Undergraduate Program Options

Animal 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:

SCIENCES/PROFESSIONAL - Prepares students for admission to veterinary or medical schools and/or graduate school. Graduate school study can open the door to an exciting research career in specialty areas of animal or biological sciences such as genetics, nutrition, physiology or cell biology. The curriculum emphasizes advanced courses in the biological and physical sciences and includes all the pre-veterinary and pre-medicine requirements.

COMBINED AG & VET SCI - 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. A 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.

EQUINE STUDIES – Offers hands-on learning opportunities in the area of equine science and management. The Department of Animal and Avian Sciences at the University of Maryland offers undergraduate students the opportunity to emphasize on horses while pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. Students may take equine courses that explore a wide range of topics including anatomy and physiology, nutrition, reproduction, exercise, law, insurance, facilities, health and disease, pasture management, and more. Our courses are designed to provide valuable hands-on learning experiences to better prepare students to be future leaders in the horse industry as well as other industries. In addition, ANSC students may take one or more equine courses within the Institute of Applied Agriculture.

ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY - The Animal Biotechnology option is a relatively new addition to our program. It combines the basic required animal science courses with a focus on biology and technology. This option has a heavy emphasis on science courses, to prepare students for a professional career. Some of the career options with this track include: an industry career in animal biotechnology; a graduate degree in biotechnology (either MS and/or PHD); or a professional degree and career (Veterinary or Human Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy.)

ANIMAL CARE and MANAGEMENT - Is designed for students whose career plans include animal management, production and the marketing of animal products. The curriculum provides basic courses in genetics, nutrition, physiology and reproduction while allowing students to focus on the management of one particular livestock species. You will be encouraged to supplement academic work with practical experience by completing an internship. Dairy science students, for example, intern at local farms where they participate in decisions about breeding, feeding, health practices, milk production and other aspects of herd management. This option will prepare you for ownership or management positions with dairy, livestock or poultry production enterprises; positions with marketing and processing organizations; breed associations; and positions in agribusiness fields such as sales of feed, pharmaceutical products and agricultural equipment. Graduates also work with state and federal agencies.

LABORATORY ANIMAL MANAGEMENT - Prepares students for careers in the operation and management of laboratory animal facilities connected with the biotechnology industry. Course work in nutrition, reproduction and environmental management is combined with practical learning to provide future managers with tools they will need. As a graduate, you may pursue careers with state or federal agencies; with private industry in the management and operation of laboratory animal production; and with instructional or investigational facilities.