Animal Science, BS
The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science integrates biology with animal care to create a diverse education to prepare students for careers in the animal industry. From veterinary practices to zoology, students can customize their education to fit their career goals. This all-encompassing program prepares the best of the best for the animal industry.
Program Overview
Whether it is practicing veterinary medicine, advancing your education, or pursuing a career in the animal industry, the animal science program prepares students to meet the growing demand for animal science professionals in the agricultural industry.
The animal science major combines core animal science curriculum with science, technology, and business-related courses to create a personalized experience tailored to each student’s specific needs.
Concentrations
There are three available animal science concentrations: animal industries, bioscience, and veterinary science.
Why study Animal Science?
Hands-On Learning
The Department of Animal Science is recognized for its exceptional facilities and practical experiences for students. Students participate in hands-on learning, like identifying cattle microbes or evaluating reproductive tracts in livestock, in state-of-the-art spaces.
Unique Research Opportunities
Research differentiates among the unique concentrations in animal science, which include: animal health and welfare, genetics and genomics, nutrition physiology and reproductive physiology.
Accelerated Programs
Through the veterinary science 3+1 program, students complete three years of undergraduate coursework in animal science before applying to veterinary school. If accepted, they earn a bachelor’s degree after completing their first year at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, allowing them to fast-track their veterinary education.
For qualified students, the Department of Animal Science also offers a five-year bachelor’s and master’s accelerated degree program, combining a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a thesis-based master’s degree.
Student Engagement
There are endless opportunities for students to get involved outside of the classroom. Multiple major-specific student organizations are available for animal science majors, such as the Block and Bridle Club, the Pre-Veterinary Association, the Dairy Club, and more.
Students also have the unique opportunity to participate in competitions across the country. From the Dairy Judging Team to the Livestock Judging Team, students gain real-world skills and valuable livestock industry connections.
UT College of Veterinary Medicine
Due to proximity, the Department of Animal Science maintains a close relationship with the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, allowing students to participate in unparalleled experiential learning opportunities and optimize their vet school applications.
What can you do with a degree in Animal Science?
A degree in animal science prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the agriculture industry. Alumni hold careers in animal pharmaceuticals, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, farm/animal management, pre- and post-harvest food safety, and veterinary medicine.
Featured Courses
ANSC 120 – Modern Animal Agriculture in the U.S.
Survey of American animal production, harvest, and marketing systems for beef, dairy, pork, and poultry and their associated challenges. History of the development of the industries associated with meat/dairy/egg production.
ANSC 220 – Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Skeleton and joints; muscles; blood and microcirculation; the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems; demonstrations of physical-chemical phenomena.
ANSC 320 – Reproductive Physiology and Lactation
Reproductive anatomy and physiology and lactation in agriculturally-important and companion animals, humans, and to a lesser extent avian and zoo animal species.
ANSC 340 – Animal Breeding and Genetics
Principles of Mendelian, molecular, and population genetics. Genetic and environmental bases of animal variation. Selection and mating systems as mechanisms of genetic change. Planning genetics- and genomics-based breeding programs for economically important domestic species.
ANSC 461 – Livestock Judging Team
Student teams travel across the country to evaluate farm animals based on industry standards, assign livestock class placements based on their evaluation, and then provide reasons for their placements.
ANSC 480 – Animal Behavior and Welfare
Explores animal welfare topics from the animal’s perspective, using animal behavior as a key indicator. Analyzes contemporary welfare issues and policies based on our scientific understanding of the experiences of animals. Emphasizes farmed animals, but also draws on examples from zoo, lab, and companion animals.
UT’s animal science department has had a lasting impact on my life. Being involved in the Block and Bridle Club, assisting with graduate research projects, and interning at UT’s Beef Unit were among the most impactful. Not to mention the great friends and faculty I also got to meet along the way.”
Micah CalkinS, 2025
Animal Science
Admissions and Aid
Learn more about admissions and aid by visiting the links below.