Program Overview
Introduction to Animal Science
Animal science is the study of domestic animals, including livestock species and companion animals. This field of study encompasses the nutrition, genetics, reproduction, behavior, and health of these animals.
Why Animal Science at OSU?
The animal science major is versatile, covering concepts from production to processing and exploring the value associated with livestock and domestic animals. This major offers various career paths, including attending veterinary school, running a ranch, working for an animal health company, or pursuing a career in communications.
Program Details
Department and College
- Department: Animal and Food Sciences
- College: Ferguson College of Agriculture
Available At
- OSU Stillwater Campus
Degree Type
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSAG)
Major
- Animal Science
Major Options
- Animal Science Courses, 4-year plan
- Business/Pre-Law Courses, 4-year plan
- Pre-Veterinary/Pre-Medical Courses, 4-year plan
- Production and Operations Courses, 4-year plan
Minors
- Animal Science
Scholarships
- $1.8 million in undergraduate scholarships awarded by the Ferguson College of Agriculture and its departments annually
- $400,000 in scholarships awarded to undergraduate students annually by the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences
Career Paths
Animal science graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including:
- Animal welfare specialist
- Extension educator
- Feed salesperson
- Feedlot operator
- Herd manager
- Livestock producer
- Lobbyist
- Marketing and sales consultant
- Medical doctor/physical therapist/dentist/etc.
- Pharmaceutical representative
- Research scientist
- Veterinarian
Highlights
Hands-on Learning
Students can receive valuable hands-on experience at 15 farms and research facilities encompassing 13,000 acres.
Fast Fact
The department sponsors five judging teams: dairy cattle, horse, livestock, meat, and meat animal evaluation, with a combined total of more than 40 national championships.
Pre-Professional Options
- Students interested in Pre-Veterinary Medicine can gain hands-on experience in upper-level animal science courses while completing all pre-requisites for veterinary school.
- The Pre-Veterinary Animal Science option allows students to complete the 3+1 program, using the first year of veterinary school for the final year of their bachelor's degree.
- Students interested in medical, dental, or other health fields can major in Animal Science with an option in Pre-Med or Biotechnology, completing required prerequisites for professional school while earning a B.S. in Animal Science.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
The department's Undergraduate Research Scholars Program provides students with hands-on experience working on cutting-edge research projects alongside faculty, graduate students, research technicians, and research unit managers, building a solid foundation in research methods for industry and academic careers in animal or food sciences.