What you will study
While earning your Animal Science bachelor’s degree from the University of Central
Missouri, you’ll explore thought-provoking topics in the genetics, health, nutrition
and reproduction of animals.
What helps set us apart from animal science colleges is our focus on preparing you
for animal science careers through both classroom and lab instruction. Courses in
animal science include:
- Introduction to Animal Science: Your first semester on campus as a major in Animal Science starts with many hands-on
activities, including halter-breaking a weaned calf. These experiences help you learn
how to apply what you learn to careers in animal science and livestock production.
- Animal Nutrition: Test different feed diets for farm animal livestock, including beef cattle and goats.
Measure growth performance by collecting weekly animal weights and learn technical
skills by calculating average daily grain, feed efficiency and cost per pound of grain.
- Reproduction of Farm Animals: Hands-on learning includes ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis, estrous synchronization
and artificial insemination of livestock, including beef cattle and swine, and semen
evaluation of livestock, including bulls and boars.
Unique learning opportunities majoring in Animal Science
Another reason we stand out from other animal science colleges is our focus on hands-on,
experiential learning opportunities in the classroom and in the field. At our Warrensburg
campus, Animal Science majors get hands-on experience every semester.
- Two UCM-owned farms: As an Animal Science major, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with the beef
cattle, swine and goat herds at the two university farms located within 10 miles of
campus in Warrensburg.
- Internships: All Animal Science majors pursue an internship with a local agency, business or other
agricultural organization during their time at UCM. Get a taste of what you can expect
working in the animal science industry.
- Field trips and guest speakers: Connect and hear from guest speakers who work in the livestock industries around Missouri
and the nation. You’ll also travel to agricultural companies and government agencies
to gain first-hand insights into how agriculture-related businesses work.
What can you do with an Animal Science bachelor’s degree from UCM?
An undergraduate degree in Animal Science can lead to several career options throughout
Missouri, the Midwest and the nation. For example, our graduates:
- Operate their own livestock farms
- Work in the private industry for nutrition companies, pharmaceutical companies and
reproductive and genetic companies
- Manage herds on production farms
- Lead government agencies in research and development facilities
- Achieve advanced graduate degrees in animal science or veterinary medicine
More on animal science jobs
Discover what you can do with UCM’s Animal Science bachelor’s degree. Use the interactive
tool below to explore outlooks on animal science jobs and salary expectations.
Financial assistance options for Animal Science majors
UCM is respected throughout Missouri and the Midwest as one of the more affordable
public institutions, even among animal science colleges. We offer competitive tuition
rates for our undergraduate degree in Animal Science, as well as opportunities and
resources to help you finance your college education.
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships with the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Makayla H.
BS Animal Science ’18
“Through my undergraduate career at UCM, there were many opportunities for livestock
handling instruction, breeding program education and vaccination programs, as well
as an overall education on the intricacies of each operation. My time at UCM has made
me a better veterinarian because I understand the needs of the producer to have a
successful season.”
Big Benefits of a Small-School Experience
Academic, career experts to help you get ahead
In addition to dedicated faculty, UCM students majoring in Animal Science are supported
by three academic success advisors and three success coaches. These individuals help
you advance academically and professionally — here at UCM and after you graduate.
Make Lifelong Connections
UCM offers several ag-related clubs for you to join
Share common interests and build connections and friendships through our on-campus
clubs for Animal Science majors:
- Agriculture Club
- Collegiate Cattlemen’s Club
- Collegiate Farm Bureau
- Delta Tau Alpha, an agriculture honor organization
Get Involved
UCM Farms
Get hands-on with field experience
The 260-acre Prussing Farm houses our beef cattle herd, swine livestock operations
and rotational grazing systems. Our 110-acre Mitchell Street Farm is within a few
blocks of campus and handles corn and soybean variety testing; forage production testing;
and Boer goat, vegetable and table grape production.
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