MS Animal Science

The multiple facets of animal sciences provide current information on the different production methods involved in the care and management of companion animals, livestock, and poultry. These facets address the production of meat, milk, eggs, wool, and other animal services such as companionship, work, and recreation. In addition, the department addresses the care/wellbeing of animals as it impacts and enhances the human-animal bond. Essential to this information is the knowledge generated from the field of animal behavior/bioethics, genetics, nutrition, reproduction, and physiology.

The curriculum designates university and departmental requirements for the BS degree in Animal Sciences. There are five specialized program options students can choose to pursue: Animal Behavior, Animal BioHealth/Pre-Professional, Animal Production, Equine, and Rangeland Sciences. Diverse teaching and research programs allow students to gain skills, knowledge, and practical experience. This will prepare students graduating from the program to pursue an assortment of employment opportunities. Potential employment areas may include farm and ranch management; product quality assessment of meat, poultry, eggs, and milk; the Cooperative Extension Service; sales or technical service with commercial feed, seed, and chemical companies and pharmaceutical firms; agricultural loan officer positions; government agency positions at local, state, and federal levels; animal welfare auditing; animal behavior consulting; business management; and journalism, mass media, and public policy. In addition, students are prepared to go on to advanced studies in animal sciences, veterinary medicine, pharmacy school, human medicine, nursing school, dental school, and education.