Department of Animal Science

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Michael Gonda, Interim Department Head
Department of Animal Science
Animal Science Complex 103A
605-688-5165

Faculty

Distinguished Professors

Robert Thaler

Professors

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

Associate Professors

Jameson Brennan, Judson Grubbs, Zachary Smith, Benoit St Pierre, Keith Underwood

Assistant Professors

Christina Bakker, Erin DeHaan, Jessica Drum, Hector Menendez, Ana Baiao Menezes, Ira Parsons, Rafe Royall, Warren Rusche, Rebecca Swanson, Philip Urso, Eric Weaver

Senior Lecturers

Carmen Paulson

Lecturers

Tommy Norman

Emeritus

Jeffrey Clapper, Dan Gee, Jeffrey Held, James Johnson, George Libal, Douglas McFarland, Kenneth Olson

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 broad and growing range of employment areas.

Programs

Majors

• Animal Science (B.S.) - Food Animal Health Specialization  
• Animal Science (B.S.) - Industry Relations Specialization  
• Animal Science (B.S.) - Production Management Specialization  
• Animal Science (B.S.) - Science Specialization  

Minors

• Animal Science Minor  
• Bison Studies 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

• Bison Studies Certificate  
• Livestock and Animal Products Evaluation Certificate  
• 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.

Accreditation

The B.S. in Animal Science is accredited by the American Society of Animal Science.

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.

• Bison Club
• Block and Bridle
• Collegiate Cattlemen’s Club
• Horse Club
• International Experience
• Lamb and Wool Club
• Little International 
• Livestock Judging Team
• Meats Judging Team
• Rodeo Team and Rodeo Club
• Swine Club
• Undergraduate Research/Scholarship
• Wool Judging Team

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