Animal Science Overview
Animal Science Prepares You Professionally for the Future
Your interest in animals and science may hold the key to an exciting future in the animal industry - a field that includes many more career choices than you might imagine. As a U of A graduate with a degree in Animal Science, you'll join a group that finds good jobs and productive careers. You will be prepared for jobs in...
Feed and feed additive sales and technical services Cooperative Extension Service Production management Management and promotion of commodity Processing and marketing of livestock products Banking for agricultural ventures Quality control and regulatory compliance
Or you may choose to continue your education and become one of the following professionals:
Professional School
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Medical Doctor DDS Law School
Graduate School
M.S. Ph.D.
Your Education will Make You Ready to Deal with Change
Your interest and work in animal science will prepare you for the dynamic, ever-changing agricultural environment. You'll gain leadership, communication and problem-solving skill and technical knowledge that will help you be flexible and adaptable to future job market conditions.
Your teachers will work closely with you as you learn to apply scientific principles to the production of beef, dairy, swine, horses and companion animals. You'll also learn computerized management of animal genetics, health, reproduction and nutrition. An academic advisor will help you select classes and design an educational program to fit your career goals.
Animal Science course options include the following:
Animal Breeding Beef, Swine, Horse, Sheep or Milk Production Animal Nutrition Companion Animal Management Equine Science Diseases of Farm Animals Reproductive Physiology Live animal and carcass evaluation
Personalize Your Degree To Fit Your Special Interests
You will need a set of core courses, but you have the freedom to customize your degree. Our program requires that you take courses in the biological and physical sciences, communications, humanities and social sciences, and agriculture as well as in your major field of animal science.
Depending on your personal interests, you may take additional science and math to prepare you for veterinary or graduate school. You may decide to minor in business for a career in management, or in journalism to write on agricultural topics. You may also choose any of the 13 minors offered in the College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.
Learning Is a Pleasure with Your Friends and Teachers
An agricultural background is not needed for you to be comfortable in animal science. You'll make friends, get to know your teachers, have fun and grow professionally when you join clubs such as the Animal Industries Club, the Block and Bridle Club or the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club. As an animal science student you may compete for positions on the Livestock Judging Team and travel to participate in regional competitions. In addition, you may compete on the Academic Quadrathlon Team at local and regional contests.
You'll Find Job Opportunities That Will Boost Your Career
Your experience as an animal science student will include resources such as the University's extensive farms, modern laboratories and computing facilities. You may want to join other students and take a part-time job to help pay for your education. Some of the jobs include helping with the care and safety of animals, processing data and helping with laboratory experiments. Internships are also available with companies specializing in animal products. With an internship you will gain hands-on experience and learn by participating.