Dahlia G.
  • "I thought this course was very good and very informative. I enjoyed how each lesson was laid out and filled with so much information." -- Shawn G.
  • "The course was presented very well. The instructor was very knowledgeable and the lesson were easy to follow." -- John C.
  • "This was a wonderful course. To be honest I was blown away with the fact that you actually graded the essay questions. The effort put in by the instructor was 10/10 and made the class that much better!" -- Devon M.
  • "I loved how this course was presented and laid out. I learn best with the reading and reference sources." -- Kelly T.
  • "I enjoyed the information that was presented! It was a good introduction to this varied topic." -- Helen L.
  • "Great course. I really learned a lot." -- Jimmy B.
  • "Good course!" -- Lisa S.
  • "I enjoyed the course. Working on papers again brought back memories of college. Thank you." -- Thomas C.
  • "I enjoyed the WebLinks. I liked the videos that were shown. It was nice to see what I had just read about." -- Thomas C.

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