What you'll learn studying animal science at UW-Platteville
Animal science is the application of the basic sciences, state-of-the-art technology, and sound business practices to the production and processing of domestic farm animals and animal products. Our newly revised degree in animal science offers students the opportunity to learn innovative and forward-thinking concepts of profitable farm animal production. The program incorporates courses in the areas of food processing, genetics, management, nutrition, and physiology. Choose from emphasis areas in pre-veterinary, veterinary technician, or a comprehensive emphasis to focus on your area of interest and customize your degree.
UW-Platteville stands apart from other colleges with animal science majors
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s School of Agriculture offers bachelor of science degrees in seven major areas. As a recognized world leader for our undergraduate programs in agriculture, we offer a diverse selection of clubs and organizations, as well as several nationally competing teams, opportunities to apply classroom theories to on-campus science laboratories, a greenhouse, 430-acre university farm, and robust internship program.
The Animal Science program is designed to highlight advanced classroom theory, provide considerable hands-on experience, and highlight the relevancy of animal science to what is the most important sector of the nation's agricultural industry, allowing animal science majors to learn the precise scientific practices to maximize productivity in farm animal operations.
The modern and forward-thinking concepts of the Animal Science program will prepare you for success after graduation. In fact, UW-Platteville School of Agriculture graduates boast an employment rate of well over 95 percent.
To learn more about the program, review the fact sheet.
Tailor your animal science degree with one of three emphasis areas
Comprehensive
The comprehensive emphasis is a unique program that provides maximum flexibility to tailor your degree to your specific interests and experiences. You will work with your advisor to get approval for this emphasis.
Pre-Veterinary
The animal science pre-veterinary emphasis will also prepare you to further your education at the veterinary school where you wish to apply. You will work closely with your academic advisor to ensure all veterinary school admission requirements are met, as requirements will vary by school. UW-Platteville's School of Agriculture graduates have a high rate of placement, with 82 percent of veterinary school applicants for the 2021 academic year receiving acceptance.
To learn more about the program, review the fact sheet. Or, learn more about the Pre-Veterinary Medicine program.
Veterinary Technician
Students who successfully complete the Veterinary Technician associate of applied science degree at Madison College or Fox Valley Technical College, may transfer 36 credits of vet tech course work to UW-Platteville to complete the Vet Tech emphasis.
Careers in Animal Science
Animal scientists research domestic farm animals and provide advice to farmers about how to house, feed, and care for their cattle, chickens, horses, pigs, sheep, and other livestock. Animal scientists can help farmers control disease and advise on genetic considerations with breeding farm animals.
When you pursue an animal science degree, you will be prepared for a variety of roles on public and private farms, in research organizations and other businesses, and government agencies. After earning a bachelor of science degree, some people also choose to enter animal science graduate programs to continue learning and enhance their understanding in this field. Some of the most popular careers for animal science degree-holders include:
- Animal scientist
- Animal care worker
- Animal breeder
- Animal control
- Laboratory animal caretaker
- Veterinary assistant
- Veterinary technologist
- Wildlife biologist
- Zoologist
- Veterinarian
Graduates from animal science degree programs can expect to enter a field that is growing faster than the average for all other occupations. People who choose this career path play key roles in developing, maintaining, and growing the food supply, which ultimately affects the world.
Discover by doing
Students enrolled in the Animal Science program at UW-Platteville learn inside and outside the classroom through research, internships, and university events. These hands-on learning opportunities are available whether you are pursuing a bachelor's degree, minor, or pre-professional studies.
