Animal Sciences

Program Overview

Why Animal Science? 

Animal science students gain perspective on the interconnections between animal, environmental and human health. They work directly with faculty to address real-world challenges—from supporting sustainable food animal production to improving animal health and wellbeing through nutrition, management and disease prevention. We offer a science-based curriculum with customized programs of study aligned with student interests. Popular concentrations include: Pre-veterinary/Pre-professional Science; Zoo, Exotic and Companion Animals; Equine Science; Dairy Science/Management.

Concentrations

Focus Areas

Pre-Veterinary/Pre-Professional

Students with this focus area will concentrate on courses relating to the feeding, breeding, health and management of dairy cattle, and also financial and small business management.

Zoos, Exotics, and Companion Animals

This focus area is designed for students who are primarily interested in zoo, exotic, and companion animals and are interested in transitioning to jobs in these industries after graduation. Learn about studying zoo, exotic and companion animals.

Equine Science

This focus offers specialized courses on the care, management, breeding, and health of horses.  Our goal is to provide students with the mix of science, business and personal skills to succeed with careers in the equine industry. Learn about studying equine science.

Dairy Production

Students selecting this focus area will concentrate on courses relating to the feeding, breeding, health and management of dairy cattle, and also financial and small business management.

All focus areas concentrate on:

• Science-based curriculum: Program of study includes animal biology, nutrition, genetics, animal health, biology, chemistry, and math, coupled with a liberal education.
• Undergraduate research and internships: Research opportunities are abundant and students can pursue or develop internships related to animal and veterinary sciences.
• Hands-on experience: UVM facilities are poised to provide a combination of classroom, barn, and laboratory time.
• Positive and friendly environment: Students are nurtured to maximize achievements and place themselves in a favorable position for subsequent career development.

Curriculum

Popular Courses

• Clin Top: Companion Animal Med
• Clin Topics: Livestock Medicine
• Companion Animal Care & Mgmt
• Zoos Exotics & Endangered Species
• Adv Top:Zoo,Exotic,Endang Spec
• Dog Training and Behavior
• CREAM
• Intro to the Horse
• EQUUS
• Horse Barn Co-op

Minors

• Animal and Veterinary Science Minor (UVM Catalogue)

Admissions

Animal and Veterinary Sciences B.S. requirements (UVM Catalogue)

Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate understanding of animal nutrition, anatomy, physiology, genetics, welfare, reproduction, and health. 
2. Apply understanding of animal nutrition, anatomy, physiology, genetics, welfare, reproduction, and health to address challenges in animal care, management, and industries. 
3. Effectively explain scientific information about animal science to different audiences through written, oral, and digital means. 
4. Recognize and respect diverse cultures and perspectives in regional and global animal systems. 

Careers

• Animal nutritionist
• Barn Manager
• Veterinarian
• Researchers, lab technicians
• Educators
• Gamekeepers
• Animal trainers
• Embryologist
• Geneticist
• Meat scientist
• Lawyer
• Molecular biologist
• Marine biologist
• Regulatory affairs specialist
• Science/technical writer

Where do Alumni work?

• San Diego Zoo - Senior Zoo Keeper
• White Oak Plantation - Senior Conservationist
• University of Tennessee - Veterinary Surgeon (Resident in Equine Surgery)
• San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory - Ecologist
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Vermont Department of Health
• National Institute of Health
• United States Forest Service
• Equine Stable & Tack - Manager
• Southwestern College - Professor and Wild Life Biologist

Graduate Schools

• Cornell University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Tufts University
• U.C. Davis
• University of Vermont
• University of Washington
• Colorado State University
• Vermont Law School

Save on the time and cost of earning an advanced degree

Animal Science AMP

Explore the Path

More

What is outstanding about Animal and Veterinary Science at UVM?

When studying this discipline at UVM students, with assistance from faculty advisors, develop individualized programs in one of four focus areas that each lead to a B.S. degree. 

These programs apply to farms, laboratories, zoos, and companion animals; their interaction with human society; and the contribution of animal products, such as milk and meat, to the world food supply.

Animal and Veterinary Science is the area of biology that deals with dairy, equine, zoos, exotics and companion animals.

UVM Animal and Veterinary Science majors receive a hands-on experience that shapes them to be job-ready at graduation.

Beyond the Classroom

Clubs and Programs