Animal Science, B.S.

Program Code: ANSC_BS

Program Description

Animal Science is the study and integration of the biology and management of animals, highlighted by the disciplines of nutrition, physiology, reproduction, genetics, and behavior. Animals provide companionship, food, and fiber, as well as serving as valuable research models. The Animal Science major offers both coursework and hands-on experiences that develop students' ability to work with and care for animals.

The educational experiences included in this major should prepare the student for a wide range of positions in production agriculture agribusiness, and related industries, and provide preparation for the pursuit of post-baccalaureate studies leading to professional or advanced degrees. The student is expected to develop a comprehensive understanding of the biological and physical sciences underlying the functioning of all types of animals.

Realizing the wide range of career possibilities requiring diverse types of academic preparation, two options of study are available: the Business and Animal Management Option and the Science Option.

Business and Animal Management Option

The primary objective of this option is to prepare the student for positions in agribusiness organizations and in the animal, food and allied industries. The student may develop a program with species specialization or diversity. The student may develop a foundation in accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and other business-related areas. Graduates seek employment opportunities as:

  • management trainees, or assistant managers of animal production units or processing plants, and roles in government agencies;
  • animal caretakers at zoos or shelters;
  • technical service and sales representatives or quality assurance managers for pharmaceutical, agri-chemical, feed or food producing companies;
  • loan officers with financial institutions;
  • field representatives for breed organizations or producer cooperatives;
  • public relations and human resources personnel for agribusiness companies;
  • and management trainees for numerous agribusiness firms.

Science Option

The primary objective of this option is to prepare the student for entry into post-baccalaureate study programs in animal and related biological sciences. Graduates who have obtained the proper qualifications may pursue advanced degrees in a wide variety of disciplines, including animal science, biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, nutrition, physiology, molecular biology, pharmaceutical research, and veterinary medicine. Graduates not desiring to pursue advanced studies seek employment opportunities in biomedical research, as research or quality assurance technicians, technical service representatives for various industrial companies, food inspectors, laboratory animal caretakers, and public relations personnel.

What is Animal Science?

Animal Science focuses on the science and business of producing domestic livestock species, including but not limited to beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, swine and companion animals. This discipline applies principles of biological, physical and social sciences to problems associated with production and management of animals. Animal Science also has a strong focus on food with animal origin including meat, milk and eggs.

Animal Scientists work in efficient production of food animals, processing of high-quality meats and dairy products, use of companion animals for recreation, maintenance of animal health and well-being and many other areas. A growing population with limited land provide complex challenges in the area of Animal Science. This discipline requires highly trained professionals who can identify opportunities and provide innovative solutions.

You Might Like this Program If...

  • You want a career working with animals
  • You want a hands-on, experiential learning curriculum with exposure to multiple domestic species
  • Your interests lie in applied biology
  • You are interested in efficiently providing safe, nutritious food to a growing world population
  • You like both animals and business
  • Your interests are in the practical application of science, business, and animals

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:

  1. attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
  2. have at least third-semester classification.

READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, a minimum of 124 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 0-13
Requirements for the Major 90-100

18-24 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 0-3 credits of GA courses; 9 credits of GN courses; 3-6 credits of GS courses; 6 credits of GQ courses.

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Courses taken as common requirements can not be used to meet requirements within the option.

Prescribed Courses
ANSC 100Introduction to Animal Industries Keystone/General Education Course3
ANSC 290Careers in Animal Agriculture1
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
BMB 211Elementary Biochemistry3
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ANSC 201Animal Science4
ANSC 207Animal Products Technology2
ANSC 208Animal Products Technology Laboratory1
ANSC 300Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals3
ANSC 301Principles of Animal Nutrition3
Additional Courses
AGBM 101Economic Principles of Agribusiness Decision Making Keystone/General Education Course3
or ECON 102 Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
ANSC 322Animal Genetics and Selection3
or BIOL 222 Genetics
CHEM 202Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I3
or CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I
Select 6-8 credits from the following:6-8
Select 3-4 credits from the following:
College Algebra with Analytic Geometry with Applications I Keystone/General Education Course
College Algebra With Analytic Geometry and Applications II Keystone/General Education Course
Plane Trigonometry and Applications of Trigonometry Keystone/General Education Course
Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry Keystone/General Education Course
Techniques of Calculus I Keystone/General Education Course
Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course
Select 2-4 credits from the following:
Introduction to Programming Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases Keystone/General Education Course
College Algebra With Analytic Geometry and Applications II Keystone/General Education Course
Techniques of Calculus II Keystone/General Education Course
Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course
Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Biostatistics Keystone/General Education Course
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6-8 credits from the following:6-8
Companion Animal Nutrition
Swine Production and Management
Sheep and Goat Production and Management
Beef Cattle Production and Management
Dairy Cattle Production and Management
Poultry Production and Management
Small Animal Health and Disease
Value Determination of Meat Animals
Horse Production and Management
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 3-5 credits in communication skills courses from department list 13-5
Requirements for the Option
Select an option42-46
1

Certain courses may double count as general education courses; consult with your adviser.

Requirements for the Option

Business and Management Option (43-45 credits)
Prescribed Courses
ACCTG 211Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making4
Additional Courses
MICRB 106
MICRB 107
Elementary Microbiology Keystone/General Education Course
and Elementary Microbiology Laboratory Keystone/General Education Course
4-5
or MICRB 201
MICRB 202
Introductory Microbiology
and Introductory Microbiology Laboratory
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Introductory Chemistry Keystone/General Education Course
Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Economics of the Food System
Marketing
Principles of Marketing
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Introduction to Agricultural Business Management
Survey of Management
Management and Organization
Basic Management Concepts
Select 3-4 credits from the following:3-4
Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology
Comparative Physiology of Domestic Animals
Milk Secretion
Physiology of Animal Reproduction
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 23 credits from department list (at least 9 credits of business, 9 credits of production courses, and 5 credits of either business or production courses) 123
1

12 credits must be 400-level courses; students may apply 6 credits of ROTC

Science Option (42-46 credits)
Prescribed Courses
ANSC 423Comparative Physiology of Domestic Animals3
ANSC 431Physiology of Animal Reproduction4
BMB 212Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory1
BMB 221Applied Biochemistry2
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
CHEM 112Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 113Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course1
MICRB 201Introductory Microbiology3
MICRB 202Introductory Microbiology Laboratory2
PHYS 250Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course4
Additional Courses
Select 3-5 credits from the following:3-5
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II
and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Select 4 credits of the following:4
Biology: Populations and Communities
Biology: Molecules and Cells
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Principles of Crop Management
Introduction to Avian Biology
Introduction to Animal Biotechnology
Introductory Soil Science Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 5-7 credits of 400-level courses from department list 15-7
1

Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC.

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Animal Agriculture Issues: Actively and effectively discuss complex animal agriculture issues including:
    • The economic, environmental, animal welfare and societal impacts of animal production at both local and global levels.
    • The role of science in informing debates in animal agriculture.
  • Scientific Literature and Resources: Locate, critically evaluate, and apply information related to animal science from scientific literature and other resources.
  • Communication: Communicate effectively and professionally with a variety of audiences in both written and oral formats.
  • Comprehensive Knowledge: Apply comprehensive knowledge from areas in animal science including genetics, reproduction, behavior, nutrition, animal products, husbandry and business/farm management.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Rachel Cloninger
Animal Science Advising Coordinator
109F AVBS Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-4198
rle5000@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Business AND ANIMAL Management Option: Animal Science, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡†3AGBM 101 or ECON 102†13
BIOL 1104CHEM 101, 110, or 1303
MATH 21, 22, 26, 41, 110, or 140‡†3-4ANSC 1003
General Education Course 3CMPSC 101, 203, MATH 22, MATH 111, MATH 141, STAT 200, or STAT 250‡†2-4
First Year Seminar1-3General Education Course3
 14-17 14-16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ANSC 2901ANSC 201*4
ANSC 207*2ACCTG 2114
ANSC 208*1AGBM 200, BA 304, or MGMT 3013
MICRB 106 or 2013General Education Course3
MICRB 107 or 2021-2Communication Skills selection23
AGBM 102, BA 303, or MKTG 3013 
CHEM 2023 
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 15.5-16.5 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ANSC 301*3ANSC 300*3
ANSC 305, 306, 308, 309, 310, 311, 315, 324, or 327*3-4ANSC 305, 306, 308, 309, 310, 311, 315, 324, or 327*3
ANSC 322 or BIOL 2223CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C‡†3
BMB 2113Supporting Course33
General Education Course3Supporting Course33
 15-16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ANSC 420, 423, 427, or 4313-4Supporting Course33
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D‡†43Supporting Course33
Supporting Course33Supporting Course33
Supporting Course33Supporting Course 32
Elective3Elective3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 18-19 15.5
Total Credits 124-132
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students must adhere to one of the following course sequences: ECON 102, BA 303, BA 304; or AGBM 101, AGBM 102, AGBM 200.

2

Required to complete one of the following: ANSC 202W, ANSC 217 and 426, or ANSC 421 and 426, or ANSC 226 and 426, or ANSC 424 and 426; ENGL 50, ENGL 210, ENGL 212, ENGL 213, ENGL 215; any world language (level 1-3), SPAN 105 or SPAN 106; CAS 212, 213, 250, 352; AEE 330, AEE 360, AEE 440.  If an ANSC course is selected, it cannot count as a supporting course and fulfill the Communication Skills requirement.

3

Required to complete 23 credits from the department list (at least 9 credits of production courses and 9 credits of business courses from department lists; 12 credits must be at the 400-level).  Courses that fulfill major requirements or the additional production course for the option will not count in this area.  Students interested in meats or livestock judging should enroll in ANSC 324; students interested in horse judging should enroll in ANSC 217; students interested in poultry judging should enroll in ANSC 421.

4

Recommended to complete ENGL 202D

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Science Option: Animal Science, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡†3AGBM 101 or ECON 1023
CHEM 1103CHEM 1123
CHEM 1111CHEM 1131
MATH 21, 22, 26, 41, 110, or 140‡†13-4ANSC 1003
General Education Course3CMPSC 101, 203, MATH 22, MATH 111, MATH 141, STAT 200, or STAT 250‡†2-4
First Year Seminar1-3General Education Course3
 14-17 15-17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 1104ANSC 201*4
ANSC 2901BIOL 220W, 230W, or 240W4
ANSC 207*2CHEM 203 or 212 and 21323-5
ANSC 208*1AGRO 28, SOILS 101, ANSC 211, or ANSC 2133
CHEM 202 or 2103General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
General Education Course3 
 15.5 17-19
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ANSC 301*3ANSC 300*3
ANSC 305, 306, 308, 309, 310, 311, 315, 324, or 327*3-4MICRB 2013
ANSC 322, BIOL 133, or BIOL 2223MICRB 2022
BMB 2113BMB 2212
BMB 2121PHYS 2504
CAS 100‡†3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 16-17 15.5
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ANSC 305, 306, 308, 309, 310, 311, 315, 324, or 327*3-4ANSC 4233
ANSC 4314Supporting Course53
ENGL 202C‡†33Supporting Course53
Elective43Communication Skills Selection63
General Education Course3Elective3
 16-17 15
Total Credits 124-133
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Complete MATH 110 or MATH 140 for veterinary school admission

2

CHEM 213 must also be completed along with CHEM 212

3

Recommended to complete ENGL 202C

4

PHYS 251 is required for admission to veterinary school

5

Required to complete 5-7 credits from the department list.  Courses that fulfill major requirements do not count in this area.

6

Required to complete one of the following: ANSC 202W, ANSC 217 and 426, or ANSC 421 and 426, or ANSC 226 and 426or ANSC 424 and 426; ENGL 50, ENGL 210, ENGL 212, ENGL 213, ENGL 215; any world language (level 1-3), SPAN 105 or 106; CAS 212, 213, 250, 352; AEE 330, AEE 360, AEE 440.  If an ANSC course is selected, it cannot count as a supporting course and fulfill the Communication Skills requirement.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Business AND ANIMAL Management Option: Animal Science, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡†3AGBM 101 or ECON 102†13
BIOL 1104CHEM 101, 110, or 1303
MATH 21, 22, 26, 41, 110, or 140‡†3-4ANSC 1003
General Education Course 3CMPSC 101, 203, MATH 22, MATH 111, MATH 141, STAT 200, or STAT 250‡†2-4
First Year Seminar1-3General Education Course3
 14-17 14-16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MICRB 106 or 2013ANSC 201*4
General Education Course3ACCTG 2114
MICRB 107 or 2021-2AGBM 200, BA 304, or MGMT 3013
AGBM 102, BA 303, or MKTG 3013General Education Course3
CHEM 2023Communication Skills selection23
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 14.5-15.5 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ANSC 301*3ANSC 300*3
ANSC 305, 306, 308, 309, 310, 311, 315, 324, or 327*3-4ANSC 305, 306, 308, 309, 310, 311, 315, 324, or 327*3
ANSC 322 or BIOL 2223CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C‡†3
BMB 2113Supporting Course33
ANSC 2901Supporting Course33
ANSC 207*2 
ANSC 208*1 
 16-17 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ANSC 420, 423, 427, or 4313-4Supporting Course33
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D‡†43Supporting Course33
Supporting Course33Supporting Course33
Supporting Course33Supporing Course 32
Elective3Elective3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 18-19 15.5
Total Credits 124-132
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students must adhere to one of the following course sequences: ECON 102, BA 303, BA 304; or AGBM 101, AGBM 102, AGBM 200.

2

Required to complete one of the following: ANSC 202W, ANSC 217 and 426, or ANSC 421 and 426, or ANSC 226 and 426, or ANSC 424 and 426; ENGL 50, ENGL 210, ENGL 212, ENGL 213, ENGL 215; any world language (level 1-3), SPAN 105 or 106; CAS 212, 213, 250, 352; AEE 330, AEE 360, AEE 440.  If an ANSC course is selected, it cannot count as a supporting course and fulfill the Communication Skills requirement.

3

Required to complete 23 credits from the department list (at least 9 credits of production courses and 9 credits of business courses from department lists; 12 credits must be at the 400-level).  Courses that fulfill major requirements or the additional production course for the option will not count in this area.  Students interested in meats or livestock judging should enroll in ANSC 324; students interested in horse judging should enroll in ANSC 217; students interested in poultry judging should enroll in ANSC 421.

4

Recommended to complete ENGL 202D

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Science Option: Animal Science, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡†3AGBM 101 or ECON 1023
CHEM 1103CHEM 1123
CHEM 1111CHEM 1131
MATH 21, 22, 26, 41, 110, or 140‡†13-4ANSC 1003
General Education Course3CMPSC 101, 203, MATH 22, MATH 111, MATH 141, STAT 200, or STAT 250‡†3
First Year Seminar1-3General Education Course3
 14-17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 1104ANSC 201*4
CHEM 202 or 2103BIOL 220W, 230W, or 240W4
PHYS 2504CHEM 203 or 212 and 21323-5
General Education Course (GHW)1.5AGRO 28, SOILS 101, ANSC 211, or ANSC 2133
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 15.5 17-19
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ANSC 301*3ANSC 300*3
ANSC 305, 306, 308, 309, 310, 311, 315, 324, or 327*3-4MICRB 2013
BMB 2113MICRB 2022
BMB 2121BMB 2212
ANSC 2901CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C‡†3
ANSC 207*2General Education (GHW)1.5
ANSC 208*1 
ANSC 322 or BIOL 2223 
 17-18 14.5
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ANSC 305, 306, 308, 309, 310, 311, 315, 324, or 327*3-4ANSC 4233
ANSC 4314Supporting Course53
ENGL 202C‡†33Supporting Course53
Elective43Communication Skills Selection63
General Education Course3Elective3
 16-17 15
Total Credits 125-132
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Complete MATH 110 or MATH 140 for veterinary school admission

2

CHEM 213 must also be completed along with CHEM 212

3

Recommended to complete ENGL 202C

4

PHYS 251 is required for admission to veterinary school

5

Required to complete 5-7 credits from the department list.  Courses that fulfill major requirements do not count in this area.

6

Required to complete one of the following: ANSC 202W, ANSC 217 and 426, or ANSC 421 and 426, or ANSC 226 and 426, or ANSC 424 and 426; ENGL 50, ENGL 210, ENGL 212, ENGL 213, ENGL 215; any world language (level 1-3), SPAN 105 or 106; CAS 212, 213, 250, 352; AEE 330, AEE 360, AEE 440.  If an ANSC course is selected, it cannot count as a supporting course and fulfill the Communication Skills requirement.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Career Paths

Science Option graduates enter careers in biomedical or agricultural research, food safety, technical service, vivarium management, and government service. Business/Management Option graduates find careers in allied industry sales (feed, pharmaceuticals, etc.); agricultural finance and credit; industry relations and communications; farm management; animal caretaking at zoos and shelters; and food safety and quality assurance.

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

  • Veterinary or other life science professional school
  • Graduate studies in multiple fields of biological and life sciences (genetics, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, physiology, and health)
  • Graduate studies in production and management of domestic food animal species
  • Graduate studies in food product production and safety
  • Graduate studies in linked agricultural fields (agricultural business management, agronomy, agricultural education, etc.)

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
109 AVBS Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-983-3665
AskDAS@psu.edu

https://animalscience.psu.edu/