About the B.S. in Animal Science
Students majoring in animal science for the B.S. degree may choose to focus on one of two concentrations: science and industry. The department also directs the pre-professional course preparation for veterinary medicine, two equine undergraduate certificate programs, and a minor in animal science. All concentrations prepare students for careers in all facets of livestock production and companion animal science. Regardless of concentration, students majoring in animal science are expected to successfully complete coursework in general animal science, domestic animal anatomy, animal physiology, nutrition, feeding, meat science, reproductive physiology, genetics, animal welfare and ethics, and animal production/experiences.
The science concentration provides advanced training in basic sciences to prepare students for study toward an advanced degree. The science concentration is recommended for students interested in pursuing a post-baccalaureate graduate degree in livestock, equine, food, meat, veterinary, ruminant nutrition, animal health, range, ranch management, and other agricultural sciences. Students with Pre-Veterinary Medicine and other pre-professional health interests (pre-clinical laboratory sciences; pre-dentistry; pre-medicine; pre-occupational therapy; pre-optometry; pre-pharmacy; pre-physical therapy; pre-physician assistant; and pre-speech, language, and hearing sciences) can major in animal science as most professional school prerequisite courses are included in this degree concentration.
The industry concentration is flexible and provides students with the opportunity to diversify their coursework or focus on areas of interest. This industry concentration is recommended for those with career interest in livestock production, animal business, animal physiology, equine and equine assisted services, meat science and muscle biology, companion animal science, and animal welfare. Course offerings in this concentration focus on topics across a wide range of subjects related to live animal production, animal food systems, and one-health. Students interested in pre-nursing can major in animal science and complete their nursing school prerequisite courses in the Industry concentration.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all animal science courses required for graduation. Students must also earn a grade of C or better in courses used as substitutions for animal science courses. In addition, students are expected to participate in a transformative learning opportunity (internship, research, service learning, study abroad, entrepreneurship, intercollegiate competitive team, or another transformative, high-impact learning experience identified by department advisor) prior to graduation. 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 three required courses: ANSC 3100 , ANSC 3401 , and at least one of the following: ANSC 4303 , ANSC 4401 , ANSC 4402 , ANSC 4403 , ANSC 4405 , ANSC 4408 , or ANSC 4411 .
