Bachelor of Science - Animal Science

Tomorrow’s animal industries leaders gain the educational foundation they need in the Department of Animal Science. These future leaders study under a dynamic faculty who not only teach but also set the pace with important research and aggressive outreach via Extension. Throughout the curriculum, a student-centered focus allows ample room for growth and success. With the multi-disciplinary approaches towards production efficiency and product enhancement, both undergraduate and graduate students gain strong skill sets. Graduates from the department find career options unfold in a broad and growing range of employment areas. The Bachelor of Science - Animal Science program has different specializations to choose from: Science Innovations in animal science contribute to improved management, growth, efficiency, health and performance of livestock. Discovering new knowledge in animal nutrition, reproduction and growth, as well as meat science requires a strong background in the sciences, which this specialization will provide. It also is designed to prepare students for a future in veterinary medicine and fulfills the undergraduate academic requirements for admission to a doctor of veterinary medicine program. Courses and hands-on experiences focused on livestock production will complement the strong science core. Industry Relations Blending written and oral communication training with a strong science background positions graduates of this specialization to communicate and advocate regarding animal agriculture and the science involved in today’s livestock production. Graduates hold positions as public relations and communications directors and other communications related positions focused on telling the stories and explaining the science of today’s animal agriculture businesses and organizations. Production Management Whether you choose direct involvement with animals through managing a ranch, feedlot or swine operation, working with reproductive technologies or nutrition or assuring the safety and quality of meat animal products, there are many opportunities for animal science graduates to contribute to the responsibility of providing high quality protein foods for the world. In this program you will explore how to manage, feed, breed and care for livestock through topics like nutrition, reproduction, growth and development and breeding and genetics. You will gain management skills in capstone classes on cow-calf or feedlot management, horse, swine or sheep production or value-added meat products. Much of your education will involve hands-on experiences at the livestock units or meat lab. Food Animal Health Innovations in animal science contribute to improved management, growth, efficiency, health and performance of livestock. Discovering new knowledge in animal nutrition, reproduction and growth, as well as meat science requires a strong background in the sciences, which this specialization will provide. The food animal health specialization is designed to meet course requirements of the pre-veterinary medicine curriculum for the SDSU professional program in veterinary medicine and some other veterinary schools. Students will be required to complete at least one year of courses at South Dakota State University and be successfully admitted to the accelerated track for the SDSU professional (DVM) program in veterinary medicine program to declare this specialization. The accelerated program will allow students to complete 19 credits of coursework for their bachelor’s degree and the PPVM program. As a veterinarian, you will use your knowledge of science and problem-solving skills to directly help animals, ensure a wholesome and safe food supply and help protect public and environmental health. Veterinarians have a broad set of skills that make them valuable in clinical, research, educational and government settings.