About

As a major, animal science provides flexibility, allowing academic advisors to guide students through a program of study that is consistent with their interests and goals.

Scientific principles of biology and animal science are taught using horses, dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine, poultry, sheep and companion animals. Students apply classroom principles to animal science labs and the teaching and research centers on campus.

Animal science encompasses livestock production, marketing, public affairs, transportation, processing, research, companion animal management and a myriad of allied specialties.

Animal science majors explore advances in animal feeding, breeding, reproduction and management techniques as well as improvements in other agricultural practices. Students start with a strong foundation in science and combine it with a practical experience with agricultural animals. Graduates will be prepared for employment in farm ownership, management, marketing, agribusiness, finance, manufacturing, public relations, Extension, education or consulting. Graduates often attend veterinary medicine or graduate school.

The animal science major provides some flexibility, allowing academic advisors to guide students in the development of a program of study that is consistent with their interests and goals. All students are required to complete a set of core courses in breeding and genetics, nutrition, physiology and management. Scientific principles of biology and animal science are taught using horses, dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine, poultry, sheep and companion animals, and students have opportunities to apply these principles in classrooms, animal science laboratories, and the MSU animal science teaching and research centers at the south end of campus.

Students choose one of the following concentrations:

• The animal industry concentration prepares graduates for careers in marketing, sales, production, animal products and animal management operations.

• Animal biology/preveterinary is designed for students interested in an advanced degree in animal science or a career in veterinary medicine. The requirements for admission to the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine are included in the requirements for this concentration.

• The companion and exotic animal biology concentration prepares students for careers in small animal nutrition, pet food sales, and captive and small animal management. Students may also use elective credits to complete the preveterinary requirements and apply to the College of Veterinary Medicine.

• The production animal scholars concentration is for students committed to a career in food animal management and medicine. It provides an admissions pathway to production medicine scholars in the College of Veterinary Medicine.