a woman holds a horse's headstall while another woman brushes the horse

Undergraduate Studies

Why Animal Science?

Words cannot fully express how much I have learned and experienced through my education in the Animal Science Department. The learning has been hands-on, practical, and constantly challenged me to think critically every day. When I first came to Cornell, I did not know exactly what I would learn, but I can confidently say I learned far more than I ever imagined possible.

-Animal Science '26 Graduate

four students lean in around a table where they are drawing a fish on paper

~70%

students

participate in undergraduate research

~85%

students

graduate either employed or accepted to graduate school

a young man nurses a lamb with a bottle
Work directly with animals
a man holds a duck as he walks through a barn with a woman
Animal Science Major

Join students and professors to learn about animal biology and management and to explore the challenges of today’s animal systems.

Cornell student with horse in barn

Minors

Veterinarian and vet student play with puppy
BS/DVM Accelerated Pathway

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) have established a 7-year BS/DVM pathway for those looking for an accelerated route to a veterinary degree.

Explore the undergraduate experience

four women stand together dressed in graduation gowns

Animal Science Learning Outcomes

Upon graduating with the Animal Science major, students should be able to:

  • Apply integrated principles of nutrition, physiology, and genetics to define issues, enable reasoning, and devise solutions for progress in animal health and production.
  • Demonstrate hands-on skills for optimal care and management of farm and companion animals.
  • Apply principles of animal welfare to guide evolving practices for the ethical treatment and management of animals.
  • Articulate the environmental impacts of animal agriculture and develop sustainable practices to mitigate any adverse local and global effects.
  • Communicate effectively to deliver evolving scientific content in animal science to producers and the public.
  • Employ analytical skills to think critically, identify knowledge gaps and devise solutions to animal-related issues relevant to health and well-being of society.

For More Information

Undergraduate Program Coordinator 
128 Morrison Hall
Email: ANSC_Undergrad [at] cornell.edu (ANSC_Undergrad[at]cornell[dot]edu)