Animal Bioscience (ANBIO)
Program Coordinator Professor
Dr. Nuket Acar Dr. Lester Griel
814-863-5938 814-865-7696
www.animalbioscience.psu.edu
This major is selected by many students as a pre-veterinary program. However, graduates of the program also are prepared for more diverse careers. The undergraduate program in Animal Bioscience is offered jointly by the Departments of Dairy and Animal Science, Poultry Science, and Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. The Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences provides the program leadership at this time. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to acquire a strong background in the biological and physical sciences that support animal agriculture and biomedical research. The program permits the student to focus their study in the junior and senior years in a discipline such as genetics, nutrition, immunology, toxicology or physiology. Students may elect courses in the broad area of management of laboratory and farm animals.
Improving the quality of food and fiber products that originate from animal agriculture, improving the efficiency of animal production and improving the welfare of both companion and food producing animals is one of the challenges of the twenty-first century. The application of the principles of basic sciences and the tools of biotechnology can assist in providing the basis for these improvements. Opportunities are available for students with an in-depth education in the biological sciences to make significant contributions toward meeting these challenges.
Why Choose Animal Bioscience?
You may be interested in this major if:
- You are interested in preparing for advanced studies in professional (veterinary, etc.) schools or in graduate programs in the biomedical sciences.
- You are interested in preparing for a technically oriented career related to animal agriculture or the biomedical sciences.
Successful students in this major are those that are highly motivated toward success and have a strong interest and a high level of academic ability in the basic sciences. Excellent problem solving skills are an advantage in careers related to this major.
Career Opportunities in Animal Bioscience
The curriculum of the Animal Bioscience program will qualify you to apply for admission to veterinary school and to graduate school for advanced studies in such areas as genetics, nutrition, immunology, toxicology, physiology, and other disciplines related to the biomedical sciences. Upon completion of veterinary school, you are eligible to participate in state board examinations for licensure as a practicing veterinarian. Students completing graduate school seek careers in college teaching as well as research in universities, industry, and governmental agencies.
Students that terminate their formal education at the bachelor degree level in Animal Bioscience have career opportunities as technicians in research and development and with some additional supporting course work in a variety of fields related to the biomedical sciences, such as high school science teachers and journal editors. Others may select careers in the agribusiness industry supporting animal agriculture. Some possibilities include sales, technical service, and technical support positions in universities, industry, or government. Many of these industries desire practical experience in potential employees, thus students are strongly advised to gain experience during summer employment or through internships.
Course Scheduling Tips
Students are strongly encouraged to consult their adviser and to follow the recommended sequence of courses provided in this handbook. This is more relevant to the science courses. Be sure you are adequately prepared for a course. Many of our observations of less than expected academic performance arise from what we consider to be inappropriate scheduling of sequences.
Supporting Courses (PDF)
Recommended Academic Plans
Animal Bioscience (PDF)