B.S. in Animal Sciences
Animals have important roles in human societies including the provision of food and fiber, draft power, recreational and athletic activities, and companionship.
Their interactions with humans have environmental consequences with local and global impacts. In addition, the processing, preservation and quality of animal-derived foods are of significant economic and safety importance.
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences complete either the Pre-Professional or the Animal Enterprises and Production option. Students completing the Animal Enterprises and Production option can choose to specialize in food animal or equine.
All Animal Sciences undergraduate students must fulfill the Academic Enrichment Experience requirement.
Why Major in Animal Sciences?
The major might be for you if you are interested in:
- Preparing for graduate or veterinary school.
- Managing a farm or business related to animal agriculture.
- A career in technical sales or service, cooperative extension or government as it relates to animal agriculture.
- A career in food manufacturing, processing or research.
Students interested in Animal Sciences come from varied backgrounds, and their interests range from animal production and management to marketing and public relations; from public education and extension to graduate training in research, teaching and veterinary medicine. The major will allow you to combine your interests with the desire for an exciting and rewarding career. Students get hands-on experience with the department's herds and flocks in addition to the meats and research laboratories. Internships, externships and summer employment offer opportunities to obtain a variety of work experiences.
Options
Pre-Professional
The pre-professional option prepares students for applying to professional schools (such as Veterinary, Medical, Dental or Pharmacy), pursuing advanced graduate degrees in animal science related disciplines, and seeking careers in research or technical services related to animal production. View plans of study starting in CHE 105 or CHE 109.
Animal Enterprises and Production
The animal enterprises and production option allows students to focus their studies on animal care and management and allied areas such as agronomy, accounting, agricultural economics and business. This option prepares students to go directly into careers within the animal agriculture industries. Students can choose to specialize in food animal, equine or no specialization.
Transfer Students
If you are an Animal Science transfer student from BCTC, consult the BCTC-UK Pathway to Transfer Guide. BCTC students planning on transferring to the University of Kentucky should work closely with the UK Transfer Advisor to ensure they are addressing both BCTC and UK requirements.
If you are planning on transferring from another junior college or community college, consult the Transfer Evaluation System to determine how classes translate to the University of Kentucky.
Careers
There are over 500 different job classifications for animal science graduates.
- Agribusiness and Finance: A hybrid of animal science and business training needed to work as loan officers, in business management and in commodities merchandising
- Allied Animal Industries: Technical, managerial, administrative, public relations and sales positions
- Animal Production: Strong animal science and business training to work on cattle, swine, poultry, equine and dairy operations
- Animal Promotion and Public Relations: Organizations such as the National Cattlemen’s Association, National Pork Board and National Dairy Herd Improvement Association, along with other national and state organizations, employ animal scientists to work in the public sector for education and promotion
- Colleges and Universities: Employ people with animal science training for researchers, technicians, extension specialists and instructors
- Dairy Food and Meat Science Industry: Hire individuals with meat science and/or dairy training to work in quality control, new product development, consumer services, advertising, sales and livestock purchasing
- Extension and Education: Professional teaching positions as livestock extension specialists, 4-H agents, high school or vocational agricultural teachers, and science teachers
- Government Agencies: Administrative or technical specialists in animal health, marketing, environmental regulations, meat inspection and public service
- International Agriculture: Employ individuals with animal science training in addition to strong business and language skills
- Research and Laboratories: Governmental agencies and the private sector employ animal science graduates to work in specialized fields pertaining to nutrition, genetics, breeding, reproduction and physiology
- Zoos, Kennels, Clinics and Animal Preserves: Employ individuals with animal science background as caretakers, technicians and veterinary assistants
Advanced Degrees
Master’s
A 2-3 year program of study including both research and coursework. M.S. graduates work as research associates, consultants, extension agents and college instructors
Doctorate
Usually follows the completion of an M.S. ranging from 2-4 years in length, the program includes both coursework and research with a strong emphasis on research. Ph.D. graduates work as university professors and industry or USDA researchers
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Four years of additional professional education; entrance into vet school is highly competitive. D.V.M.s are employed in private practice, inspection agencies, military and research positions
