Animal Science (BS)
Develop the skills needed to begin a rewarding career working with animals in the vast field of agribusiness.
Turn Your Love of Animals Into a Career
Today, Texas agriculture has a Lone-Star-state-sized economic impact annually of $100 billion. At A&M-Commerce, you can hit the ground running to help build on this incredible momentum. Whether you choose to work in ranch management or on behalf of businesses deeply rooted in livestock including beef cattle, sheep, goats, swine or horses, you'll gain a firm understanding of agribusiness, livestock culture and the preparation of animals for food production purposes. You'll also have the opportunity to hone your skill set through internships in school and specific course offerings around your interests like equine science and cattle management.
Featured Courses
Is this Program a Good Fit for You?
Animal Science students are typically interested in:
- Animal pharmaceutical sales
- Food inspection
- Stable management
- Breed organizations
- Ranch management
See Yourself Succeed With a Degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
Grow Your Passion for Agriculture
A&M-Commerce has one of the top hands-on agricultural programs in Texas. Explore horticulture, wildlife, livestock herds, and more through exciting experiential learning and modern facilities.
Join the Family
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is a growing family with a supportive student culture, including multiple student organizations and competitive judging and show teams.
Expert Faculty
Work with professors who have ambitious research agendas solving problems on the farm, increasing nursery efficiency and improving worker safety.
Career Readiness
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources puts you front and center to potential employers by fostering positive relationships and maintaining a strong public presence throughout the agricultural industry.
Faculty Spotlight
Douglas D. LaVergne, Ph.D.
Kelly Reyna, Ph.D.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
A degree in animal science will offer you the opportunity to:
- Gain a firm understanding of selection, reproduction, nutrition and marketing of animal products.
- Investigate the technologies, methods and practices that foster research, chemical reasoning and scientific breakthroughs.
- Learn livestock and species-based management strategies.
- Acquire on-the-job experience in agri-related areas of industry and business.
Careers
Animal science students develop all the tools and knowledge base to become technical and sales representatives with agricultural businesses such as consulting firms, feed and pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies along with potential roles as ranch managers or county extension agents. Graduates are well-positioned to transition quickly when internship and job opportunities present themselves.
Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries
Sales Representative
US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018
Internship opportunities
Internship experience provides the foundation employers are often looking for. Internships are offered as optional credit for this program and can be an important part of your education experience. These are just a few of the companies that partner with Student Career Preparedness and offer opportunities for A&M-Commerce agriculture students.
Minors
- Agribusiness
- Agricultural Education
- Agronomy
- Equine Science
- Family and Consumer Science
- Food Studies
- Horticulture
What You Will Learn
After finishing challenging, fast-paced coursework tailored to your interests, you'll be prepared for specific jobs such as ranch manager, county extension agent and laboratory technician.
Courses to Prepare You for Your Career
- Core courses include beef cattle production, swine production, animal nutrition, genetics of livestock improvement and livestock management techniques.
- Supporting courses include soil science, zoology and agricultural economics.
Student Organizations
Some Organizations you can get involved in include:
- AgriBusiness Club
- Pre-Vet Society
- Horticulture Club
- Alpha Gamma Rho
- Sigma Alpha
- Collegiate FFA
- Horsemen's Club
Undergraduate Program Costs
Program Costs
Tuition and fees for undergraduate students taking 12 credit hours are $4,212 for Texas residents and $9,108 for non-residents.
