Study Creatures Great and Small

Animal and Avian Sciences

Major

Animal Sciences

Options

Animal Biotechnology,
Animal Care and
Management, Equine
Studies, Laboratory
Animal Management,
Pre-Veterinary Medicine,
Sciences/Pre-Professional

From animal cloning and transgenics to reproduction and neonatal care to behavior and nutrition, our students master the science to improve the animal world.

In a department internationally recognized for excellence in research and education, faculty focus on the cellular, molecular, and biotechnological aspects of animal science and production. The department strongly encourages students to participate with their professors in a wide range of Our students master the science to improve the animal world projects. Together, they might determine the best diets for rainbow lorikeets. They ask: How can we improve pandas’ and tigers’ ability to reproduce in zoos? What human medicines might be provided in cow’s milk?

These questions and many more are addressed in courses on molecular genetics, animal biology and biotechnology, anatomy, laboratory animal care, endocrinology and embryology. You will learn in high-tech classrooms, an aquaculture center and well-equipped labs including a vet-school quality anatomy lab.

Student teams monitor the university's ewe flock, tend to their health needs, and care for newborn lambs

Students interested in veterinary medicine find animal sciences the best major for their goals. Many continue their studies in our joint program with the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine — one of only 28 veterinary schools in the country. The animal sciences

major also prepares students for medical, dental, pharmacy or graduate school.

Fiction

Only students who want
to go to vet school
study animal science.

Fact

Our students pursue
careers in science,
academia, and government,
as well as in fields such
as medicine, pharmaceuticals,
biotechnology, journalism,
and science education.

Our students’ success after graduation is credited to classroom instruction and great internship opportunities. Government and private organizations like the American Quarter Horse Association, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Perdue Farms and the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge seek out our students for internships and career opportunities.

Down on the Farm

Ours is one of the few animal science departments with animals still on a campus teaching farm, an attraction for students who interact daily with sheep, cows and horses. Besides barns and the Behavior Research Facility, the Campus Farm is home to a riding arena and a stable that supports the equine sciences program, the Institute of Applied Agriculture’s equine management program and an active equestrian club. Horses, poultry, swine, beef and dairy cattle, also live on three other university farms close to campus.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Weiss

Last updated: 03/9/2009