Animal Science - B.S.
Effective May 17, 2024 FYS1020 and CAR0010 will no longer be requirements in our undergraduate programs.
The Animal Science bachelor's degree program introduces students to all aspects of animal-focused industries and services. Students are prepared for careers in veterinary healthcare, laboratory animal care and research, animal health and wellness, and food and fiber production.
Students apply anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, nutrition, reproduction and genetics to the study of animal management, breeding and genetics, growth, behavior, and welfare. The curriculum covers a great variety of species, from livestock to companion animals to pets and animals in research. The animal science major provides excellent preparation for students who wish to find positions immediately upon graduation, as well as those who plan to enter graduate or veterinary schools to obtain advanced degrees.
Students have the opportunity to complete a general course of study or focus their education on pre-veterinary studies or equine science specialization.
Students gain hands-on experience with many animal species in a broad array of animal science-focused skills including handling and health maintenance, facilities management, equipment usage, nutrition, breeding and wellness.
All students participate in the internship program, which allows them to work in an animal science-focused industry at approved establishments.
Core and elective courses in the College of Arts & Sciences provide the critical thinking and communication skills that are considered essential by employers along with the chance for students to explore areas of personal interest.
Upon completion of the Animal Science program, graduates are expected to:
- Apply knowledge of the core disciplines in animal science to the proper care and sustainable management of domestic and captive animals.
- Use knowledge of animal science and related disciplines to develop ethical strategies to address real world challenges in the animal science field
- Communicate the contributions of animals, animal products and animal services across multifaceted mediums and to diverse audiences
- Perform practical tasks associated with animal care, animal management and animal production systems to promote animal health, wellness and welfare
Specialization in Pre-Veterinary Studies
Students choosing a specialization in Pre-Veterinary Studies take a suite of courses that enhance and strengthen the qualifications of graduates interested in applying for admission to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs. This specialization gives students the opportunity to complete major prerequisite course requirements for application to American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited veterinary schools within the United States. Students completing this specialization can pursue application to DVM programs as well as other animal and science-related graduate studies programs.
Upon completion of the Pre-Veterinary Studies specialization, students are expected to:
- Identify, evaluate and analyze scientific information.
Specialization in Equine Science
Students choosing a specialization in equine science take a suite of courses that prepares graduates for a diversity of science-based careers working with horses. This specialization combines a foundation of comprehensive equine courses where students learn how to select, care for and manage horses involved in all aspects of the equine industry. Foundational equine classes develop their understanding of horses with study in anatomy, physiology, behavior, lameness, sports therapy, genetics, nutrition, diseases and reproduction.
Upon completion of the Equine Science specialization, students are expected to:
- Apply the scientific method and critical thinking skills to address equine science questions.
To participate in the Animal Science program, each student, with or without reasonable accommodations, must be able to safely (including the safety of the animal, where applicable) meet minimum technical standards as described for this program.
Animal Science
A four-year program leading to the bachelor of science degree
Credits Major Courses | ||
| ANSC1010 | Introduction to Animal Science | 3 |
| ANSC1015 | Introduction to Animal Science Laboratory | 1 |
| ANSC1050 | Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| ANSC1055 | Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| ANSC2010 | Principles of Animal Nutrition | 3 |
| ANSC2030 | Principles of Animal Behavior and Training | 3 |
| ANSC3010 | Animal Reproduction and Genetics | 3 |
| ANSC3110 | Animal Disease and Preventative Health | 3 |
| ANSC3230 | Animal Production and Management Laboratory | 1 |
| ANSC4120 | Animal Welfare, Health and Wellness | 3 |
| Major Electives or Specialization | ||
| Choose 15 credits of the following* or Specialization listed below:† | 15 | |
| Perspectives in Animal-Assisted Interventions | ||
| Laboratory Animal Science and Management | ||
| Special Topics in Animal Science I | ||
| Special Topics in Animal Science II | ||
| Special Topics in Animal Science III | ||
| Genetics | ||
| General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Epigenetics | ||
| Coastal Ecology and Coastal Ecology Laboratory | ||
| Fundamentals of Pharmacology | ||
| Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Laboratory | ||
| Integrative Biology and Integrative Biology Laboratory | ||
| Functional Histology and Functional Histology Laboratory | ||
| Fundamentals of Immunology | ||
| Foundations in Chemistry and Foundations in Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory | ||
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Introduction to Organic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Biochemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory | ||
| Analytical Chemistry | ||
| Workshop in Acquiring Social Research Skills | ||
| Undergraduate Laboratory and Field Research | ||
| Undergraduate Research Experience | ||
| Choose 15 credits of the following* or Specialization listed below:† | 15 | |
| Farm to Table–A Global Perspective | ||
| Exploring Cheese | ||
| Exploring Mead and Honey | ||
| An Introduction to the Fields of Food, Food Service and Nutrition | ||
| Introduction to Food Product Development | ||
| Food Science | ||
| Food Processing | ||
| Food Writing | ||
| Introduction to Equine Studies and Introduction to Equine Studies Laboratory | ||
| Equine Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Collegiate Horseback Riding | ||
| Equine Diseases and Conditions (Equine Disease and Conditions) | ||
| Foundations of Horsemanship and Riding Theory | ||
| Equine Lameness and Sports Therapy Laboratory | ||
| Methods of Horseback Riding Instruction | ||
| Equine Reproduction and Genetics | ||
| Equine Nutrition | ||
| Sport Horse Evaluation and Judging | ||
| Introduction to Equine-Assisted Services | ||
| Application of Equine-Assisted Services | ||
| Equine Facility Design and Operation Management | ||
| Special Topics in Equine Studies I | ||
| Special Topics in Equine Studies II | ||
| Special Topics in Equine Studies III | ||
| Equine Industry Experience | ||
| Equine Behavior and Training | ||
| Introduction to Event Management | ||
| Fairs and Festivals | ||
| General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | ||
| General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory | ||
| Sustainability Policy and Planning | ||
| Food Sustainability | ||
| Introduction to Food Systems | ||
| Sustainability in the Culinary Kitchen | ||
| Cultivating Local Food Systems | ||
| Applied/Experiential Learning | ||
| Choose 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| College of Arts & Sciences Internship | ||
| Directed Experiential Education D | ||
| Undergraduate Research Experience | ||
| Honors Directed Academic Experience | ||
Study Abroad Sa | ||
| Related Professional Studies | ||
| CAR0010 | Career Management | 1 |
| FYS1020 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| A&S Core Experience | ||
| Communications Foundation Courses | 9 | |
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition II | ||
| Communication Skills | ||
| Integrative Learning | 6 | |
Two ILS courses, one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level | ||
| Arts and Humanities | 6 | |
Two courses from different disciplines: ART, HIST, HUM, LIT, PHIL, or REL | ||
| Mathematics | 6 | |
| Fundamentals of Algebra (or higher, based on student's placement) | ||
| Statistics I | ||
| Science | 4 | |
| General Biology - Cellular and General Biology Laboratory - Cellular | ||
| Social Science | 6 | |
Two courses from ANTH, ECON, GEND, LEAD, PSCI, PSYC, RES or SOC | ||
| A&S electives ** | 7 | |
| General Biology - Organismal and General Biology Laboratory - Organismal | ||
One course with EASC attribute | ||
| Free Electives # | ||
| 12 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 124.0 | |
- *
Students are responsible for meeting prerequisites.
- **
Students considering the Pre-Veterinary specialization must complete MATH1030 Precalculus. This course may fulfill an arts & science or free elective.
Credits †Specialization in Equine Science | ||
| CHM1011 & CHM1016 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | 4 |
| EQN1001 & EQN1006 | Introduction to Equine Studies and Introduction to Equine Studies Laboratory | 4 |
| EQN1030 | Equine Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| EQN2000 | Equine Diseases and Conditions | 3 |
| EQN2030 | Equine Lameness and Sports Therapy Laboratory | 1 |
| EQN3010 | Equine Reproduction and Genetics | 3 |
| EQN3025 | Equine Nutrition | 3 |
| Choose 9 credits from the following (maximum of three credits in horseback riding): | 9 | |
| Collegiate Horseback Riding | ||
| Equine Diseases and Conditions | ||
| Foundations of Horsemanship and Riding Theory | ||
| Methods of Horseback Riding Instruction | ||
| Equine Reproduction and Genetics | ||
| Equine Nutrition | ||
| Sport Horse Evaluation and Judging | ||
| Introduction to Equine-Assisted Services | ||
| Application of Equine-Assisted Services | ||
| Equine Facility Design and Operation Management | ||
| Horse Farm Management and Business Planning | ||
| Special Topics in Equine Studies I | ||
| Special Topics in Equine Studies II | ||
| Special Topics in Equine Studies III | ||
| Equine Behavior and Training | ||
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
Credits †Specialization in Pre-Veterinary Studies | ||
| Students must use 1 credit of free electives to complete this specialization | ||
| Students considering this specialization must complete MATH1030 Precalculus as a prerequisite. This course may fulfill an arts & science or free elective. | ||
| BIO2201 & BIO2206 | General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM1011 & CHM1016 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM1022 & CHM1026 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM2011 & CHM2016 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM2022 & CHM2026 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM3040 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| PHY1011 & PHY1016 | General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | 4 |
| PHY1022 & PHY1026 | General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
| Total Credits | 31.0 | |
D Directed Experiential Education (DEE) opportunities are based on project availability with community partners and student eligibility. For more information, visit Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS).
SaTo be eligible to count toward Applied/ Experiential Learning, a Study Abroad offering must meet certain requirements. Contact JWU Global to discuss eligible Study Abroad options for this degree program.
# In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, Directed Experiential Education courses and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For students who qualify for the J2 program, up to four graduate courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Note: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math courses.
Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses.
In collaboration with academic colleges across all JWU campuses, JWU Global Study Abroad programs offer a variety of international, domestic, and digital options for major, minor, free electives, experiential learning, and transferable courses. There are many affordable options for students during a semester, winter session, spring and/or summer breaks. Faculty-led, exchange, affiliate, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied, and some partners offer external scholarships. Premiere programs do not qualify for JWU scholarships or grants; however federal aid is available. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go? Wherever you decide, make the best of your educational journey!
J2 Program
The JWU J2 program allows qualified students enrolled in a matriculating undergraduate program to take graduate level courses at JWU. Students interested in pursuing this option should meet with their academic advisor to discuss their interest, qualifications, and plans. The undergraduate student may take up to four graduate courses (maximum 12 credits) and are limited to 6 credits a semester and 3 credits per session (Fall Session I and Fall Session II).
The completion of graduate credits to fulfill undergraduate program requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate program after completion of the baccalaureate degree. Matriculating undergraduate students who wish to formally enroll in a graduate program, must fulfill all requirements for entrance into the intended graduate program and complete a graduate program application.
Note: Not all graduate courses are included as part of this policy. Courses offered as part of the Masters of Arts in Teaching, Masters of Education, Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and doctoral courses are excluded from this policy and are restricted to program majors only. Additional courses and/or programs as determined by individual colleges may also have restricted access.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible to enroll in graduate level courses (excludes: Masters of Arts in Teaching, Masters of Education, Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, doctoral courses and other programs as outlined by the colleges).
Undergraduate students must meet the following criteria:
· Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
· Completed & registered undergraduate credits at least 90 credits
· Meet the individual course prerequisites
Appeal to Eligibility Criteria: College Dean or designee will receive a copy of the Petition Form, Student's GPS and email requesting appeal if the student requests to appeal the GPA or earned/registered credit criteria. College Dean / designee will review and determine approval.
These courses carry graduate credit and will replace undergraduate degree requirements when applicable, traditionally free-electives (maximum of 12 credits). The course will be applied to the undergraduate degree in the order in which they are taken (if required) and will also be applied towards both the students undergraduate and graduate GPA.
Students should maintain enrollment in at least 12 credits of undergraduate coursework to maintain full-time status; graduate course enrollment is not calculated into undergraduate full-time status. For students already attending full-time as undergraduates (12 credits or more) and paying the full-time tuition, the graduate credits will be included in full-time tuition fee. Students attending part-time (11 credits or less) will pay the cost per-credit undergraduate tuition for the graduate course.
Course registration will be based on space availability and students enrolled in graduate level courses will be required to maintain good academic standing at the undergraduate and graduate level.