The Field

Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary Science majors study the welfare, breeding, development, nutrition, physiology, pathology, behavior, management, and production of domestic and laboratory animals. In addition to providing opportunities to develop skills in animal management and in clinical and laboratory procedures, the program promotes scientific awareness, and critical and ethical thinking, as well as verbal and written communication. These skills are acquired through laboratory and lecture courses, research projects with faculty conducting nationally and internationally recognized research programs, internships in the Animal Management, Biotechnology and Equine Science concentrations, and participation in student- and faculty-run programs at the department’s Hadley and Deerfield farm complexes. Extensive facilities provide opportunities for students to work directly with dairy and beef cattle, goats, horses, poultry, sheep, service dogs, amphibians, and rodents in classes and laboratories.

Veterinary Technology majors prepare for a career as a veterinary technologist in veterinary medicine or biomedical research. Students learn animal nursing for a variety of species, including laboratory techniques, anesthesiology and surgical assisting, radiographic imaging and client education.