Animal Science . . .
What is Animal Science?
Animal Science is a diverse and fascinating blend of applied and basic life sciences, ultimately focused on enhancing the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of domestic animal industries. Graduates in each of our three areas of concentration are trained in comparative anatomy, physiology, reproduction, lactation, breeding and nutrition of a diverse group of species, including beef and dairy cattle; swine; poultry; horses; and companion, zoo and exotic animals.
What are the areas of concentration in Animal Science?
Production and Business — Production and business is for students interested in agribusiness or perhaps a career as a university Extension professional. This concentration emphasizes applied, technical, animal agriculture. Students can major in animal science and minor in either business or agricultural economics.
Careers: Many graduates either return to the family farm or become farm managers elsewhere. Some graduates seek careers in agri-industries such as agricultural cooperatives that support animal production or with a state Extension service. Others continue their education, earning graduate degrees in animal science, law or business administration.
Science and Technology — Students interested more in the biotechnology and science of animal science would be interested in this concentration. Consequently, there is less emphasis on business and more on the physical and biological sciences in addition to animal science.
Careers: Graduates pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry, animal caretaking, technical laboratory work, quality control or research and development. Many graduates seek post-graduate certification throught the Animal Certification Technician Board or continue with graduate studies. Some even proceed to law school, concentrating in patent law.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine — Students who want to pursue a career associated with the clinical medicine of animals should select this option. This concentration is similar to science and technology, with the exception that pre-vet has fewer directed electives in physical science. Students who successfully complete pre-vet requirements may apply to veterinary school. Upon acceptance, students complete four years at an accredited veterinary college and earn the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. The Animal Science Department at the University of Tennessee currently enjoys the highest success rate in placing students in the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
Agricultural Communications in Animal Science — The Animal Science major is designed to allow students to pursue a minor in communications in preparation for one of the numerous careers in agricultural communications. This minor is offered by the College of Communication and Information. Current minors are broadcasting, journalism, public relations and speech communications. An interdisciplinary minor is also available.
How do I know which concentration is right for me?
Advising faculty members help students choose an area of concentration that best suits their long-term career goals in veterinary medicine, agribusiness, Extension, technical services, research or academia. Not sure which concentration is right for you? RELAX! There are plenty of avenues available to help you decide, including internships, research opportunities with professors, volunteer opportunities and student organizations.
Who should major in Animal Science?
Anyone interested in learning about animals should study in the Department of Animal Science. Students from both rural and urban settings study animal science. You do not have to be raised on a farm to succeed. Any student who wants to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the diverse and exciting industry of animal science should choose this major. Graduates are helping to ensure the sustainability and continuation of many important agri-industries.
Check out other CASNR programs:
- Agricultural Economics and Business
- Agricultural and Extension Education
- Agricultural Science
- Biosystems Engineering
- Environmental and Soil Science
- Food Science and Technology
- Forest Resource Management and Wildlife Recreation
- Landscape Design and Construction
- Plant Sciences, Biotechnology and Horticulture
- Public Horticulture
- Turfgrass Science and Management
- Wildlife and Fisheries Science
Quick Links
Contact Us. . .
Animal Science Department
2505 River Road
Knoxville, TN 37996-4574
Phone: (865) 974-7286
Fax: (865) 974-7297
Web: http://animalscience.ag.utk.edu/
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
2621 Morgan Circle
125 Morgan Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-7303
Fax: (865) 974-9329
Email: casnr@utk.edu