EXPLORE OUR ANIMAL SCIENCE PROGRAM

Let’s get you ready for careers that literally range from A-Z? Large animals. Small animals. We are talking about A (Animal Nutrition) to Z (Zoo Managers), and everything in between. Work with cattle, goats, sheep and horses located right here on our beautiful northwest Minnesota campus. What’s the best part?  Glad you asked. This is a major where your classrooms are barns, labs, paddocks, and stables. There’s nothing quite like it, and you’ll be hands-on from day one. 

Animal Science is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.

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Is Crookston the M for You?

Program Features

  • EARN A UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DEGREE
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    Students and faculty learning how to give goat ultrasounds
  • VETFAST PROGRAM
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    Two students inspecting a bird's wings
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    Students learn to show animals and judge animals
  • GO STRAIGHT INTO THE WORKFORCE
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    A female student with a black cow
  • 4X NATIONAL PLACEMENT RATE INTO VET SCHOOLS

REAL. HANDS-ON. READY.

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EMPHASIS AREAS

  • Animal Science
  • Pre-Veterinary Medicine

CAREER OPTIONS

As an animal science major you'll have career options that allow you to go straight into the workforce or continue on to graduate school.

Agricultural lending, Animal health sales/marketing, Animal sales, marketing, and research, Animal nutrition, Artificial insemination, Breeder consultation, Corporate livestock or dairy operation, Dairy/livestock and farm equipment sales, Dairy/livestock farm or ranch ownership, Dairy inspection, Feed production, Feedlot environmental systems, Reproduction systems production and management, Research and lab technician, Small animal entrepreneurship, Veterinary assistantship, Zoos and kennels

ANIMAL SCIENCE MINOR

The animal science minor allows students to attain valuable information with regard to the essentials of livestock (meat) and dairy production principles. Students earning this minor are trained for careers in areas such as ranching, herdsmen, dairymen, and other allied industry positions. Learn more about our Animal Science minor.

Learn more about our Animal Science Program from Dr. Lekatz.

WANT TO GO TO VET SCHOOL?

U of M Crookston pre-veterinary program has a placement rate of 68% for veterinary school, that's is nearly SIX TIMES the national average of 11%.

LEARN ABOUT OUR VETFAST PROGRAM

Across the nation, there is a shortage of veterinarians for food animals. Vacant positions in rural areas or in the food industry are difficult to fill. More veterinary staff are needed in state and federal agencies to protect livestock from disease, and ensure food safety and security. To meet this demand, the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine created the Veterinary Food Animal Scholars Track (VetFAST), an opportunity for accelerated acceptance into its doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) program. Learn more about the program requirements and benefits.

On-Campus Animal Science

at a glance...

Class field trips include visits to approximately 30 farms where tours and labs are conducted.

Hands on experience with ultrasounds, lamb out sheep and calve out cows, giving injections and draw blood, handle and restrain animals, equipment use, terminology, and reproduction and feeds.

Develop and conduct original research with animal science faculty including reproductive management of livestock species and cost effective/nutritious feed alternatives for cattle.

International opportunities to visit farms in other countries to see how they operate, including trips to France.

Gain VetFAST program acceptance to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine at the end of the freshman or sophomore year in college.

Join a club: Animal Science Association (ASA), Pre-Veterinary Medical Association, Dairy Club, Ag Arama Club, Collegiate FFA

Crookston Golden Eagle

REAL. HANDS-ON. READY.

At the U of M Crookston, you won’t spend all your time behind a desk. Our curriculum is designed around experiential learning, which means we want you to have as much hands-on learning as possible. Depending on your major, you’ll find opportunities to be in the field, the lab, the classroom, or engaging in simulated scenarios that give you a competitive edge when you enter the workforce or head to grad school. You’ll learn the concepts and then actively apply them through projects, field trips, site visits, internships, and interactions with professionals in the field.

YOUR FUTURE PROFESSORS

Student Stories

Erin Turman sitting outside with flowers in the background at U of M Crookston

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