Animal Science

Animal Science

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Study animals and their contributions to our health, nutrition, economic success and overall quality of life as you learn the basics of animal biology, nutrition, physiology, reproduction and ethical management. The field of animal science encompasses the sciences related to animals and their contributions and interactions with humans. This program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers associated with the livestock, poultry, meat and companion animal industries.

The Nebraska Difference

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Small Faculty-to-Student Ratio

Work 1-to-1 with faculty in classrooms, labs, clubs, teams and more!

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4 Degree Options

Discover a path that fits your career goals

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Hands-On Opportunities

Get real-world experience working with animals on campus.

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A to B Transfer Programs

Easily transfer from any Nebraska community college.

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Program Features

Animal Handling Facilities 

Work hands-on with animals in the Animal Science Complex on campus. Gain valuable experience handling different species in classroom settings. 

1-to-1 Advising 

Every student in our program is advised by a faculty and/or staff member in the Department of Animal Science. You’ll meet with your advisor to discuss classes, interests, careers, internships and degree requirements. 

Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center 

The Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center marks a crucial step in a long history of beef innovation at Nebraska. This facility is designed for students to engage in world-class research projects, teaching and extension opportunities in a commercial scale, state-of-the-art feedlot. 

Research, Extension and Education Centers 

Find hands-on learning opportunities at multiple centers across the state. Contribute to meaningful research, learn outside the campus classroom and expand your knowledge at these facilities. 

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Notable Courses

Fundamentals of Animal Biology and Industry (ASCI 100)

Fundamentals of animal biology related to their application in industry. Trends and current issues in production and consumption of animal products important for human welfare.

Animal Production Skills (ASCI 150)

Introductory course in skills related to proper care and management of production animals. Laboratory sessions develop fundamental skills of animal husbandry.

Human-Companion Animal Interactions (ASCI 171)

Roles of companion animals in society such as therapy, research and entertainment. The responsibilities of humans in these relationships.

Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals (ASCI 240)

Fundamentals of the anatomy and physiology of domestic animals.

Animal Nutrition and Feeding (ASCI 320)

Fundamentals of nutrition and feeding of domestic livestock. Nutrients and nutrient requirements, characteristics of feedstuffs and methods of feeding and the feed industry.

Animal Breeding and Genetics (ASCI 330)

Principles of animal genetics and genomics and their application to the improvement of livestock and companion animals.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Beef sales intern, Cargill Meat Solutions, Wichita, Kansas
  • Clydesdale handler intern, Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, Missouri
  • Communications and marketing intern, American Hereford Association, Blue Rapids, Kansas
  • Feedlot intern, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska
  • Animal care intern, Willowbrook Wildlife Center, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
  • Equine racetrack practitioner intern, Arapahoe Park Racetrack, Aurora, Colorado

Careers

  • Nutritionist, Dekalb Feeds, Ely, Iowa
  • Animal behaviorist, Capital Humane Society, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Cattle health assistant, Adams Land Cattle Co., Broken Bow, Nebraska
  • Farm manager, Rock Creek Swine, Nebraska City, Nebraska
  • Animal protein manager, Cargill, Wichita, Kansas
  • Herdsman/cattle manager, Rippe Gelbvieh, Hubbell, Nebraska

Graduate Schools

  • M.S. Conservation Medicine, Tufts University
  • M.S. Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State
  • Professional Program of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • M.S. Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Outside the Classroom

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Academics & Experiential Learning

  • ASCI 201: Professional Development for Careers in Animal Science is a required course that will help you identify potential careers related to animals and develop career goals and experiential learning plans.
  • The Experiential Learning Symposium provides an opportunity to learn about internships available to students.
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Career Preparedness

  • The Animal Science Career Fair features companies that often hire animal science students and graduates.
  • The Employer in Residence program provides a way to make connections with employers for potential future positions or internship programs.
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Community

  • There are many ways to get connected in the animal science program, including The Hub Student Success Center, Spanish in Agriculture Class, Block and Bridle Steak Fry, Big Red Beef Show, Loeffel Meat Shoppe, Annual Bull Sale.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Animal Science major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Alli Raymond
Contact Title
Admissions Coordinator
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