Animal Science
The biology, nutrition, and management of livestock and companion animals.
Animal science studies the biology, nutrition, breeding, and management of livestock and other animals, combining biological science with hands-on animal care and agricultural production knowledge. Many programs let students focus on a species area (dairy, poultry, equine) or a functional area (nutrition, reproduction).
Hands-on work with live animals is central, on university farms, at partner operations, or through internships, giving direct experience with animal handling and husbandry alongside the biology coursework.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓Animal Biology & Physiology
- ✓Animal Nutrition
- ✓Animal Breeding & Genetics
- ✓Animal Reproduction
- ✓Livestock Management
- ✓Animal Health & Disease
- ✓Feeds & Feeding
- ✓Applied Animal Science Practicum
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓Animal Biology & Physiology
- +General education requirement
- ✓Animal Nutrition
- +General education requirement
- ✓Animal Breeding & Genetics
- +General education requirement
- ✓Animal Reproduction
- +Free elective
- ✓Livestock Management
- +Free elective
- ✓Animal Health & Disease
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Feeds & Feeding
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Applied Animal Science Practicum
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Genuinely enjoys hands-on work with animals
- ★Interested in the biology and science behind animal care
- ★Comfortable with physical, outdoor, hands-on coursework
- ★Considering veterinary school, agriculture, or animal production careers
Common minors & double-major pairings
Biology · Agricultural Business · Chemistry
Frequently asked questions
What is a Animal Science major?
The biology, nutrition, and management of livestock and companion animals.
What courses do Animal Science majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like Animal Biology & Physiology, Animal Nutrition, Animal Breeding & Genetics, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a Animal Science program?
Animal Science coursework typically builds skills like Animal handling and husbandry, Understanding animal physiology and nutrition, Applied genetics and breeding principles, Livestock and herd management.
Is Animal Science a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Genuinely enjoys hands-on work with animals" or "Interested in the biology and science behind animal care" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What other majors pair well with Animal Science?
Common minor or double-major pairings include Biology, Agricultural Business, Chemistry.
How is Animal Science different from Veterinary Sciences (Pre-Veterinary)?
They're related but distinct. Animal Science: The biology, nutrition, and management of livestock and companion animals. Veterinary Sciences (Pre-Veterinary): A science foundation for veterinary medicine. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a Animal Science degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
Printed from majoratlas.com/majors/animal-science