Animal Sciences Major

What is Animal Sciences?

The field of animal sciences encompasses both the science and business surrounding domesticated animals. They have been a vital aspect of human society for thousands of years, and there will always be a need to understand their complexities.

Why major in Animal Sciences at LSU?

The LSU School of Animal Sciences focuses on raising and caring for animals and making the most of all they provide. The school strives to lay a solid scientific foundation for the leaders of tomorrow’s agriculture industry of farmers, ranchers and veterinarians.

Concentrations

The School of Animal Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences with four areas of concentration. Each concentration is designed with animal sciences classes that focus on your specific goals.

Animal Production

The Animal Production concentration will prepare students for a variety of careers in animal production enterprises such as beef cattle, dairy cattle, and horses amongst other related agribusiness industries. Students will develop a foundation in a number of animal production fields including nutrition, reproductive physiology, general physiology, genetics, and livestock management. Our graduates work in farm management, technical support and sales, and at various agencies such as the LSU AgCenter.

View 4-year plan


Animal Products Processing

This concentration prepares students for careers in the food industry by offering courses in meat science, dairy products, and poultry products, along with food safety and quality assurance. These studies often lead to careers as quality assurance supervisors, inspectors, and product development specialists.

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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 there and then be awarded the Bachelor of Science in animal sciences. Should a student not be granted admission to the LSU SVM by junior year, the student will then choose another concentration to complete and will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in animal sciences.

View 4-year plan


Science and Technology

This concentration prepares students to pursue careers in animal nutrition, genetics, and reproductive physiology. Those interested in research can further their education by getting their master’s or Ph.D. These students can use their knowledge and experience to work in the private sector as scientists studying human and animal medicine or apply for veterinary school. If working in academia is the goal, becoming a professor leading research programs is the path for you.

View 4-year plan


Careers in Animal Sciences

The School of Animal Sciences offers a wide range of courses addressing both local and global issues that affect animal industries. These concentrations provide graduates with employment opportunities in all phases of animal production, processing, distribution, marketing, research, and teaching.

Some animal sciences career opportunities include:

Animal Scientist/Researcher

Animal Nutritionist

Animal Feed/Pharmaceutical Representative

Extension Educator/Specialist

Geneticist

Livestock Manager/Herdsman

Meat and Poultry Inspector

Muscle/Meat Biologist

Reproductive Physiologist

Veterinarian (with additional education) 

SCHOOL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES PATHWAYS


Companies hiring LSU Animal Sciences Graduates

Sheep in a field 

The animal sciences major is housed in the LSU School of Animal Sciences. Learn more about the school and its degree offerings.

LSU School of Animal Sciences

Program Details

School: LSU School of Animal Sciences

College: LSU College of Agriculture

Location: LSU, Baton Rouge

DEGREE TYPES

Bachelor's of Science (B.S.)

degree plan

B.S. in Animal Sciences (4-year plan courses)

MINORS

Animal Sciences Minor (Courses)

UNDERGRADUATE COntact

Dr. Cathleen Williams
Professor
CWilliams@agcenter.lsu.edu
225-578-4574

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