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Overview

Animal Science majors enjoy a broad and extraordinarily flexible curriculum. In addition to animal biology, they study biochemistry, molecular biology, and other life sciences as well as animal breeding, anatomy, management, nutrition, and physiology. They apply what they learn to livestock, poultry, pets, laboratory animals, exotic creatures, and pretty much every organism that can be domesticated in any way. An Animal Science major will make you very appealing to employers straight out of college. It's also very good if you think you might want to go to graduate school or professional school. And if a major in Animal Science isn't the best training for veterinary school, it's definitely right up there.

In addition to learning about the basic principles of biology, biotechnology, and natural science, you'll likely gain a broad understanding of livestock operations and the agriculture industry if you major in Animal Science. Most Animal Science curriculums are designed to provide plenty of practical instruction in the biological, physical, and economic aspects of animal management. In other words, when you graduate, you'll know your way around a barn.

SAMPLE CURRICULUM

  • Animal Growth and Development

  • Animal Nutrition

  • Animal Physiology

  • Animal Reproduction

  • Basic Concepts of Animal Science

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Dairy Systems Management

  • Equine Science

  • Feeds and Feeding

  • Introduction to Agriculture

  • Livestock Selection and Evaluation

  • Meat Science

  • Most Animal Science majors specialize. Examples of specializations include specific animals (e.g., cattle, poultry, and sheep) as well as business, genetics, and nutrition. There's even a communication specialty at some schools. Whatever your specialization, you are likely to take several of these classes.

  • Physics


HIGH SCHOOl PREPARATION

If you think you might major in Animal Science, try to get as many physical sciences courses as you can while you are in high school. Courses in chemistry and biology are essential. Obviously, if your high school offers agriculture courses, you should take them.