Animal Sciences
This flexible major is an interdepartmental program offered by the Department of Dairy and Animal Science and the Department of Poultry Science.
Students may define their program of study by choosing between two options, Business/Management or Science, depending on their interests and career goals.
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.
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.
There are several new and exciting courses in animal biotechnology, companion animal science, and equine science that can be incorporated into either option.
Why Major in Animal Sciences?
You may be interested in this major if you:
- are preparing for graduate or veterinary school.
- would like a career in research relating to and/or using animals.
- would like to manage a farm or business related to animal agriculture.
- 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.
Students get hands-on experience working with the department's herds and flocks in addition to the meats and research laboratories. Internships, externships, and summer employment offer opportunities to obtain a variety of work experiences. Additionally, we offer some International Study Tours, and many students participate in Study Abroad Programs.
Career Opportunities for Animal Sciences Graduates
Employment opportunities available to graduates with a degree in Animal Sciences include, but are not limited to: technical sales and service for companies supplying feed, equipment, pharmaceuticals and other related agriculture products; promotion, public relations, and editorial positions; banking and insurance; county extension and other government agencies; management trainee for agribusiness industries; herdspersons, flock supervisors, returning to the family farm, assistant farm managers; breed associations and artificial insemination and embryo transfer firms; and livestock buyers, inspectors, supervisors, and quality-control personnel in the meats and poultry industries. Graduates also may pursue post-baccalaureate study through graduate school to prepare for careers in research, teaching, or extension. Others may continue their studies in veterinary medicine.
For additional information about Animal Sciences, contact
Mrs. Jana Peters
314 W. L. Henning Bldg
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-4198
E-mail: jp9@psu.edu
Or visit the Animal Sciences Web site.
http://animalsciences.psu.edu/
