Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

The undergraduate program in animal science, which leads to the Bachelor of Science degree, is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers by establishing a strong basic science foundation combined with practical experience with agricultural animals at the multiple farm facilities located near campus. Graduates may be employed in farm ownership, management, marketing, agribusiness, finance, manufacturing, public relations, extension, or consulting. Graduates often attend veterinary or graduate school. Scientific principles of biology and animal science are important components of the program and are combined with opportunities to apply fundamental principles learned in class to farm management. The animal science major also provides students with flexibility. Academic advisors guide students in the development of a planned program of study that is consistent with their interests and goals. All students in animal science must complete a set of required core courses including breeding and genetics, nutrition, physiology, and management. These principles are taught using horses, dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine, poultry, sheep and companion animals. Students must choose from one of the following concentrations: animal industry, companion and exotic animal biology, animal biology/pre-veterinary, or production animal scholars. The animal industry concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in managing animal operations. Marketing, sales, and production of animals and animal products offer numerous employment opportunities. The companion and exotic animal biology concentration prepares students for careers in the areas of small animal nutrition, pet food sales, and captive and small animal management. Students may also use their elective credits to complete the pre-veterinary requirements and apply to the College of Veterinary Medicine. The animal biology/pre-veterinary concentration is designed for students who are interested in an advanced degree in animal science or a career in veterinary medicine. The requirements for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine are included in the requirements for this concentration. The production animal scholar’s concentration is a cooperative effort between the Department of Animal Science and the College of Veterinary Medicine. The concentration is for students committed to a career in food animal management and medicine and provides an admissions pathway to Production Medicine Scholars in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Students must (1) declare the concentration when they reach junior standing; (2) submit a formal application for the production animal scholar’s concentration; (3) demonstrate a commitment to livestock agriculture, excluding horses, through youth activities, family experiences, employment, internships, extracurricular activities, and other participation in the livestock industry. After completion of the production animal scholar’s concentration, students will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. Students may then enter veterinary college or pursue a career in farm-based, agricultural veterinary practice. Students completing this concentration must complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science prior to matriculation into the College of Veterinary Medicine. Students interested in pursuing the admissions pathway to Production Medicine Scholars in the College of Veterinary Medicine should see the College of Veterinary Medicine section of this catalog for further information. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.