Animal Science is not only about the production and care of animals, it is also about the products these animals produce - meat!  Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and turkey, are all high protein foods and are needed daily in the human diet.  Animal Science is about these foods and the animals that produce them.  Animal Science is education about the technology of breeding, feeding, producing, managing, evaluating and marketing of beef cattle, sheep, hogs, horses, and poultry; as well as the processing of their products: meat, eggs and wool.

Degrees Offered

Students can earn a bachelor of science, master of science, or doctorate in Animal Science at South Dakota State University. To earn a bachelor of science in animal science, students must complete 128 credit hours of study which can be done in four years by averaging 16 credit hours per semester of study.

The undergraduate program combines the latest scientific findings about animal production and product processing. Classroom work is combined with hands-on experience in animal production, processing, and research units which are maintained by the department and staffed with students. Animals produced and processed by these units are used in classroom and research projects, providing the student an opportunity to become actively involved in our livestock units and animal science research programs.

Study Options

Undergraduate students majoring in Animal Science may choose one of two different options. Within each of these options, students can specialize in one, or more, specie groups by choosing the appropriate production courses. During their freshmen year, students are not required to choose their option plan because the core requirements are similar for the first two years.

The Business/Production option provides a broad background in animal science and the business and management skills that are needed in today's demanding and changing economic climate. Students choosing this option are better prepared for all aspects of up-to-date livestock production and management. Because of the broad training involved, many students obtain employment in positions that require business management skills as well as the knowledge of day to day livestock care. Graduating students are qualified for areas of employment from livestock production and the cooperative extension service, to the marketing and promotion of agricultural products, and financial institutions.

The Science option offers those students interested in furthering their education a greater core of math, chemistry, and physical sciences as well as a more in-depth study of the functions of livestock. The science option prepares students for advanced work in veterinary medicine, graduate study, or other scientific/technical careers.

Students can also receive a minor in animal science, as well as an equine management minor.  These minors provide students a base in the areas of animal and equine management, and may be useful in conjunction with another appropriate major.