Department of Animal Science

Joseph Cassady, Department Head
Department of Animal Science
Animal Science Complex 103A
605-688-5166
E-mail: cheryl.beste@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/ars

Faculty

Professor and Department Head Cassady; Distinguished Professor Pritchard; Distinguished Professors Emeriti McFarland, Wahlstrom; Professors Clapper, Held, Marshall, Olson, Perry, Thaler, Wright; Professors Emeriti Bailey, Gartner, Gee, J. Johnson, Kohler, Libal, Slyter; Associate Professors Blair, Bott, Gonda, Nold, Underwood, Walker; Assistant Professors Brake, Levesque, St-Pierre, Woyengo; Instructors Cribbs, Mastellar.

Overview

Tomorrow’s animal and natural resources industries leaders gain the educational foundation they need in the Department of Animal Science. These future leaders study under a dynamic faculty who not only teach but also set the pace with important research and aggressive outreach via Extension. Throughout the curriculum, a student-centered focus allows ample room for growth and success. With the multi-disciplinary approaches towards production efficiency, product enhancement, and natural resources management, both undergraduate and graduate students gain strong skill sets. Graduates from the department find career options unfold in a diverse and growing range of employment areas, from animal-related industries to natural resources management.

Programs

Majors
Animal Science (B.S.) - Industry Specialization
Animal Science (B.S.) - Science Specialization
Minors
Animal Science Minor
Equine Studies Minor
Meat Science Minor
Certificates
Swine Science Certificate
Graduate Programs*
Animal Science (M.S.)
Animal Science (Ph.D.)
Animal Science Certificate
* Graduate degrees are offered in collaboration with the Graduate School. For details, see the Graduate Catalog.

Facilities and Services

Students gain hands-on experiences at several departmental facilities including the in-house Meat Science Lab, Cow/Calf Research and Education Unit, Swine Education and Research Unit, Sheep Education and Research Unit, Ruminant Nutrition Center, Equine Teaching Facility, as well as at the Oak Lake Field Station.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

Several student clubs and organizations are affiliated with the Department of Animal Science, and Department faculty serve as club advisors and are supportive of all club functions and events. By being involved in these organizations, students have the opportunity to develop their leadership and communications skills with other students who have similar interests and concerns.