Brookings Main Campus
Leading scientific discoveries and/or preparing for veterinary school.
Innovations in animal science contribute to improved management, growth, efficiency, health and performance of livestock. Discovering new knowledge in animal nutrition, reproduction and growth, as well as meat science requires a strong background in the sciences, which this specialization will provide. It also is designed to prepare students for a future in veterinary medicine and fulfills the undergraduate academic requirements for admission to a doctor of veterinary medicine program. Courses and hands-on experiences focused on livestock production will complement the strong science core.
Animal Science Fast Facts
Undergraduates
Degrees Awarded
(in 2020-21)
Scholarship Recipients
Internship Employers
Internship employers per year with different employment foci including animal nutrition, ranch management, veterinary services, swine industry, meats industry, livestock genetics, horsing training and more.
Student Organizations & Judging Teams
Department based student organizations and judging teams including Little International, the country’s largest student run livestock exposition, nationally competitive rodeo team and nationally competitive judging teams in livestock, meats and wool.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Have an interest in science and the livestock industries.
- Like to work with animals.
- Are interested in medicine and well-being of animals.
- Want to do research.
- Are a problem solver and analytical thinker.
Career Opportunities
- Animal health research
- Meat product development
- Nutritionist
- Reproductive (AI, ET) technician
- Large/small animal veterinary practice
Recent Employers
- Newport Laboratories
- Trans-Ova
- Nutrena Animal Feeds
- Con-Agra
- Certified Angus Beef
Internship Opportunities
- Select Sires
- Sonstegard Foods
- Grand Labs/Novartis
- Tyson Foods
- Dakotaland Feeds
Suggested Certificates
- Bioprocessing Sciences Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Workplace Intercultural Competence Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Swine Science Certificate (Undergraduate)
- New Product and Venture Development Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Livestock and Animal Products Evaluation Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Lobbying and Government Advocacy Certificate (Undergraduate)
Suggested Minors
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ and future career choices.
In addition, , a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the .