College of Agriculture

BS in Animal Science

Program Highlights

Students and faculty stand next to a cow

Students will participate in learning activities and/or undergraduate research experiences at the Agricultural Teaching and Research Center.

Numerous students conduct supervised research projects at the Paul L. Byrne Memorial Agricultural Teaching and Research Center and go on to present their findings at regional and national conference.

Animal Science students and faculty access a rumen cannula to obtain rumen fluid samples to help determine the digestibility of brewer's grains. The research is a collaborative effort between Dr. Kasey DeAtley, Dr. Dave Daley, and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

students operate milking machines

Our students participate in immersive, hands-on learning experiences at the Agricultural Teaching and Research Center.

Students are responsible for all aspects of Our Organic Dairy Program, ensuring that they are learning all facets of organic dairy production practice.

Student Involvement

Students will participate in College of Agriculture student clubs and teams, conferences, activities and/or field days to provide them with additional skill development not addressed in coursework.

Our students participate in renowned teams, clubs and organizations that cultivate leadership and teamwork.

the academic quadrathlon team smiles on set at KIXE-TV
Academic Quadrathalon

The Academic Quadrathlon team made a guest appearance on KIXE-TV’s talk show The Forum to discuss their outstanding achievement of placing first at the Western Section Regional Academic Quadrathlon for the second year in a row. Team members Emily Dulany, Jamie Connor and Rebecca Swanson did an illustrious job representing the CSU, Chico College of Agriculture during the segment.

the academic quadathlon team poses in front of the OSU sign
Western Section ASAS Quadrathalon

For the second year in a row, four animal science students at California State University, Chico took first place in the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Western Section Academic Quadrathlon in Corvallis, Oregon in April 2017.

Livestock team
Livestock Judging Team

The California State University, Chico’s livestock judging team spent 20 days on the road during the 2017 winter break.

students and advisor pose on the SLO campus
California Association of Meat Processors Conference

Four students and their advisor, Dr. Michael Chao, traveled to San Luis Obispo for the California Association of Meat Processor (CAMP) Annual Conference to meet and collaborate with meat industry professionals and educators from throughout the state.

Ana Zepeda shows off her poster
HACU Annual Conference

Senior Ana Zepeda attended the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) 30th annual conference in October 2016. HACU brings Hispanic-serving institutions together to collaborate and showcase the best and most promising practices in the education of Hispanics.

students and willie the wildcat
CAL Program

The Center for Agricultural Leadership (CAL) Theme Housing(opens in new window) provides a supportive environment for freshmen agriculture students to build bonds and develop leadership abilities. This unique and exciting environment fosters academic success and enhances opportunities for students to develop strong relationships with those who share similar career objectives.

Outstanding Faculty in the College of Agriculture

Outstanding faculty are the backbone of our college and the driving force behind our students' success. Read more about the achievements of some of our outstanding educators below.

Celina Phillips

Animal Science professor Dr. Celina Phillips was named Outstanding Academic Advisor during the 2016-17 academic year. Dr. Phillips joined CSU, Chico faculty in 2005. Dr. Phillips' research interests center on forage utilization by ruminants and incorporating research into her teaching efforts. She believes strongly in experiential learning and making sure that students of agriculture have ample opportunities to develop necessary skills to be successful.

Patrick Doyle

Dr. Patrick Doyle, professor of Animal Science and Program Coordinator for the College of Agriculture, has an outstanding grant and publication record and excels as a classroom instructor. He has served as the primary or co-primary investigator for more than $915,000 in grants. He has published one textbook, two refereed journal articles, and more than 16 abstracts, technical reports, and proceedings. Without an on-campus graduate program in the college, Dr. Doyle brings his research into the classroom, recruiting and supporting undergraduate research opportunities. He is co-coach of the Western Section and National Champion American Society of Animal Science Quadrathlon Team and the National Collegiate Beef Quiz Bowl National Champion Team.