The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science prepares students for diverse careers involving all aspects of food animal agriculture. Careers in food animal production, support industries such as animal health and nutrition companies, and pre-professional preparation for graduate or professional school studies are all possible directions for students obtaining this degree. In addition, management level courses in several food animal species are offered. Students get hands-on learning about food animals such as sheep, beef and dairy cattle, and pigs at the University Farm.
The option in food animal production. This is a general animal science option that balances science and production. Students should select this option if they are interested in entering the livestock production field or any of the supporting industries (feed companies, pharmaceutical companies, etc.).
The option in pre-veterinary science. This option prepares students for application to professional programs such as veterinary schools and graduate programs. Emphasis is on advanced sciences to prepare students for post-baccalaureate education. Students interested in pre-veterinary medicine should pursue this option.
Advising Requirement
Advising is mandatory for this program. Consult your department advisor or program coordinator for information.
E-advising Tools
Use the interactive e-advising tools designed to help students graduate within four years. These tools can be accessed through the Student Center in the Portal.
Grading Requirement
All courses taken to fulfill program course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as credit/no credit grading only.
Course Requirements for the Major: 78 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.
Any combination of lower-division courses in Agricultural Business (ABUS), Agriculture (AGRI), Agricultural Engineering Technology (AGET), Animal Science (ANSC), and Plant and Soil Science (PSSC).
Any combination of upper-division courses in Agricultural Business (ABUS), Agriculture (AGRI), Agricultural Engineering Technology (AGET), Animal Science (ANSC), and Plant and Soil Science (PSSC). Choose courses in consultation with your advisor.
1
One course can be lower division.
2
At least one course must be Agricultural Business (ABUS).
Any combination of upper-division courses in Agricultural Business (ABUS), Agriculture (AGRI), Agricultural Engineering Technology (AGET), Animal Science (ANSC), and Plant and Soil Science (PSSC). Choose courses in consultation with your advisor to meet the subject matter competency requirements.
1
One course can be lower division.
Honors in the Major
Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires six units of honors coursework completed over two semesters.
The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.
Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:
You must take six units of Honors in the Major coursework. All six units are honors courses (marked by a suffix of H), and at least three of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each course with a minimum grade of B.
You must have completed 9 units of upper-division coursework or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the six units of coursework over the two semesters of their senior year.
Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.
Honors in the Major is not part of the Honors Program. Each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.
See Bachelor's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
General Education Requirements: 43 units
See General Education and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.
This major has approved GE modification(s). See below for information on how to apply these modification(s).
ANSC 101 is an approved major course substitution for Biological Science (5B).
AGRI 482W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Social and Behavioral Sciences (UD-4).
American Institutions Course Requirements: 6 units
The American Institutions graduation requirement, as mandated in Title 5, Section 40404, requires that students satisfactorily complete courses in United States history, the US Constitution, and government and American ideals (including California state and local government). At Chico State, HIST 130 meets the US history requirement (US-1), and POLS 155 meets the US Constitution and government requirement (US-2) and the California state and local government requirement (US-3). POLS 155 also fulfills three units of GE Area 4, Social and Behavioral Sciences. See Bachelor’s Degree Requirements for more information.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
You must complete a minimum of two courses that focus primarily on cultural diversity. At least one course must be in US Diversity (USD) and at least one in Global Cultures (GC). See Diversity Requirements for a full list of courses. Many courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education.
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Writing Across the Curriculum (EM 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Writing and Math Requirements for more details on the four courses. The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.
The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (EO 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE English Composition (1A) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.
