Animal Bioscience Major

Animal Bioscience is an interdepartmental major involving the departments of Dairy and Animal Science, Poultry Science, and Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. The goal of this major is to provide students with a strong background in the biological and physical sciences underlying animal agriculture. The student is expected to focus study on one or more disciplines of the biological sciences underlying animal agriculture, especially during the senior year. Such disciplines include, but are not limited to, genetics, nutrition, immunology, and physiology. Through elective courses, students also may gain a broad knowledge about management of laboratory and farm animals.

Why Major in Animal Bioscience?
Applying the principles of basic sciences and the tools of biotechnology to "real life" situations in animal agriculture is a significant challenge for the future. Improving the quality of food and fiber products and the efficiency of animal production by focusing on such issues as better vaccine production, pre-harvest food safety, and emerging diseases is critical for the food industry of the future. Opportunities exist for students with an in-depth education in the biological sciences to make significant contributions toward meeting these challenges.

You may be interested in this major if:

• you are interested in preparing for advanced studies in graduate or professional (veterinary, etc.) schools; or
• you are interested in preparing for a technically oriented career in animal agriculture.

Career Opportunities in Animal Bioscience
The curriculum of the Animal Bioscience major will qualify you to apply to graduate school for advanced studies in such areas as genetics, nutrition, immunology, physiology, and other areas in the biological sciences. After graduate training, careers in college teaching as well as research in universities, industry, and government are possibilities. You also may be interested in applying for admission to veterinary school. The Animal Bioscience major provides the prerequisites for application to veterinary school.

If you decide not to take additional formal study beyond the B.S. in Animal Bioscience, there also are career opportunities in animal agriculture. Possibilities include sales positions and technical support positions in university, industry, or government research and development. Because many of the industries serving animal agriculture desire practical experience in employees, students planning on seeking positions with such employers are strongly advised to gain experience during summer employment or through internships.

For additional information about Animal Bioscience, contact

Dr. Lester C. Griel Jr.
115 Henning Building
University Park, PA
Phone: 814-865-7696
E-mail: lcg1@psu.edu

Or visit the Animal Bioscience Web site.