Options for an Animal Science Major

Pre-Veterinary/Pre-Professional Science:
Students completing this option are prepared to enter graduate, veterinary, medical, dental, or pharmacy schools. The pre-professional option has a very strong science base and yet has sufficient flexibility to allow for advanced study related to animal production or companion animals.  Courses may also be taken in the other options.  During their sophomore year, students who have met the requirements, have the opportunity to apply to Tufts University Veterinary School, and, if accepted, are assured of a space at Tufts after graduating from UVM.

Equine Science:
This option offers specialized courses on the care, management, breeding, and health of horses.  Our goal is to provide students with the mix of science, business and personal skills to succeed with careers in the equine industry.  The Hardacre equine facility is 1 mile from campus, and provides many opportunities to apply the skills learned in the Equine Science classes.  The world-famous Morgan Horse Farm is part of the department and offers opportunities for internships, study, and research.  Students may also enroll for credit in summer equine courses at The Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, New York, which is about an hour drive from campus.

General Animal Science:
This option is available for the student who wishes maximum flexibility in tailoring a program of study.  It supports a more non-traditional approach to education and/or in developing a broader based program of study. Students may select a combination of basic science, production or companion animal courses and balance these with other University courses.

Dairy Production:
Students selecting this option will concentrate on courses relating to the feeding, breeding, health and management of dairy cattle, and also financial and small business management.  An important feature of this option is the CREAM program, which provides a two semester, hands-on experience.  An additional option is the FARMS 2 + 2 Dairy Management program which provides a strong business and dairy management background.  FARMS 2 + 2 is offered in conjunction with Vermont Technical College, and has an intensive Dairy Management opportunity at Miner Agricultural Research Institute, and culminates with a final thesis project directly related to the student's goals.