Animal Science (B.S.) - Food Animal Health Specialization

Program Coordinator/Contact

Rosie Nold, Professor and Assistant Department Head
Department of Animal Science
Animal Science Complex 116
605-688-5459

Program Information

The Animal Science program provides instruction in livestock breeding, feeding, management, selection, evaluation, and marketing, along with meat science, and equine studies. Courses emphasize the principles of genetics, nutrition, physiology, and meats as they affect production and management of livestock and animal products. Beef cattle, horses, sheep, and swine are the primary species discussed in courses.

The specialization allows students to focus their studies on Industry, Science, or Food Animal Health.  The Industry specialization provides flexibility for students to complete courses and minors in related areas of interest. The Science and Food Animal Health specializations are designed to meet course requirements of the Pre-Veterinary Medicine  curriculum for the SDSU Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine and some other veterinary schools.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Animal Science major with a Food Animal Health Specialization, students will:

• Acquire knowledge of the core sciences and best management practices that are the foundation of animal science and husbandry.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills using a variety of mediums and with various audience types.
• Demonstrate the ability to function as an effective member of a team. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)
• Develop fact-based comparisons of both sides of contemporary issues that impact diversity, inclusion, equity, and professional ethics as related to animal agriculture. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy; Ethical Reasoning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Interpret, critically evaluate, and apply information in order to recognize problems and create solutions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)

Admission Requirements

SDSU Professional (DVM) Program in Veterinary Medicine FAS-Track Program
(Beginning Fall 2022)

Students will be required to complete at least one year of courses at South Dakota State University and be successfully admitted to the SDSU Professional (DVM) Program in Veterinary Medicine FAS-Track program to declare this specialization. The accelerated program will allow students to complete 19 credits of coursework for their bachelor’s degree and the PPVM program.

Applicants meeting or exceeding the following requirements will have the best chance for selection into the SDSU PPVM FAS-Track Program:

• Competitive ACT scores (at least 25) and/or SAT Scores (at least 1140)
• Competitive high school rank (if applicable)
• Complete first-year coursework consistent with admissions requirements for SDSU’s Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine (e.g. chemistry, biology, math, English)
• Maintain full-time college enrollment in both fall and spring semesters (at least 12 credit hours per semester)
• SDSU cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• SDSU pre-veterinary courses GPA typically above 3.4 on a 4.0 scale
• Demonstrate extensive experience related to food animal medicine (e.g. working in a mixed animal or food animal veterinary practice, farm or ranch experience, participation in FFA or 4-H, other experience(s) related to rural-focused mixed or food animal veterinary practices).
• Three letters of recommendation: At least one letter should come from a veterinarian who can validate the applicant’s potential as a rural-focused mixed or food animal veterinary practitioner. Other letters of reference should confirm the applicants’ scholarly discipline, dedication, compassion, work ethic, agricultural perspective, capability, drive, etc.

Course Delivery Format

The Animal Science program provides hands-on experiences in the classroom, laboratories, field trips, and at the livestock teaching units.