About the B.S. in Animal Science
The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science prepares students for careers and advanced study across animal agriculture, food systems, equine and companion animal sciences, and related agricultural disciplines. Students select one of two concentrations—Science or Industry—while completing a common core of required animal science coursework that ensures a strong disciplinary foundation and shared learning outcomes.
All Animal Science majors complete the following required core courses: ANSC 1100 , ANSC 1401 , ANSC 2307 , ANSC 3301 , ANSC 3401 , ANSC 3403 , and a choice of three Production courses. Beyond this core, students may individualize their degree plan through animal or food science courses, directed electives or elective coursework, minors, certificates, and other approved academic experiences aligned with their professional goals.
Regardless of concentration, the curriculum emphasizes animal biology, physiology, nutrition, reproduction, animal breeding, animal welfare and ethics, meat and food systems, animal production systems, and applied principles. The degree integrates experiential learning inside and outside the classroom to prepare graduates for a dynamic and evolving animal and food systems workforce.
The Science concentration provides advanced preparation in the biological and physical sciences to support students pursuing graduate or professional education. This concentration is recommended for students interested in research-oriented, analytical, or clinical pathways that require strong quantitative, laboratory, and problem-solving skills.
Graduates of the Science concentration are prepared for careers and advanced study in animal and veterinary sciences, animal health, nutrition, physiology, animal breeding, meat and food sciences, livestock production systems, and related agricultural science disciplines. The concentration also supports students pursuing pre-professional pathways, including veterinary medicine and other health professions, as many prerequisite courses are embedded within the degree plan.
Students in this concentration are strongly encouraged to participate in undergraduate research, honors coursework, competitive teams, and other high-impact learning experiences, including clinical veterinary and animal experience, that support graduate and professional school readiness.
The Industry concentration offers flexibility for students seeking careers in applied animal sciences, production systems, and service-oriented or enterprise-based fields. Coursework may be tailored to emphasize livestock and equine production, companion animal science, animal welfare, meat and food systems, equine-assisted services, or livestock industry enterprise and management.
Graduates of the Industry concentration are prepared for careers in livestock and equine enterprises, animal-based organizations, food and agricultural industries, extension and outreach, animal welfare organizations, equine and companion animal services, and related professional fields. The flexible structure also allows students to complete prerequisite coursework for select professional programs, including nursing and other similar applied health fields, when coordinated with a departmental advisor.
Experiential learning is a central component of this concentration, with opportunities including internships, service learning, entrepreneurship, competitive teams, and industry-embedded coursework.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all required Animal Science courses, as well as in any course used as a substitution for a required Animal Science course. In addition to coursework, all Animal Science majors are expected to complete at least one transformative, high-impact learning experience prior to graduation. Approved experiences include internships, undergraduate research, service learning, study abroad, entrepreneurship, leadership, intercollegiate competitive teams, or another department-approved experiential activity identified in consultation with a departmental advisor. All electives and individualized coursework are subject to departmental advisor approval to ensure academic rigor and alignment with degree outcomes.
Communication Literacy Requirement in Animal Science
Communication literacy in Animal Science is demonstrated through the ability to locate, interpret, and critically evaluate animal science information and to communicate that knowledge effectively to diverse audiences. Students develop these skills through scientific and popular literature analysis, written communication, and oral presentation. Communication literacy is assessed in the following 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 .
