Animal Science Major & Minor

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.

CALS seeks students who maintain a rigorous high school curriculum and demonstrate an outstanding record of academic achievement. Admissions requirements include:

• 4 Units of English

• 4 Units of Mathematics (including pre-calculus, calculus recommended)

• 3 Units of Science (biology, chemistry and physics recommended)

• Also recommended: statistics

• Agriculture courses are strongly encouraged

Foundational Competency

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

Fundamentals of Animal Management

One of the following courses:
ANSC 2500 - Dairy Cattle Principles (3 credits)
ANSC 2650 - Equine Biology and Management (3 credits)
ANSC 3600 - Beef Cattle (3 credits - offered in even- numbered years only)
ANSC 3800 - Sheep (3 credits - offered in odd- numbered years only)
ANSC 3850 - Dairy Sheep Management (3 credits)

Professional Values and Responsibility

ANSC 1105 - Careers in Animal Science (1 credit)

As well as one of the following courses:
ANSC 3100 - Introduction to Animal Welfare (2 credits)
ANSC 4140 - Ethics and Animal Science (2 credits)

ePortfolio

All students will design an ePortfolio through Digication showcasing their learning experience and highlighting plans as they progress through the Animal Science major. The ePortfolios need to be updated and presented to Faculty advisors at the end of each semester. A primer for launching ePortfolios will be part of ANSC 1105. Any questions about ePortfolio should be directed to the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Lindsay Glasner (lig27 [at] cornell.edu (lig27[at]cornell[dot]edu)).

Concentrations

Students must select one of the following concentrations. View the course requirements for each concentration by clicking on the links below. Concentrations should be chosen no later than Junior year. 

• Integrative Physiology and Nutrition
• Pre-Veterinary Medicine
• Dairy Management
• Applied Animal Biology and Interdisciplinary Studies

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 above 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.

ANSC 2210 – Principles of Animal Genetics

Examination of basic genetic principles and their application to the improvement of domestic animals, with emphasis on the effects of selection on animal populations and an introduction to the application of molecular techniques to animal improvement.

ANSC 3510 – Dairy Herd Management

Application of scientific principles to practical herd management with components of reproduction, milking, housing, records and production economics. Laboratories emphasize practical applications, analyses of alternatives, decision-making, field trips and discussion.

ANSC 3700 – Immunology in Animal Health and Disease 

Discuss concepts in immunology, with a focus on those that are important to domestic animal health and disease prevention. Immunological principles applied to understand current literature, research, and practices.

Students specializing in animal science have the opportunity, with the help of their advisors, to develop a curriculum that fulfills individual interests and allows a broad selection of courses. For example, a student interested in a production-oriented career might take courses in agronomy, farm management, agricultural engineering and economics to complement their animal science courses.

On the other hand, students with a more basic interest in animal biology might take organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and other courses in the biological and physical sciences. While one student may be captivated by the molecular biology of the developing embryo, a classmate may be equally fascinated by the nutrition in the domestic cat or by the mathematics of genetic selection in the horse. No two students need to have identical programs.

Cornell’s Animal Science major also offers students the opportunity to:

• Graduate with distinction in research
• Receive top-notch training for careers in the dairy industry through the Dairy Fellows Program

All students are encouraged to take advantage of one or more opportunities for internships, a semester abroad, independent research or honors thesis research, as appropriate. For research or the Honor's Program in Research, consult with your advisor. Your advisor can help you identify possible internship opportunities and CALS has an office available to assist you. 

Resources:

• Finding an Internship, Summer Job, or Full-time Job
• CALS International Opportunities for Undergraduates
• Cornell Abroad - the Office of Global Learning at Cornell University

Each student in the animal science major is assigned a faculty advisor. Your advisor plays several roles: guiding you through the requirements of the major and the College distribution requirements; helping you to clarify your educational and career goals; suggesting courses to help you meet your particular educational interests and career goals; and serving as a source of information about opportunities and services available to you through the College and University (e.g., study abroad, internships, career counseling, health and psychological services). If you make the effort to get to know your advisor, she or he also may serve as a reference for you for internships, jobs, or graduate school.

• Student at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine
• Licensed Veterinary Technician
• Biotechnologist
• Animal genetic counselor
• Livestock/dairy manager
• Agriculture Research Analyst
• Dairy Farm Manager
• Dairy Cattle Nutrition Consultant
• Business Analyst