B.S. in Animal Science

The Animal Science program area offers a coordinated group of courses dealing with the principles of animal management, genetics, nutrition, physiology, and growth biology. Emphasis in subject matter is directed toward domestic animal species, dairy and beef cattle, horses, poultry, pigs, and sheep, while laboratory, companion, and exotic animal species are also included in research and teaching programs. The Department of Animal Science has extensive facilities for animal production and well-equipped laboratories and classrooms, including a teaching barn, in which students can gain practical experience in the care and management of large animals. The program focuses on the application of science to the efficient production of animals for food, fiber, and pleasure and easily accommodates a variety of interests and goals. Beyond a core of basic courses (minimum 15 credits) students select production and advanced courses to fulfill an individually tailored program developed in consultation with their advisor. Through this process it is possible to concentrate by specie as well as by subject matter (nutrition, physiology, growth biology, breeding, management). For each subject area, supporting courses in other departments are readily available and strongly encouraged. Many science-oriented students elect a program emphasizing supportive preparation in the physical and biological sciences appropriate for graduate, veterinary, or professional study following graduation. Dairy management and the Dairy Management Fellows Program is a popular option among students who want an integrated, industry based program that can prepare them to manage a dairy business or enter a related career. In addition, students may elect a program oriented toward economics and business in preparation for a career in the poultry, dairy, meat-animal, horse, feed, or meats industry. These are examples of the flexibility within these programs that can be developed to meet a student’s career interest related to animals. It is recommended that students obtain appropriate fieldwork or animal experience during summers, primarily through internships. Several special training opportunities exist for highly motivated students. Juniors and seniors whose academic records warrant it may, by arrangement with individual faculty members, engage in research (either for credit or honors) or assist with teaching (for credit). Students declaring a minor in animal science will arrange for a formal academic advisor in animal science at least three semesters before graduating. It is expected that the minor will be satisfied by completing at least 15 credit hours of animal science courses (at least 6 of which must be taken at Cornell), the makeup of which will be determined in consultation with the advisor. For example, it is recommended that students completing the minor will assemble courses (or demonstrate having the equivalent from elsewhere) including some basic and applied biology of animals (anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics) along with a selection of intermediate or advanced offerings from the animal science curriculum. Satisfactory completion of minor requirements will be verified by the minor advisor’s signature on the petition to graduate.