Science Option

This curriculum is designed to provide scientific expertise in chemistry, biological and physical sciences and mathematics and is recommended for students considering graduate study or professional schools, such as veterinary medicine, human medicine and dentistry . This option provides a strong background for graduate study in a wide variety of disciplines. Animal scientists graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in this option who do not enter graduate or professional school find ready employment in rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical, clinical and food-related industries. Students may concentrate on an emphasis area within this option, including the following.

Pre-veterinary medicine. Students planning to pursue a career in veterinary medicine can complete all course requirements for admission to the professional curriculum in this emphasis. Students gain experience working with animals through direct contact in laboratory courses and directed field study. Students acquire knowledge of animal systems and animal behavior principles through course work and interaction with livestock industry leaders. Students are also prepared to seek admission to the professional curricula in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry and physical therapy.

Pre-graduate training. This emphasis prepares students to pursue a Master of Science, Master of Agriculture or Doctor of Philosophy degree. Possible graduate programs include animal behavior, animal breeding, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, meats, dairy science, food science and technology, genetics, growth biology, nutrition and reproductive physiology. Experience gained through honors courses, internships, special problems courses and research laboratories helps the student identify specific disciplines of interest for graduate study. Students with advanced degrees are employed as university professors, research scientists or technicians, extension livestock specialists and technical representatives for industry.

Beef cattle. Students receive training that enables them to pursue careers in ranch management, feedlot management, pharmaceutical sales and other service-oriented livestock industries. Students are trained in all aspects of production, marketing and merchandising techniques for employment in the beef industry. The University Beef Cattle Center gives students hands-on experience.

Dairy. The focus of this emphasis area is to develop a well-rounded, knowledgeable student. Students have the opportunity to apply scientific principles, problem-solving methods, state-of-the-art techniques and information transfer to complex dairy production systems.

Equine. Designed for students with professional or vocational interests in horses and the horse industry. Course work emphasizes equine nutrition, breeding, reproduction, health, management, training and judging. Lectures are reinforced with laboratories in which students work with horses. Graduates are well prepared for careers with horse production farms, stallion stations, performance and race training stables, breed associations, performance horse organizations, feed and pharmaceutical companies, county extension positions, and other industries and agencies related to the horse industry. Some graduates become professional horse show judges and trainers.

Meat. Students prepare for a career in the meats industry by taking meat science and processing and evaluation courses. Students also can conduct research through special problems courses and can gain valuable work experience on campus in the Meat Science Section or the Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center or off campus through internships or summer jobs. Job opportunities are available in packing, processing, retailing, purveying, food service, promotion, public relations and government regulatory agencies.

Sheep. Designed to prepare students for careers in the sheep and goat industries and in the associated wool and mohair industries, this emphasis gives students first-hand experience in sheep production and management practices, as well as procedures for processing and evaluating fleeces. Job opportunities are diverse and include flock management, marketing of lamb and fiber products, feed and pharmaceutical sales and county extension agent positions.

Swine. This emphasis area is designated for students planning to pursue a career in swine production or closely allied industries. Students are taught the principles of breeding and genetics, nutrition and feeding, animal health, environmental control and waste management as they relate to profitable swine production systems. These principles are reinforced by hands-on experience with the department's swine herd. Career paths include management of swine production units and technical service or sales for feed, pharmaceutical and breeding stock companies.