Animals have many important roles in human societies including the provision of food and fiber, draft power, recreational and athletic activities, and companionship. In addition, animals and their interactions with humans have environmental consequences. Processing, preservation, and quality of animal-derived foods significantly affect human health and economics. Animal Sciences involves studying and applying the basic principles of nutrition, reproduction, and genetics to the production, management, and care of animals including horses, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, and other domesticated species.
Students studying Animal Sciences come from varied backgrounds with interests ranging from livestock and poultry production and management to marketing and public relations; from public education and extension to graduate training in research and teaching and veterinary medicine. No matter what species you have an interest in, the Animal Sciences major will allow you to combine your interest with your desire for an exciting and rewarding career.
As an Animal Sciences major, students have the opportunity to pursue specific interests by selecting one of two study options: Pre-Professional or Animal Enterprises and Production. The Pre-Professional option is a rigorous program of study for students interested in veterinary medicine, human medicine, and graduate research. Students must consult with the pre-professional advisor or graduate school advisor of the university to which they intend on applying for additional or specific requirements. The Animal Enterprises and Production option is for students interested in focusing on animal production and management, including allied areas of agronomy, agricultural economics, and business. Within the Animal Enterprises and Production option, students may choose a) no specialization b) equine specialization or c) food animal specialization.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for careers working directly with livestock and companion animals or in closely related fields like agronomy, agribusiness, research, government, or education. Employment opportunities include those focused on agricultural sales, animal health inspection, animal nutrition, Extension, farm management, laboratory animal management, livestock production management, research, veterinary pharmaceutical sales, and other related fields. Students will also be prepared to enter professional programs focused on animal health or human health as well as graduate programs in agriculture, biological sciences, and related fields.
Graduation Requirements
To earn the Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences, the student must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours with at least a 2.0 grade-point average. A minimum of 45 credit hours must be from upper division courses (300 level and above). Remedial courses may not be counted toward the total hours required for the degree.