![A BYU-Idaho professor and a pre-vet student give medicine to a lamb.](https://brightspotcdn.byui.edu/dims4/default/271037d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3979+0+0/resize/676x448!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbyu-idaho-brightspot-production-us-east-2.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2F23%2F5b%2F70a35bca4c5fb28ca61db30a6a75%2F170126-agscicenter-008.jpg)
Make a Difference
If you are wanting to prepare yourself to be a veterinarian, this degree emphasis is the best place to start. The coursework is similar to the other emphases of animal science, except that there is a stronger focus in biology and chemistry. Every animal science program is based on seven pillars, which are:
1) Genetics
2) Reproduction
3) Nutrition
4) Production
5) Behavior, handling and welfare
6) Health and disease
7) Animal benefit and use
The combination of animal science, biology, and chemistry courses will ensure that graduates are prepared for veterinary school or other graduate programs.
1) Genetics
2) Reproduction
3) Nutrition
4) Production
5) Behavior, handling and welfare
6) Health and disease
7) Animal benefit and use
The combination of animal science, biology, and chemistry courses will ensure that graduates are prepared for veterinary school or other graduate programs.
Highlighted Career Paths
Graduates with a degree in Animal Science have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians care for and treat sick and injured animals. They also perform surgeries, analyze the issues of animals, and a variety of other tasks. Aspiring students typically need to attend graduate school in order to become a veterinarian.
Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare workers clean cages and dog runs. They also feed, exercise, and play with animals. Experienced workers also may provide basic healthcare, bathe animals, and attend to other basic grooming needs. In animal shelters or rescue leagues, workers typically care for cats and dogs.
Veterinary Anesthesia
Veterinary anesthesiologists assist during any medical procedures that require animals to be sedated. For pets, this can be for procedures as seemingly routine as teeth cleanings or as serious as major surgery. They evaluate animals before procedures, administer anesthesia, and monitor the patients throughout.
Getting Started in This Degree
If you are interested in Animal Science, start with one of the following major-specific courses: