Animal Science
Bachelor of Science
Your thriving career begins
with animal science.
Our Animal Science program is tailored for your eco-conscious career journey and blends flexibility with specialized knowledge in sustainable animal practices. Forge diverse career paths in sustainable agriculture, agribusiness, and veterinary services. Our global network connects you with like-minded professionals worldwide.
Immerse yourself in a curriculum tuned to meet the demands of modern agriculture, focusing on green skills in nutrition, genetics, and ethical health management through immersive virtual labs and internships.
Enroll now for an education that not only opens doors to rewarding opportunities but also empowers you to actively shape the future of sustainable animal sciences.
Program Overview
The BS in Animal Science prepares students to apply animal biology, chemistry, nutrition, veterinary medicine, and physiology to the study of animal breeding and genetics, growth, behavior, and management. The curriculum can be applied to a great variety of species, from livestock to companion animals to pets. 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.
The BS in Animal Science tracks:
Career Outlook*
Earn your degree.
Unlock new opportunities.
Median salary for Livestock Managers, U.S. 2018.
Median salary for Animal Scientists, U.S. 2018.
Projected 10 year growth for companion animal directors.
Median salary for Livestock Managers, U.S. 2018.
Median salary for Animal Scientists, U.S. 2018.
Projected 10 year growth for companion animal directors.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity Environmental University cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.
Experiential and Immersive Coursework
Animal Care Plan
Students are tasked with creating a care plan for either an Emotional Support Animal or a Service Animal that demonstrates how the animal will meet or exceed expectations in that role. Students will understand relevant laws, access animal benefits and risks, understand the controversies, and how to handle potential issues in public spaces.
Drug Discovery and Synthesis
In the Animal Science Program, students are working toward being prepared for Vet School which requires students to have a foundation in chemistry and biology. Students in Organic Chemistry are tasked with explaining a new drug and the different range of reactions that are possible. Students are focused on the health and safety of the recipients.
Pasteurization To Prevent Disease
Students are presented with a real account of people getting sick from drinking raw milk. They are asked to create an infographic to communicate to farmers how to disinfect their dairy farm and prevent the problem from spreading. Students are tasked with communicating the importance of pasteurization to dairy farmers.
Animal Science Degree requirements and courses
The Animal Science degree requires 120 credits, including 30 that must be completed at the 300 level or above. You may transfer in up to 90 credits from outside accredited institutions. View our full course catalog for a better look into your program, then apply online for free to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Animal Science?
Animal science is a field of study that focuses on the scientific understanding of animals, including their biology, behavior, management, and welfare. It encompasses various aspects related to the care, breeding, nutrition, genetics, physiology, and health of domesticated and wild animals.
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What courses will I be taking?
General Education Core: 36 credits
Environmental Professional Core: 13 credits
Elective Courses: 32 credits
Program Core: 39 credits- ANIM 205: Animal Nutrition
- ANIM 301: Animal Husbandry and Genetics
- ANIM 302: Animal Comparative Anatomy
- ANIM 304: Animal Comparative Physiology
- BIOL 301: Animal Behavior: The Evolution, Ecology, and Social Behavior of Animals
- BIOL 310: Microbiology
- BIOL 315: Cell Biology
- CHEM 103: Chemistry II
- CHEM 104: Chemistry II Laboratory
- CHEM 201: Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 202: Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
- CHEM 301: Biochemistry
- CHEM 302: Biochemistry Laboratory
Please work with your advisor to choose your required track.
Companion Animal Care and Training Track
- ANIM 103: Animal Training and Care
- ANIM 306: Understanding the Role of Emotional Support and Service Animals
Sustainable Livestock Management Track
- ANIM 310: Sustainable Livestock Health, Nutrition, and Care
- ANIM 410: Sustainable Livestock Management
Equine Science and Management Track
- ANIM 315: Equine Health, Nutrition, and Care
- ANIM 415: Horse Facility Management
For course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.
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How much does it cost?
Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won’t be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.
Our team of distance education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here. -
How fast can I finish?
Our comprehensive 120-credit program can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals! Completion time is flexible, determined by the number of credits you choose to take each term (8 terms/year) and less time with transfer credits. Without transfer credits, you can anticipate the following completion times:
- 48 credits/year: Fast-track your education in only 2.6 years
- 30 credits/year: Achieve your degree in 4 years
- 24 credits/year: Complete in 5 years, if that’s your preferred pace!
Program Features
High Value Education: Nationally recognized for the quality of our programs delivered at an affordable price.
Social Mobility: Unity ranks in the top 2% of colleges in the U.S. for fostering upward mobility.
Sustainability Core: All programs are committed to sustainable practices, preparing you for a future of environmental awareness in all fields.
Flexible Learning: Balance work and education effortlessly by choosing when and where you want to study.
Flexible Start Dates: 8 start dates per year allows you to control your schedule
Personalized Guidance: Benefit from individualized academic and professional advising, where we are dedicated to turning your career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.
Transfer-Friendly: Shorten your academic timeline, since we accept up to 90 credits to value your prior academic achievements.
Experts in the Field
At Unity Environmental University, our Faculty is comprised of a wide range of environmental science experts who in addition to teaching, conduct their own research and various fieldwork.
Dr. Kristyn Vitale
Assistant Professor in Animal Health and Behavior
Dr. Kristyn Vitale is a powerhouse in Animal Science and Experimental Psychology. With a Ph.D. from Oregon State University, she's on a mission to unravel the secrets of human-animal connections. From fostering programs' impacts on animals to cross-cultural studies on human-cat bonds (USA to Japan), her research breaks boundaries. Not just a researcher – she's the go-to for cat, dog, and pig training expertise. Her expertise has even led her to be featured in the Netflix documentary “Inside the Minds of a Cat”. Join her in the cutting edge of animal behavior research where every class is a dive into the latest data and best practices. Your journey into the dynamic world of animal behavior starts here!
Faculty Profiles
