NDSCS College Catalog

Animal Science

The Agriculture Department mission statement is to “provide a foundation for an entrepreneurial agricultural spirit.”

Its philosophy statement is: “The Agriculture Department provides education for the present and future by incorporating leadership and career development, best management practices in crop and livestock production, mechanics, technology, natural resources, problem solving, internships and communication through a diverse program.”

Students who enroll in the Animal Science option in the Agriculture Department can choose between careers in diversified crop and livestock production farm management, sales of livestock feed and supplies, and employment in a livestock operation. Students will find many challenging courses related to the track of their choice. These may include livestock production, feeds and feeding, livestock  health management, range management, beef production and management, swine production and management, dairy production and management, sheep production and management, and animal anatomy, physiology, and reproduction. Depending on the track chosen courses also may include farm management, agricultural mechanics, sales and agribusiness. Hands-on application of learner outcomes will be used whenever possible.

Students will complete an internship relative to their chosen career goal during the summer between their first and second year of instruction.

Admission requirements

The applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent. Helpful courses to prepare for this program are mathematics, physical science, biology, agricultural education, computer science and English. Courses that develop communication skills are important. Applicants may be required to complete a basic skills evaluation during the admissions process.

Award

Upon successful completion of the required courses, students will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree in Agriculture with an emphasis in Animal Science.