Veterinary Animal Science

The BS in VAS is designed to prepare graduates to apply to graduate programs, as well as to gain employment in a related field, including livestock management, animal nutrition, or animal education, in addition to applying to graduate school in the fields of reproductive physiology, agriculture, or animal law.

Veterinary Animal Science Program Goals:

As a division of the Veterinary Health Science & Technology Department, the VAS Program seeks to fulfill the following goals:

• Provide a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Animal Science which meets the academic standards necessary to prepare students for entrance to graduate programs or animal related industry positions.
• Provide an educational background that will expose students to key concepts of veterinary animal science and overall strives to provide students with a foundational education in animal science to ensure success in future career endeavors, whether that be in livestock management, animal nutrition, or animal education positions.
• Provide students with appropriate academic advisement and aid students in obtaining connections with animal or veterinary related industry contacts for internship and future employment opportunities.

Veterinary Animal Science Program Objectives:

1. Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of Veterinary Animal sciences.
2. Apply biological and chemical principles and quantitative reasoning to concepts presented in core subject areas in Animal Science such as physiology, nutrition, genetics, and reproduction.
3. Acquire skills for handling and caring for companion animals and livestock species as well as understanding the principles of animal welfare and ethical animal treatment.
4. Understand the human animal bond (HAB) and its impact on society.
5. Develop critical thinking skills to identify scientific questions and devise solutions including, designing experiments, analyzing and interpreting research data, and summarizing findings.
6. Develop oral and written communication skills to effectively deliver scientific and technical information to scientists as well as the public.