Department of Animal Sciences
The Department of Animal Sciences offers three majors: (1) Animal Science; (2) Equine Science; and (3) Veterinary Technology. Each of these program areas are based on the same fundamental principles—biology and husbandry of animals—but each offer students an opportunity to focus their individual interests.
The faculty and staff are dedicated to providing students with up-to-date information regarding the latest techniques in animal husbandry, production, business, biology, communication, nursing, training, and meat science. Besides taking courses, students have the opportunity to obtain specific skills and develop contacts during internships in industry or research.
Pre-veterinary school course work: Necessary coursework for meeting entrance requirements of veterinary schools can be taken while majoring in Animal Science or Equine Science. Working with an academic adviser to meet entrance requirements is important.
Transfer Credits: Transfer courses with grade 'C' or better only will be accepted for Animal Science and Equine Science courses in the major.
Animal Science Major
The Animal Science major encompasses physiology, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, marketing, management, and husbandry of livestock and companion animals; the important scientific understanding for the utilization of animal products; and experiences necessary for leadership in, and advocacy for, industries that provide animals and animal products that benefit humans.
Curriculum Options
Five study options are available for the animal science major.
- Animal Production, Management and Husbandry: This option is designed for students desiring a background in the principles of animal management and husbandry. It includes broad training in animal husbandry, production and management. Employment opportunities include careers in livestock production, allied support fields, and in technical support fields including agricultural positions within the Cooperative Extension Service.
- Animal Biomedical Science: This option offers students a more scientific approach to animal science, preparing them for veterinary medicine, graduate research in animal science, teaching, food technology and the biotechnology industry. Students may receive an animal science degree while meeting academic requirements for application to veterinary schools.
- Animal Agribusiness: This option is designed for students desiring a background in the business and economic principles as they apply to the livestock industry. It leads to broad training in animal husbandry, production, business, and management. Employment opportunities include careers in agribusiness, sales and marketing of livestock and products for the livestock industry, and a variety of public and private institutions which serve the business of animal agriculture.
- Livestock Media: This option offers students an opportunity to acquire skills in journalism, advertising, and public relations in addition to the fundamentals of animal science. Employment opportunities include working for a variety of media outlets including print and virtual media, TV, radio, magazines, breed associations, or commodity organizations as well as positions involved in public relations in the livestock industry.
- Meat Science: This option provides the opportunity to emphasize knowledge about the science concerning muscle biology and evaluation and processing of red meat. This option prepares students for a broad variety of career opportunities in the meat industry including management, sales, meat inspection, and meat marketing.
Animal Science Minor
Students from other majors may minor in Animal Science by completing a minimum of 16 credits. A minimum of eight credits must be taken at NDSU.
Equine Science Major
The Equine Science major is designed to prepare students for careers in the equine industry and related fields. Course work includes practical husbandry and equitation skills, scientific principles related to management and study of equine industry and business practices.
Equine Science Minor
Students from other majors may minor in Equine Science by completing a minimum of 16 credits. A minimum of eight credits must be taken at NDSU.
Equine Science Certificate
The certificate program in Equine Science provides an opportunity for non-degree seeking students to enhance their horse knowledge. The program focuses on basic selection, management, and business concepts and requires completion of 17 credits. Prospective students are subject to the university's admission policies and procedures.
Therapeutic Horsemanship Minor
The Therapeutic Horsemanship minor offers students from any major who possess basic horseback riding skills an opportunity to pursue their Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International instructor certification. This 16-credit experiential learning program focuses on concepts of equine assisted activities and therapies, horse management, knowledge of disabilities, and the application of skills needed to become a Therapeutic Horsemanship Instructor.
Therapeutic Riding Certificate
The multidisciplinary certificate program is Therapeutic Riding offers non-degree seeking students possessing basic horseback riding skills an opportunity to pursue their Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International instructor certification. The 16-credit program focuses on concepts of equine assisted activities and therapies, horse management, knowledge of disabilities, and the application of skills needed to become a Therapeutic Riding Instructor.
Veterinary Technology Major
Veterinary Technology is an exciting and challenging major that offers a multitude of career opportunities in animal health care and related areas. The Veterinary Technology major leads to the B.S. degree. This major offers a well-rounded program of general and clinical studies. Graduates are prepared not only for traditional veterinary practice careers, but also for pursuit of emerging non-traditional careers through the choice of electives and minor areas of study.
The first pre-professional year of the Veterinary Technology program is open to all interested students and offers an opportunity to explore the veterinary technology field. Advancement into the professional program in the second year is limited to a maximum of 28 students who are selected on a competitive basis.
The Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Large Animal Veterinary Technology Minor
The minor in Large Animal Veterinary Technology is reserved for Veterinary Technology majors only. Students may earn this minor by completing a minimum of 16 credits. A minimum of eight credits must be taken at NDSU.
Animal Health Certificate
The undergraduate certificate program in Animal Health teaches principles of animal disease management, control, eradication and identification based on actual case studies diagnosed in the upper Midwest. This approach allows students to research, think through, and make decisions about animal disease situations that represent real world scenarios. The training will equip students to make good decisions about animal health questions.
Interdisciplinary Program in Biotechnology
Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field based on a combination of biology and technology. It includes the application of science and technology to the design of new plants, animals, and microorganisms that have improved characteristics. For further information, refer to the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this Bulletin for more information.
