University of North Dakota

What you'll study

The Animal Sciences degree covers the biology, physiology and management of domesticated animals with an emphasis on applied skills and scientific principles. Core topics typically include animal anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition, genetics and breeding, reproductive physiology, health and disease management, and animal behaviour. The programme balances classroom instruction with laboratory and field-based learning: you can expect dissection and physiology labs, feed formulation and nutrition labs, behavioural observation projects, and supervised animal-handling sessions.

Students normally follow a structured sequence of courses across the degree: foundational biological and chemical sciences and statistics in the first year, core animal science topics in the middle years, and specialised electives and a capstone experience in the final year. Elective options often allow specialisation in areas such as ruminant and monogastric production, companion animal science, animal welfare and ethics, or research methods. Many students also complete an independent research project or internship with local farms, extension services, veterinary clinics or industry partners to gain practical experience.

Typical modules and subjects

• Introductory Biology and Chemistry for Animal Scientists
• Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
• Principles of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science
• Genetics and Breeding of Farm Animals
• Reproductive Physiology and Management
• Animal Health, Disease Prevention and Biosecurity
• Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics
• Applied Livestock Production Systems
• Research Methods, Statistics and Experimental Design
• Capstone Project or Industry Internship

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised high school diploma or equivalent with a college-preparatory curriculum. Successful applicants typically have background study in biology and chemistry, and competence in mathematics. Where standardised tests are considered, results may be reviewed alongside academic records; requirements vary by applicant type.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test or equivalent documentation unless exempt. Mature or transfer applicants with college-level coursework should present transcripts showing completion of relevant science and mathematics courses. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the admissions office to confirm specific prerequisite expectations and to discuss how prior coursework or experience may satisfy programme requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Animal Sciences have a broad range of career pathways in agriculture, animal health, research and industry. Typical roles include:

• Livestock or farm manager and production specialist
• Animal nutrition and feed specialist
• Veterinary technician or support worker (with additional certification where required)
• Extension agent or agricultural advisor
• Research technician in academic or commercial laboratories
• Animal welfare and behaviour consultant or zoo and sanctuary staff
• Sales and technical roles with animal health and feed companies

Many graduates also progress to graduate study in animal science, veterinary medicine, public health or related biosciences, or pursue professional certification and licences that expand employment opportunities in clinical and regulatory roles.

Why study at University of North Dakota

Studying Animal Sciences at the University of North Dakota offers students a mix of scientific rigour and practical experience within a university recognised for hands-on undergraduate training and research opportunities. The campus location in an agricultural region provides access to working farms, livestock enterprises and regional industry partners for internships and applied projects. Students benefit from small to medium class sizes, opportunities for faculty-supervised undergraduate research, and access to campus laboratory facilities and field resources that support experiential learning.

The programme is designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into industry roles or for further study. Advising and career services help students identify internships, certification pathways and employment connections relevant to the animal sciences sector.