PROGRAM DEFINITION
Hands-on…challenging…rewarding:  The Animal Science Department offers all this and more as students prepare for careers related in animal biology and industry.  The management, well-being and safe use of animals for food, fiber, and recreation are all components of this science based profession.  Seven options in the Animal Science degree program include animal biology, animal business, companion animal science, equine science, meat science, production and management and pre-veterinary animal sciences.

NEBRASKA POINTS OF DISTINCTION

• Experiential learning offers opportunities for national and international travel though intercollegiate team competitions, internships, week-long study tours focused on meats, swine, horse, feedlot and other interest areas, and faculty-led trips to New Zealand and Mexico.
• Students benefit significantly from Animal Science Departmental Scholarships.  In this year alone, nearly $11,000 in scholarships have been awarded to incoming students, and close to $30,000 awarded to continuing students in the Animal Science Department.
• Students have received national recognition through International Livestock Congress, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, American Meat Association, National Block and Bridle Club, All-American Judging Teams and other organizations.
• Extensive opportunities for student involvement include the Block and Bridle Club, Animal Science Ambassadors, Students for Education in Exotic and Companion Animals (SEECA), Equestrian Team, Horse Judging Team, Livestock Judging Team, Meat Animal Evaluation Competition (MAEC) Team, Meats Judging Team, Student Advisory Counsel and others.
• An ideal location in Nebraska's capital city provides opportunities for unique educational experiences involving all aspects of the state's internationally prominent beef production industry, as well as the state's highly competitive swine, poultry, equine and companion animal industries.

FACILITIES

• State of the art animal handling and research facilities allow hands-on learning with cattle, horses, swine, poultry and small animals.
• Indoor livestock handling areas and arena, as well as classrooms equipped for live animal demonstrations, allow students hands-on experiences with many types of livestock and companion animals.
• USDA approved Meats laboratory and pilot plant provide unique experiences for students.
• Student computer labs, a reading room and a spacious commons area are located within the building. 

FACULTY
Faculty members, among the nation’s leading professionals in teaching, research and extension, serve as student advisors and meet regularly with students outside the classroom.  With 38 faculty members, the department has one of the lowest student-to-teacher ratios in the region. More information about Animal Science faculty can be found at: http://www.animalscience.unl.edu/facultystaff/faculty.html