Animal Sciences, BS

Animal science students focus on the biology of domesticated animals, including cattle, goats, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, as well as meat derived from the traditional meat animal species. Some attention is directed toward the companion animal species, including dogs and cats. The major emphasizes integration of biological principles from the gene to the organ to the herd or flock. Core courses in the major include animal breeding, veterinary genetics, animal physiology, reproductive physiology, comparative animal nutrition, animal health, and meat science. Additional courses include career orientation, animal handling, assessing animal welfare, biology of companion animals, composition of meat animals, human/animal symbiosis, ruminant nutrition, monogastric nutrition, sheep production, beef cattle production, swine production, equine business, livestock production in agricultural development, and laboratory techniques in mammalian gamete and embryo biology.The major offers a science track which includes math, physics, organic chemistry and biochemistry for students with interests in postgraduate work in veterinary medicine, medicine, animal science or other graduate programs. The major also offers a business emphasis which includes economics, accounting, marketing, farm management, commodity markets, agricultural finance, and other courses from the School of Business.Career opportunities exist in the meat, artificial insemination, feed, agri-business, agri-marketing and biotechnology industries. Occasionally, students have found positions within zoos. All students receive individualized attention from their academic advisor. The Department has several livestock- and meat-related scholarships. Internships and research experience are encouraged. Numerous graduates have completed double majors with Life Science Communication, Poultry Science, Genetics, and departments outside of CALS such as Spanish, according to the interests and aspirations of the student.A student majoring in animal sciences is placed in the bachelor of science degree program.  Completion of the degree program in four years is the norm.