Program OptionsAnimal Sciences majors select one of six options as an area of specialization. The options are designed to prepare students for future demands and challenges in agribusiness, production, research, science or veterinary medicine. In addition to the Animal Science Core, students complete 30-40 credits of additional course work in one of these options:
Helpful Forms
Program Option Descriptions
Animal Care & Management [0104A]
This curriculum prepares you for a rewarding career in poultry and
livestock production and related fields (animal nutrition, health,
and allied industries.)
Benchmark: Download (PDF)
Curriculum Worksheet: Download (PDF)
Sample 4-Year Plans: Download (PDF)
Equine Studies [0104C]
Equine Studies, as an elective option in the Animal Science major or as a certificate program in Equine Business Management,
is the place for you! …in the Animal Science major (4-year degree) Pre-vet or Science options include equine courses as electives Animal Care &
Management option focuses on the horse for your species emphasis or in the Institute of Applied Agriculture (2-year certificate):
Equine Business Management prepares students for careers in commercial management, horse breeding, etc.
Benchmark: Download (PDF)
Curriculum Worksheet: Download (PDF)
Sample 4-Year Plans: Download (PDF)
Laboratory Animal Management [0104D]
This curriculum prepares you for a rewarding career - with specialization in the care of laboratory animals in major
research facilities.
Benchmark: Download (PDF)
Curriculum Worksheet: Download (PDF)
Sample 4-Year Plans: Download (PDF)
Science/Pre-Professional [0104E]
This curriculum prepares students for entry into professional schools in the health sciences (medical, dental, pharmaceutical, etc.)
and top graduate research programs in the US. You will fulfill course requirements for application to medical, dental, and graduate schools and prepare for
the GRE, MCAT, and DAT exams.
Benchmark: Download (PDF)
Curriculum Worksheet: Download (PDF)
Sample 4-Year Plans: Download (PDF)
**Combined Ag-Veterinary Medicine [1299D]
Track for students seeking early vet school admission (junior year applicant). Regular pre-vet students use [0104E].
The Department of Animal and Avian Sciences provides a sciences/professional option which will prepare you for entry into any of the 27 veterinary schools
in the United States, including the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.
Benchmark: Download (PDF)
Curriculum Worksheet: Download (PDF)
Sample 4-Year Plans: Download (PDF)
Animal Biotechnology [0104F]
This curriculum prepares you for a professional career, as well as for work on a graduate or professional degree.
It combines the basic required animal science courses with a focus on biology and technology.
Benchmark: Download (PDF)
Curriculum Worksheet: Download (PDF)
Sample 4-Year Plans: Download (PDF)
**In addition to their major faculty advisor, students interested in veterinary medicine also work with a second advisor in the admissions office of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine located on campus. The combined degree program is available to students who gain admission to veterinary school prior to completing their bachelor's degree. College of Agriculture and Natural Resources students who have completed at least ninety hours, including all college and university requirements, are awarded a bachelor of science degree upon successful completion of at least thirty semester hours in an accredited college of veterinary medicine. Early planning with your advisor is encouraged if you choose this option.
