Penn State's Undergraduate Program in Animal Sciences

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Why major in Animal Sciences?

• You can enjoy all the opportunities of attending one of the Big Ten universities while studying in a close-knit, small-college atmosphere.
• Depending on your interests, you may choose a Science or a Business/Management emphasis.
• You can take courses in Animal Biotechnology and Companion Animal Science.
• Opportunities are available for international study tours and Study Abroad Programs.
• You can work at University farms.
• You can do your own research projects.
• You can get work experience in wide array of internships and externships.
• You can join clubs and teams such as Block and Bridle; the Dairy Science Club; the Poultry Science Club; the Equestrian Team; and Dairy, Livestock, Horse, and Poultry Judging Teams
• You can prepare for veterinary or graduate school.
• More than $100,000 in scholarships are awarded annually.
• You will get individual attention from caring faculty and advisers.
• You can enhance your education by taking a minor such as Equine Science, Agribusiness Management, Poultry and Avian Science, or Biology.

Animal Sciences is an interdepartmental program offered by the Department of Dairy and Animal Science and the Department of Poultry Science.

Students interested in domestic animal species have the opportunity to develop basic and applied knowledge in biological and physical sciences, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, physiology, economics, business management, agronomy, and animal products.

Students majoring in Animal Sciences have many opportunities for hands-on experience in animal facilities and laboratories, internships and other student employment related to the program, participation in teams and clubs, scholarships, and international study.

You may be interested in Animal Sciences if...

• ...you are preparing for graduate or veterinary school
• ...you would like a career in research relating to and/or using animals
• ...you would like to manage a farm or business related to animal agriculture
• ...you like to work with people in addition to animals and may be interested in a career in technical sales or service, cooperative extension, or the promotions industry

Options

Students may define their program of study by choosing between two options, depending on their interests and career goals. Courses in Animal Biotechnology, Companion Animal Science, and Equine Science can be incorporated into either option:

Business/Management Option

The Business/Management option combines business and the production and management of animals and/or poultry. Students taking this option will be prepared for careers in agribusiness/farm management, technical sales and/or service, cooperative extension, or commodities promotion. This way to see courses and credits required for this option (pdf).

Science Option

The Science option provides opportunity for more in-depth study of the basic sciences relevant to animal biology. Graduates in this option are well prepared to go on to veterinary school; graduate study in nutrition, physiology, reproduction, or genetics; or pursue careers in the pharmaceutical or research industries. This way to see courses and credits required for this option (pdf).

Alumnus Jason Ahola, Beef Industry

"The Department of Dairy and Animal Sciences is much like a family. You can come to a school with 40,000 students, and you're involved in an event with 50 students, and you're coordinating that event. It was a great opportunity."
Video: Windows Media