Program Overview

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Bachelor's Degree (BS) in Animal Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of animal biology, nutrition, genetics, physiology, and health. Through hands-on learning in laboratories and on farms, students explore the science behind livestock, companion animals, and animal production systems. The program prepares graduates for careers in veterinary medicine, animal care and management, research, and agricultural industries, as well as for advanced study in animal-related fields.

Program Overview

Discover your passion for animal health, care, and management with a degree in Animal Sciences. This program blends animal biology, nutrition, genetics, and behavior with real-world applications to prepare students for careers in veterinary medicine, livestock production, research, and agribusiness. Students can tailor their studies through two focus areas:

• Animal Enterprises and Production, which emphasizes animal care and industry readiness, and
• Pre-Professional, which prepares students for veterinary and graduate programs. Hands-on learning takes place at cutting-edge facilities like UK’s C. Oran Little Research Center and Maine Chance Farm. Small class sizes and faculty with active research backgrounds ensure personalized instruction.

Who is this program for?

The bachelor's degree program in Animal Sciences is ideal for students passionate about animal biology, nutrition, and welfare in both agricultural and research settings. Graduates gain expertise in animal physiology, genetics, and husbandry, preparing them for careers as animal nutritionists, livestock managers, or veterinary technicians in industries such as agriculture, research, and animal health.

Related Careers

The Animal Sciences degree will prepare you for careers working directly with livestock and companion animals or in closely related areas like agronomy or agribusiness, such as:

• Agricultural sales agent
• Animal health inspector
• Animal nutritionist
• Extension agent
• Farm manager
• Laboratory animal manager
• Livestock production manager
• Research scientist
• Veterinarian
• Veterinary pharmaceutical sales

Program Details

• Offered by the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
• Credit Hours: 120
• Credential: BS

Admission Requirements

• Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
• Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.

Application Requirements

Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the academic year).

Application Deadlines

Freshman

• Early Action: 12/01/2025
• Regular Decision: 02/15/2026

Transfer

• Fall Scholarship: 06/15/2026
• Fall: 08/01/2026
• Spring: 11/15/2025
• Summer: 04/15/2026

Curriculum

The program offers two focus areas:

• Animal Enterprises and Production
• Pre-Professional Each focus area has a sample curriculum plan that outlines the courses and credit hours required for each year of study.

Financial Aid

Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.

Student Involvement

Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!

Living Learning Program

Live in a community full of others who share your interests in agriculture, food and environment! Community members also gain access to specialized programs that foster relationships, professional growth, and community.

Accelerated Pathway

This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a master's degree, AMP can save you time and money with dual credit hours by signing-up when you have earned between 60-105 credit hours as an undergraduate student at UK.

Transfer Pathway

This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.

In-State Tuition Rate

For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace:

• Delaware
• West Virginia

Alumni Testimonial

Looking back after 15 years as a veterinarian, I can honestly say that my time as an undergraduate in the UK College of Agriculture was foundational to my success. The challenging pre-veterinary coursework, along with the support of UK’s advisors and faculty, gave me the preparation and confidence I needed to apply to veterinary school and succeed once I was there. What stood out most were the hands-on animal science labs and the opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. The newly offered Pre-Veterinary Medicine Undergraduate Certificate is an incredible addition, because it not only reinforces the ‘why’ behind all the hard work but also shows students that veterinary medicine offers so many career paths beyond clinical practice. UK truly set me on the path to a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine, first in clinical practice and then in regulatory medicine.

Dr. Jennifer R. Way, DVM, MPH, DACVPM Alumni, Animal Sciences

Related Programs

• BS in Horticultural Science
• BS in Natural Resources and Environmental Science
• BS in Agricultural Economics
• BA in Geography

University Information

The University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY 40506
An Equal Opportunity University

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