Animal Science

Animal Science Major

The Animal Science major encompasses physiology, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, marketing, management, and husbandry of livestock and companion animals; the important scientific understanding for the utilization of animal products; and experiences necessary for leadership in, and advocacy for, industries that provide animals and animal products that benefit humans.

Curriculum Options

Five study options are available for the animal science major.

• Animal Production, Management and Husbandry: This option is designed for students desiring a background in the principles of animal management and husbandry. It includes broad training in animal husbandry, production and management. Employment opportunities include careers in livestock production, allied support fields, and in technical support fields including agricultural positions within the Cooperative Extension Service.
• Animal Biomedical Science: This option offers students a more scientific approach to animal science, preparing them for veterinary medicine, graduate research in animal science, teaching, food technology and the biotechnology industry. Students may receive an animal science degree while meeting academic requirements for application to veterinary schools.
• Animal Agribusiness: This option is designed for students desiring a background in the business and economic principles as they apply to the livestock industry. It leads to broad training in animal husbandry, production, business, and management. Employment opportunities include careers in agribusiness, sales and marketing of livestock and products for the livestock industry, and a variety of public and private institutions which serve the business of animal agriculture.
• Livestock Media: This option offers students an opportunity to acquire skills in journalism, advertising, and public relations in addition to the fundamentals of animal science. Employment opportunities include working for a variety of media outlets including print and virtual media, TV, radio, magazines, breed associations, or commodity organizations as well as positions involved in public relations in the livestock industry.
• Meat Science: This option provides the opportunity to emphasize knowledge about the science of muscle biology and evaluation and processing of red meat. This option prepares students for a broad variety of career opportunities in the meat industry including management, sales, meat inspection, and meat marketing.

Animal Science Minor

Students from other majors may minor in Animal Science by completing a minimum of 16 credits. A minimum of eight credits must be completed at NDSU.

 Plan of Study

Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum.  Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study.

This sample plan of study applies to the Animal Production, Management, and Husbandry study option (Option 1).  For other study options, see examples on the departmental website.