2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 11, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Animal Science (B.S.) - Production Management Specialization


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Class held at in front of cattle and feed.

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 specializations allow students to focus their studies on Industry Relations, Production Management, Science, or Food Animal Health. The Production Management 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. In the Industry Relations Specialization students gain the fundamentals of animal science disciplines, paired with training in communication skills and leadership to enhance their opportunities in many animal and animal products based careers.

Course Delivery Format

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

Student Learning Outcomes


Upon completion of the Animal Science major with a Production Management 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 and apply techniques to critically evaluate communication strategies regarding animal agriculture. 
  • Demonstrate the ability to function as an effective member of a team.
  • Develop fact-based comparisons of both sides of contemporary issues that impact diversity, inclusion, equity, and professional ethics as related to animal agriculture.
  • Interpret, critically evaluate, and apply information in order to recognize problems and create solutions.

Academic Requirements


Animal Science majors must achieve a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in Animal Science core courses for successful graduation. Core courses include AS 101-101L, AS 219, AS 241-241L, AS 319-319L, AS 332, AS 333-333L, AS 389, and 2 capstone courses in which the students receive the highest grades (if they take more than 2).  Capstone courses include AS 445-445L, AS 450, AS 474-474L, AS 475-475L, AS 476-476L, AS 477-477L, and AS 478-478L.

Requirements for Animal Science Major - Production Management Specialization: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science

Experiential Learning Requirement


Select one of the following. Credits: 1-3

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements* 30-34 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 59-62 Credit Hours
Electives** 24-31 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

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