Department of Animal Science
Tomorrow's animal and natural resources industry leaders gain the educational foundation they need in the Department of Animal Science. With our multidisciplinary approaches toward production efficiency, product enhancement and natural resources management, both our undergraduate and our graduate students gain strong skill sets. Graduates of our program see career options unfold in a growing range of employment areas, from animal-related industries to natural resources management.
The graduate programs are administered in collaboration with the Departments of Animal Science, Dairy Science, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
This program allows for considerable latitude in the education and training of students but is committed to providing graduate students with quality educational and research experiences.
Why should I consider animal science?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates an annual shortage of 4,000 college graduates for some 48,000 ag-related jobs during the 21st century. Areas related to animal science are ranked high among these employment opportunities.
Animal science is also an excellent choice of major for those that are interested in a preveterinary medicine program.
What if I don’t have a livestock background?
Our courses are designed so that students from all backgrounds can excel. There is a growing number of students enrolled in animal science courses who have little to no experience with livestock production.
What if I don’t want to farm or ranch?
Animal production is only one of many careers available. The future is especially bright for people going into industries that support or service animal production and our natural resources. Young people with an interest in chemistry, biology and other sciences are especially important to the animal science field. It is expected that through the next decade, scientists, managers, sales representatives and marketing specialists will account for most of the new jobs open for college graduates majoring in animal science.
Are scholarships available for students majoring in animal science following their first year?
Yes! The Department of Animal Science annually awards approximately $100,000 in departmental scholarships. Our students also compete for $300,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Is the Department of Animal Science committed to teaching?
Yes! We have a strong teaching faculty. Many of our faculty have been recognized for excellence in teaching and also recognized by students through awards such as the College Teacher of the Year. The department strives to provide excellent classroom, laboratory and advising experiences for students.
What other experiences can I look forward to as a major in the Department of Animal Science?
Undergraduate students have a number of opportunities available to them to enrich their college experience. These include: departmental clubs such as Block and Bridle, Little International staff/participant, Horse Club, Meat Science and Swine Club. Students participating in livestock, meats and wool judging teams compete in contests around the country. Internships allow our juniors and seniors to learn and gain experience in the industry. Undergraduate research, teaching and Extension projects are available for juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing their interests in these areas.
Both undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in applied and basic research projects. These future leaders study under a dynamic faculty who not only teach but also set the pace with important research and aggressive outreach via Extension. The results of these research projects directly benefit the people of South Dakota and the upper Great Plains.
Many graduate students devise their own research or partner with faculty in our many facilities and laboratories to solve the challenges of 21st century animal agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Meet the administrators, faculty and staff of the Department of Animal Science.
