Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science is a science-based program stressing production and management of livestock, with an emphasis on food animal nutrition, reproduction, genetics, and growth. The major in Animal Science is designed to provide the student with a sound foundation in the science upon which the production of food animals depends. Students learn to integrate business, animal production, plant production, and issues which face the agricultural industry in today's sensitive food production environment.

The Requirements:

General Education: 

All students are required to take approximately 40 units of "general education" towards their degree. General education cover a variety of educational requirements including critical thinking, mathematics, writing, arts, humanities, and social sciences. The purpose of "GE" classes is to provide a diverse, educational foundation and allow students to explore a variety of disciplines.

Agriculture has several courses throughout the GE curriculum that can be used for student's degrees.

Animal Science Major: 

Students who choose to major in Animal Science will take a foundation of classes in Animal Science, Plant Science, Agribusiness, and Statistics. It is essential for any student of agriculture to understand the interactions of animals, plants, the environment and to be able to make sound business decisions. Animal Science students are also required to take production classes (in the major areas of beef, sheep, swine, dairy, and meats). Developing an understanding of the plant-animal-soil interface is essential, therefore students must also take a class that has ecological principles (Ecology, Range, or Forages). Students have a variety of space in their curriculum for electives that can allow them to tailor their programs to fit their career goals.

Interested in Veterinary Medicine? 

Many of our students are interested in pursuing careers in veterinary medicine. We have a program that allows students interested in veterinary medicine to meet the basic vet school requirements, in a timely fashion. What makes our program unique is the quantity of large animal exposure our students receive. Our program is structured around large, food-producing animals like beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep and pigs, and as a result, students in our program have the chance to work with these animals. Our faculty are experts in large, food animal production and management and that is the focus of our program!