Skip to main content
Home ยป Majors

Animal Sciences

The Department of Animal Sciences offers three concentrations:

  • Science, Pre-Veterinary and Medical is designed for students interested in graduate school or professional training after the undergraduate degree.  It allows the student flexibility to choose courses that will satisfy most entrance requirements to post-graduate programs and emphasizes basic science courses.  The concentration enables a student to complete all of the pre-veterinary science requirements while working towards a B.S. degree in animal sciences.
  • Companion Animal and Equine Science is designed for students intending to pursue a career in those industries generally not associated with traditional meat animal or dairy production.  Students will take courses that prepare them for careers in specialized fields of animal care, animal health and animal well-being associated with zoos, kennels, research laboratories, and the racing industry.
  • Technology & Management is designed for students intending to pursue a career in animal care and management or one of the associated food production industries.  It emphasizes the scientific disciplines and the application of technology involved in animal production and animal products, as well as providing the opportunity to enhance a student's practical knowledge through business courses.

Undergraduate students have unique opportunities to conduct research projects with Animal Sciences' faculty. In addition, many students gain animal experience by working part-time at the U of I Farms. Internships and field study trips are additional avenues of gaining knowledge and experience.  Study Abroad experiences are also strongly encouraged.

Advising

Each student will have an academic advisor throughout their undergraduate program.  During the first two years, students will be advised by a professional advisor.  After the sophomore year, a student will transition to a faculty advisor.  Most faculty will have between 10-15 advisees.  The Department tries to match students with faculty who have similar interests in a discipline or species area.

Visit the Department of Animal Sciences website for more information.