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UMA Undergraduate Guide 2018-2019
 Academic Departments and Programs Veterinary and Animal Sciences The Majors
The Majors
Two majors are available within the department. The B.S. in Animal Science major is split into Animal Management, Animal Biotechnology and Research, and Equine Science concentrations in order to provide a more comprehensive background for careers in these fields. The B.S. in Pre-Veterinary Science major is designed specifically for students interested in postgraduate studies in the sciences including entrance into veterinary, medical, master's and doctoral research programs. Admission to majors The B.S. Animal Science major is an open major. Students choose the Animal Management, or Biotechnology and Research, or Equine Science Concentration when they enter. Students completing predictor courses (indicated immediately below with an asterisk) with a weighted average of B- or better are eligible to enter the Pre-Veterinary Science major. Students interested in transferring to the program or obtaining a second bachelor’s degree in Animal Science should contact the department’s Undergraduate Program Director. Requirements for all Animal Science students include the following ANIMLSCI and extra-departmental courses: 101 Introductory Animal Science *BIOLOGY 151/152/153 Introductory Biology Additional Animal Science Major - Animal Management Concentration/Subplan requirements: Complete ONE Laboratory Course Complete 8 credits from the list below: Complete 3 credits from the list below: Additional Animal Science Major - Animal Biotechnology and Research Concentration/Subplan requirements Additional Animal Science Major - Equine Science Concentration/Subplan requirements: Additional Pre-Veterinary Major requirements: Animal Management Concentration Students who choose to follow a career in Animal Management will have a well-structured and strong curriculum that can make them highly competitive in the market place, preparing them for both large-scale and small-scale farming of domestic animals, that is, “backyard to industrial”. The ‘buy local’ movement is expected to increase available jobs in New England for those schooled in this field. The Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences offers a series of courses that formalize the curriculum and accessory courses are taken in ancillary departments to provide expertise in non-domesticated animal management (wildlife, zoo, exotics) or for a career in teaching agriculture. Students have access to a number of animal species at our associated farms on which to learn management skills, including: Belted Galloway cattle, Boer meat goats, Dorset sheep, and poultry. The Department also partners with a local dairy farm where students care for the dairy calves and learn management skills. The Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences emphasizes animal ethics of food animal production as well as the impact of farming techniques on the environment. Animal Biotechnology and Research Concentration Students interested in laboratory or research careers in the fields of veterinary and human health or biotechnology should choose the Animal Biotechnology and Research concentration. Biotechnologists explore and develop new technologies in molecular biology, molecular genetics, embryo manipulation and cell and tissue culture. We encourage students to pursue their research interests and develop deductive reasoning skills in our laboratories, working with diverse animal species. Off campus, the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Internship Challenge offers paid internships that have allowed our students to gain invaluable experience in biotechnology companies. (http://www.masslifesciences.com/programs/internship/ ) Animals contribute to human health through companionship, as models for human and animal diseases, as well as a source of food and fiber. There is a need for graduates who are familiar with animals to serve as lab technicians in the laboratories of both public and private research institutions. Equine Science Concentration The Equine Science concentration is designed for students interested in working in the equine business, nutrition and health fields. Horses require skillful management, knowledgeable trainers, specialized facilities, and appropriate nutritional programs. Those who enjoy horses can establish a satisfying career in this diverse and popular industry that involves agriculture, business, and recreation. Students gain experience and build professional contacts through internships, career seminars, and industry association events. Related opportunities exist in areas such as tack and equipment sales, horse feed and supplement consulting, alternative medicine, equine journalism and photography, and equine-assisted therapies. According to a 2016 study commissioned by the Massachusetts Farm Bureau, there are approximately 26,000 horses on 2,300 farms in Massachusetts, resulting in related career opportunities.
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