Animal Sciences Major | LSU

Animal Sciences

You are interested in learning about the sciences related to domesticated animals and exploring their roles in society. .

About Animal Sciences 

From companion animals to livestock, study all aspects of the animal industries, including production, processing, and nutrition, as well as care of companion animals and preparation for veterinary school. Hands-on learning, faculty-led research opportunities, and real-world experience prepare you for exciting and challenging careers.

Animal Science Major Concentrations Available

  • Animal Production - Prepare for a  career in a variety of animal production enterprises and related agribusiness industries in beef cattle, swine, dairy cattle, small ruminants, horses, and poultry. Graduates of this program will have a background in all aspects of live animal production, including nutrition, reproductive physiology, general physiology, genetics, and management of livestock and companion animal species. Career opportunities may include farm management; technical support and sales in feed, pharmaceutical, and supply companies; and various state and federal agencies including the Cooperative Extension Service.
  • Animal Products Processing - This concentration prepares students for careers in the food industry by offering courses in meat science, dairy products, and poultry products as well as food safety and quality assurance. These studies often lead to careers as quality assurance supervisors, inspectors, and product development specialists.
  • Pre-Veterinary Medicine - This concentration focuses on livestock and companion animals and is designed for students to complete the required courses and apply to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine by junior year. If accepted to the LSU SVM, students will complete their last 40 hours at the LSU SVM and then be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences. Should a student not be granted admission to the LSU SVM during their junior year, the student will then choose another concentration to complete their fourth year and be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences.
  • Science and Technology - Pursue research in animal nutrition, genetics, and reproductive physiology. Graduates can work for large feed and pharmaceutical companies. Students can further their education by getting a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy. These students can become scientists, researchers, or professionals in animal sciences. They can also work for biotech companies studying (using animal models) and animal medicine. Students can also apply to veterinary school. 

Possible Careers

  • Animal scientist
  • Dairy production specialist
  • Poultry scientist
  • Rancher
  • Veterinarian

Program Requirements

Once you're an LSU student, you'll need to meet the requirements below to continue pursuing this major.

  • 2.0 GPA in all coursework (2.5 GPA for transfer)
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA in courses toward degree requirements
  • grade of "C" or better in ENGL 1001 and MATH 1021 or higher

Senior College

College of Agriculture

Degree

B.S., Bachelor of Science

Course Load by Subject Area

  • Agriculture:  Medium Intensity
  • Electives:  Medium Intensity
  • Communication:  Low Intensity
  • Math: Low Intensity
  • Science: Low Intensity
  • View all course loads

Related Majors

Fast Track Available

 

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