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Undergraduate Majors
The School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences provides abundant opportunities for you to build a career that positively impacts people, animals, and our world. It offers five majors: Animal Sciences, Applied Biotechnology, Food Safety, Microbiology, and Veterinary Science. Regardless which major you choose, you will develop the critical thinking and skills needed to tackle a wide range of issues, from feeding an ever-growing population to developing new bio-products to sustaining earth’s precious resources.
Launch Your Career with One of Our Majors
There is no shortage of jobs for people who major through the School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences (ACBS). For instance, the biotechnology field is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, in 2019, USA Today ranked Animal Science and agricultural-related occupations in the Top 15 careers for employability, with unemployment rates of well below 2 percent.
If you're interested in this area of study, you will be well-positioned to pursue your dreams not just in agricultural careers but in medicine, nutrition, the food industry, veterinary science, and other scientific and business fields. The possibilities are wide open!
To declare a major or minor from this school, please schedule an advising appointment with an ACBS academic advisor to review the requirements and formally declare.
Build Your Job Skills
Any of our five undergraduate majors will give you the knowledge base and skillset employers find attractive in prospective hires. You will be taught how to apply what you learn to real-life situations in your area of interest, whether that’s making our food supply safer, seeking better medicines and vaccines, or using animals for agriculture, entertainment, or companionship. Our graduates emerge with confidence and expertise. They go on to rewarding careers in human and animal healthcare, nutrition, agriculture, sports, business, and much more!
We’re here to help you make the most of your undergraduate degree program. Contact us to learn more about our majors, your classes, internship opportunities, clubs, and other opportunities that will prepare you to launch your career.
Animal Sciences
The animal sciences major encompasses a wide range of animal science and industry areas of study including equine science, industry and production animal systems, marketing, research, and use of animals for agriculture, entertainment, and companionship. You can choose to focus on one of four emphasis areas: Animal Industry, Equine Industry, Race Track Industry, or Science Pre-professional.
Learn moreApplied Biotechnology
The applied biotechnology major pairs a solid foundation in microbiology, plant biology, food sciences, and nutrition with hands-on learning alongside faculty mentors and industry partners. You can choose to focus on one of three emphasis areas: applied biotechnology, food and beverage fermentation, or industrial plant and microbial biotechnology.
Learn moreFood Safety
The food safety major pairs a solid foundation of food science with knowledge of regulations and laws related to public and ecosystem health and sustainability. You’ll emerge from our program with the confidence, expertise, and connections to feed our world and protect our future.
Learn moreMicrobiology
The microbiology major provides you with a solid foundation in modern biology through an applied focus on microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, parasites, and protozoans. This major is a great option for pre-med, pre-vet, pre-pharmacy, and pre-health students; as well as those who plan to pursue graduate school or employment following graduation.
Learn moreVeterinary Science
The veterinary science major prepares you with a solid foundation in modern and advanced biology through an applied focus on the health and welfare of animals. You can choose to focus on one of two emphasis areas: Applied Animal Behavior or the Veterinary Science General Emphasis. This major is a great option for pre-vet and pre-med students; as well as those who plan to pursue graduate school or employment right after graduation.
Learn moreAre You a Current Student? Connect with an Advisor
Our dedicated team of academic advisors will help you make decisions about your educational and career goals as you progress through your degree program.