Animal Science Concentration (1114, 1115)

This curriculum introduces students to the many facets of the animal industry. Students then orient themselves toward a career in animal production, animal science and industry, or veterinary medicine by selecting one of the two options available.

The production and management option is designed for students most interested in a terminal bachelor of science degree. The science option better prepares students for post-baccalaureate training in graduate or professional school (including veterinary medicine). The option requirements are generally completed in the senior year to allow individual flexibility in selecting the degree track best suited for each individual student.

Students may also complete requirements for a minor in business administration, biology or chemistry by completing course requirements as outlined by each of these respective departments.

The animal science concentration is comprehensive and includes training in animal nutrition, physiology, breeding and reproduction, selection and evaluation, management, marketing, animal health and welfare, and biotechnology. Training is provided through classroom instruction, hands-on experience in laboratory and field production facilities associated with the university and University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Experiment Stations, tours to commercial farms, ranches, businesses, and marketing and processing facilities. Optional industry-oriented internships and cooperative education experiences allow students to strengthen their training and education in a specific area of animal science and develop contacts with potential employers. New equine facilities, recently renovated beef research units and a planned state-of-the-art swine teaching and research unit give students interested in production and management the opportunity to acquire skills associated with modern production practices.

Excellent employment opportunities exist in career fields that include: private farming or ranching and commercial farm or ranch management and teaching; research and extension opportunities in both federal or state agencies; and government including the United States Department of Agriculture and University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service. Opportunities also exist in private industry in areas of production, technical services, management and marketing for commodity groups and feed, equipment manufacturing, pharmaceutical and food processing corporations; industry and private consulting; environmental and regulatory monitoring; and agricultural finance and communication. Many animal science graduates may continue their education with graduate and professional training in areas such as law, medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, business administration and advanced degrees leading to careers in teaching, research and extension.

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