The animal sciences major offers an opportunity to apply animal biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and other life sciences to the study of animal breeding and genetics, nutrition, physiology, growth, behavior and management. The curriculum is unusually flexible and application of principles to a great variety of species...from farm animals to pets, laboratory animals and sometimes even exotics...can be accommodated. Students are encouraged, with the help of a faculty advisor, to plan an individual curriculum in line with their interests and career goals. This major provides excellent preparation for students who will take positions immediately upon graduation, as well as those (approximately one-third) who plan to enter graduate or professional schools to obtain advanced degrees.
Courses and Academic Opportunities Students specializing in animal science have the opportunity, with the help of their advisors, to develop a curriculum that fulfills individual interests and allows a broad selection of courses. For example, a student interested in a production-oriented career might take courses in agronomy, farm management, agricultural engineering and economics to complement the animal science courses. On the other hand, students with a more basic interest in animal biology would take organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and other courses in biological and physical sciences. While one student may be "turned on" by the molecular biology of the developing embyo, a classmate may be equally fascinated by the nutrition of the ruminant or domestic cat or by the mathematics of genetic selection in the horse. No two students need have identical programs.
Twelve or more hours of basic introductory animal science courses, six or more hours of animal production, and six or more hours of advanced animal science courses are strongly recommended. Animal production courses are designed to provide students with practical experiences, while advanced courses focus on depth of understanding. Students are encouraged to pursue their own specific interests by taking a variety of basic and specialized courses within the department as well as in other university departments.
Special Opportunities Credit in undergraduate research or teaching is an opportunity for approximately 40 undergraduate students each year. In this way students gain experience in their area of particular interest. An Honors program is also available to seniors withadequate credentials, who demonstrate and maintain a strong interest in research.
The Dairy Farm Management Fellows program is designed for undergraduate students who have a sincere interest in dairy farming and closely related careers. The objectives are to gain an understanding of the integration and application of dairy farm management principles and programs, to expand the concept of the team approach to management, and to gain an understanding of the role of research and industry in farming. These objectives are achieved by visiting and evaluating progressive dairy farms, dairy industries, such as milk marketing cooperatives, Northeast Dairy Herd Improvement Cooperative, feed companies and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. A similar program has been developed for those with an interest in livestock.
The undergraduate program has an international dimension. In fact the department has one faculty position which is specifically designated for teaching and research in international animal science. Many other faculty are also involved in international activities. Students with an interest in animal production or any of the animal science disciplines, as they relate to tropical conditions or developing countries, have an excellent opportunity to incorporate this interest into their study programs. There is even a course which involves a study trip between semesters to a tropical or subtropical country.
Career Opportunities Because the curriculum is so flexible and the field so diverse, Animal Science graduates go in many interesting directions....research, veterinary medicine, animal production, agribusiness, extension education and more. Some recent graduates have pursued careers in animal production (dairy, beef, sheep, swine, poultry or horses). Many others have chosen to work in a variety of agricultural businesses (banks, feed companies, pharmaceutical companies, etc.) or in the educational field (high schools or extension). Still others use knowledge acquired in international agriculture courses in foreign assignments such as the Peace Corps or International Voluntary Service.
Many graduates go on to study for advanced degrees at graduate and professional schools....in animal physiology, genetics, nutrition, growth biology, animal management or human or veterinary medicine. Many of those who earn MS or PhD degrees eventually take positions in research at universities or biomedical laboratories or in industry or government.Student Clubs Opportunities for participation in extracurricular activities are almost unlimited at Cornell. Several of those particularly relevant to Animal Science are:
Cornell University Dairy Science Club (CUDS)
Cornell Horseman's Association
Cornell Student Livestock Show
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Undergraduate Programs in Animal Science