Department of Animal Science

Students walking behind sheep in a field.

John Jaeger, Department Head
Department of Animal Science
Animal Science Complex 103A
605-688-5168

Faculty

Distinguished Professor

Robert Thaler

Professors

Amanda Blair, Kristi Cammack, Joseph Cassady, Michael Gonda, John Jaeger, John Killefer, Rosemarie Nold, Kenneth Olson, Julie Walker, Cody Wright

Associate Professors

Judson Grubbs, Crystal Levesque, Zachary Smith, Benoit St Pierre, Keith Underwood

Assistant Professors

Christina Bakker, Jameson Brennan, Erin DeHaan, Jessica Drum, Hector Menendez, Ana Baiao Menezes, Ira Parsons, Warren Rusche, Ryan Samuel, Philip Urso, Eric Weaver

Lecturers

Tommy Norman, Carmen Paulson

Emeritus

Jeffrey Clapper, Robert Gartner, Dan Gee, Jeffrey Held, James Johnson, George Libal, Douglas McFarland, Lowell Slyter

Overview

Tomorrow’s animal 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 and product enhancement, 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.

Programs

Majors

Minors

Animal Science Minor
Equine Studies Minor
Meat Science Minor
Ranch Management Minor (offered jointly with Department of Natural Resource Management and Ness School of Management and Economics)

Certificates

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 and nearby Cow/Calf Education and Research Facility, Swine Education and Research Facility, Sheep Education and Research Facility, Ruminant Nutrition Center, and Equine Teaching Facility.

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.