Major Requirements

The animal sciences major offers an opportunity to apply animal biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and other life sciences to the study of animal breeding and genetics, nutrition, physiology, growth, behavior and management. The curriculum is flexible and can be applied to a great variety of species, from farm animals and pets to laboratory animals and even some exotics. Students are encouraged, with the help of a faculty advisor, to plan an individual curriculum that suits their interests and career goals.

Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in Animal Science for the major. Core Coursework and Concentration coursework cannot double-count for multiple requirements. Students must complete a petition after meeting with their academic advisor if they wish to substitute a course for a requirement. 

Students matriculated prior to Fall 2024 can access the old curriculum PDFs in Box

Core Coursework Categories

Foundational Competency (17 credits)

ANSC 1101 - Contemporary Perspective in Animal Science (Fall, 1 credit)
ANSC 1105 - Careers in Animal Science (Spring, 1 credit)
BIOAP 1100 - Domestic Animal Biology (Fall, 4 credits)
ANSC 2120 - Animal Nutrition (Fall, 4 credits)
ANSC 2210 - Principles of Animal Genetics (Spring, 4 credits)
ANSC 2400 - Biology of Reproduction (Spring, 3 credits)

Fundamentals of Animal Management (3 credits)

ANSC 2500 - Dairy Cattle Principles (Fall, 3 credits)
ANSC 2650 - Equine Biology and Management (Fall, 3 credits)
ANSC 3000 - Avian Physiology and Management (Fall, 3 credits)
ANSC 3450 - Reproductive Physiology and Management of Dairy Cattle (Spring, 3 credits)
ANSC 3600 - Beef Cattle (Spring, 3 credits)
ANSC 3800 - Sheep (Fall, 3 credits)

Ethics and Animal Welfare (3 credits)

ANSC 3100 - Introduction to Animal Welfare (Spring, 3 credits)
ANSC 4140 - Ethics and Animal Science (Spring, 3 credits)

Statistics (4 credits)

MATH 1710 - Statistical Theory and Application in the Real World (Fall, 4 credits)
STSCI 2100 - Introductory Statistics (Both, 4 credits)
STSCI 2150 - Introductory Statistics for Biology (Both, 4 credits)
STSCI 2200 - Biological Statistics I (Fall, 4 credits)

Sustainability Challenges (3 credits)

ANSC 2000 - Sustainable Food & Companion Animal Systems & Perspectives (Spring, 3 credits)
ANSC 4120 - Whole-Farm Nutrient Management (Spring, 4 credits)
ANSC 4880 - Global Food, Energy, and Water Nexus (Fall, 3 credits)
BIOEE 1540 - Introductory Oceanography (Fall, 3 credits)
BIOEE 4690 - Food, Agriculture, and Society (Spring, 3 credits)
GDEV 1300 - Just Food: Exploring the Modern Food System (Fall, 4 credits)
GDEV 3400 - Agriculture, Food, Sustainability and Social Justice (Fall, 3 credits)
NTRES 1101 - Understanding Environment and Sustainability (Fall, 3 credits)
NTRES 3220 - Global Biodiversity (Fall, 3 credits)
NTRES 4600 - Planning for Environmental Conservation and Sustainability (Fall, 3 credits)
PLBRG 2010 - Plants, Genes, and Global Food Production (Spring, 3 credits)
PLSCS 1900 - Sustainable Agriculture: Food, Farming, and the Future (Fall, 3 credits)

Concentrations

Students must select one of the concentrations below. Concentrations are chosen second semester Sophomore year with a petition required to change concentration after declaration. Note: If you are a Pre-Vet, it does NOT mean that you have to take the Pre-Vet concentration. You can take any of the five concentrations, still apply to vet school, and keep your options open. However each vet school has its own admission requirements. You are responsible to ensure you take all required courses for the vet schools you wish to apply to.

a student holds a lamb in a barn

Integrative Physiology & Nutrition

Builds a foundation of animal physiology and nutrition along with exploring several advanced elective courses. This is a great concentration for students interested in a research career and/or seeking a competitive edge in future veterinary training.

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Serves the dual purpose of providing a foundation in animal physiology and fulfilling prerequisites for veterinary schools, and other health professions.

Dairy Management

Focuses on the science, management and business skills needed to be successful in the dairy industry and the larger agricultural business environment.

Applied Animal Biology & Management

Provides a breadth of nutrition, physiology and management while allowing the opportunity to explore electives.

Animal Ecology & Conservation

Explore the ecological and sustainability impact in the field of Animal Science along with a strong foundation in core physiological principles.