The study of Animal Science is increasingly broad and diverse. Employment opportunities for Missouri State Animal Science graduates range from food processing management, pharmaceutical sales, feed and equipment sales, animal breeding and management to production farming, horse training and zoo animal management.

The employment picture appears bright for properly prepared graduates of the animal science curriculum. Numerous national and regional firms employ our graduates. Those who maintain a superior college grade point average, are active in at least one student organization and are willing to be relocated after graduation have the best prospects for employment.

The Animal Science program normally takes four years to complete and results in a Bachelor of Science degree. Animal Science is a comprehensive major, meaning no minor is required.

Students may want to emphasize business classes to prepare for careers in the many agricultural businesses that serve animal agriculture. A minimum of 125 credit hours are required for graduation. Students are encouraged to complete two units of mathematics, plus chemistry and biology in high school in preparation for majoring in Animal Science. High school preparation should also include a background in speaking, writing and reading.

Major: Animal Science

Minors Available: Animal Science, Equine, Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Please consult the Missouri State Catalog online at www.missouristate.edu/catalog for specific course information.

• Introduction to Animal Science
• Introduction to Horses
• Introduction to Riding
• Riding for Horse Training
• Riding for Instruction
• Horse Training for Therapeutic Riding
• Dairy and Meat Animal Evaluation
• Artificial Insemination and Reproduction
• Veterinary Science
• Feeds and Feeding
• Animal Breeding
• Meat Science
• Game Bird Production
• Swine Production
• Dairy Production
• Beef Cattle Production
• Light Horse Production
• Sheep and Goat Production
• Problems in Animal Science
• Physiology of Domestic Animals
• Animal Nutrition and Metabolism

The Department of Agriculture includes 15 full-time faculty with specific areas of expertise who are available for advisement and consultation. Five of these faculty members specifically serve as academic advisors for the department’s animal science majors.

Many students take advantage of on-the-job experience related to their major with which they also receive college credit. This is possible through cooperative education programs and internships. Departmental student organizations that appeal to animal science majors, include the Block and Bridle Club, the Rodeo Club, the Pre-Vet Medicine Club and the Horseman’s Club. Students will have the opportunity to compete on Judging Teams, as well as the Intercollegiate Horse Show Team, Ranch Horse Team and Rodeo Team. In addition, the program makes extensive use of area farms and businesses for field trips in connection with classes required by the animal science curriculum.

University-wide scholarships include the Presidential and Governors Scholarships. There are at least 20 departmental scholarships available only to students majoring in some field of agriculture. In addition, federal- and state-sponsored financial aid also may be available through national defense loans, educational opportunity grants and the college work-study program.