About the B.S. in Animal Science
Students majoring in animal science for the B.S. degree may choose to focus on one of nine concentrations: animal business, production, science, meat science, equine production, equine science, equine assisted therapy, companion animal science, and companion animal science (pre-veterinary). In addition, the department also directs the pre-professional course preparation for veterinary medicine and the Equine Science Certificate Program.
For students majoring in animal science, the Business Concentration prepares them for careers in all facets of livestock production and subsidiary support services by blending animal science with business and economics courses. The Production Concentration provides the latest scientific principles for efficient livestock production, marketing, and processing. The Science Concentration provides training in advanced basic sciences to prepare students for study toward an advanced degree. The Meat Science Concentration prepares students in meat processing, science, and safety.
The equine emphasis options are designed to prepare students for careers in the equine industry. The Equine Science Concentration provides training in advanced basic sciences to prepare students for study towards an advanced degree with equine emphasis. The Equine Production Concentration is designed to prepare students to enter the equine industry with training in all aspects of equine management. The Equine Assisted Therapy Concentration is a specialized concentration to prepare students for a career in the field of equine therapy and handicapped rehabilitation.
The Companion Animal Science Concentration prepares students for careers working with companion animals, while the Companion Animal Science (Pre-Veterinary) Concentration prepares students for post-graduate training in veterinary medicine.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all animal science courses required for graduation. In addition, students are required to participate in an internship or research experience to fulfill graduation requirements. All electives are subject to departmental approval.
Students planning to apply to Veterinary Medicine School have the option to apply for admission during their junior year. Students who are admitted to a Veterinary Medicine School prior to completing their bachelor’s degree in Animal Science can attend Veterinary Medicine School and then transfer their first year of credits back to TTU and receive their Animal Science B.S. degree. Students who desire to complete this option need to communicate with their advisor in order to work out their degree plan accordingly. To be eligible for this option, students will be required to complete 92 to 94 credit hours toward degree, under the direction of an Animal Science advisor, prior to attending Veterinary Medicine School.
Communication Literacy Requirement in Animal Science
Communication literacy in Animal Science is evidenced by competence in finding, reading, and interpreting animal science material; and communicating (both written and oral) an understanding of the material. This is accomplished through the analysis of literature—both scientific and popular press, as well as through writing and public speaking to a variety of audiences with diverse educational backgrounds. These skills will be assessed in four required courses: ACOM 2302 or ENGL 2311 ; ANSC 3100 ; ANSC 3401 ; and at least one of the following: ANSC 4401 , ANSC 4402 , ANSC 4403 , ANSC 4405 , or ANSC 4408 .
