# 2025-2026 General Catalog

**Source**: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/animal-science/animal-science-bs/
**Parent**: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/#programsanddegreestext

[Office & Contact Information](https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/animal-science/)

Anne Todgham, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Department

The Animal Science major is devoted to the sciences central to understanding biological function of domestic and captive animals, their care, management, and utilization by people for food, fiber, companionship, work, and recreation. Advances in science and technology, and an ever-growing human population, have increased the complexity of issues surrounding the care and management of animals. Specializations within the major allow students to develop a scientific appreciation of animals and their relationship to their environment. Graduates in Animal Science are able to advance the science and technology of animal care and management in an objective and effective manner for the betterment of animals and society.

## The Program

The curriculum provides depth in the biological and physiological sciences and allows students to specialize within the broad field of applied animal science. Study begins with introductory courses in animal science, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics. Students undertake advanced courses in animal behavior, animal welfare, biochemistry, genetics, nutrition, and physiology and the integration of these sciences to animal growth, production, and  performance. Students complete the curriculum by choosing a specialization in either an animal science discipline (behavior, biochemistry, genetics, nutrition, or physiology) or in the sciences particular to a class of animals (aquatic, avian, companion and captive, equine, laboratory, livestock and dairy, or poultry).

### Career Alternatives

A wide range of career opportunities are available to graduates. The primary goal of the major is to prepare students for graduate study leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees; for continued study in a professional school such as veterinary medicine, human medicine, or dentistry; for careers in research, agricultural production, farm and ranch management, or positions in business, sales, financial services, health care, agricultural extension, consulting services, teaching, journalism, or laboratory technology.

## Graduate Study

The Animal Biology Graduate Group offers a program of study and research leading to M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in Animal Biology. See [Animal Biology (Graduate Group)](https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/animal-biology-graduate-group/); see also [Graduate Studies](http://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/).

## Lead Faculty Advisor

Russ Hovey, Ph.D., Professor

Print Options