New Animal Sciences Major to Meet Student, Industry Needs

In response to the changing needs of students and industry, the College is combining its Dairy and Animal Science and Poultry Management and Technology majors into a new Animal Sciences major, with options in science and business/management. Effective July 1999, the new Animal Sciences major "will integrate all disciplines that relate to the function and care of animals as they benefit humankind by providing companionship, food, fiber, and research," according to Erskine Cash, program coordinator and professor of animal science.

"This new, interdepartmental major resulted from discussions within the College over several years," Cash explains. "The major will teach students about beef and dairy cattle, companion animals, horses, poultry, sheep, and swine."

The changes will help prepare students for a wide range of positions in production agriculture, agribusiness, and allied industries. Students will be required to develop a comprehensive understanding of the biological sciences related to physiological functions of all animals. This broader approach to the field is essential for today's student. "There's a greater need to expose students to the opportunities found in the animal sciences," Cash says. "Many come in thinking animal science is just being a veterinarian. The new major has breadth, from research to production agriculture, from sales to education."

The new major offers two options. The science option will prepare students for graduate study and research in animal science, biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, nutrition, physiology, veterinary medicine, and other areas. Graduates not interested in advanced degrees will be prepared for positions as research technicians, food inspectors, laboratory animal caretakers, and sales representatives.

The business/management option will prepare students for positions in agribusinesses; animal and food production units; financial institutions; pharmaceutical, agrichemical, feed, or food companies; breed organizations; producer cooperatives; or as managers of animal production concerns.

Both options reflect a conscious effort by the departments to equip students with the latest, most relevant skills. "Our industry has changed greatly, and we want to prepare students for those changes," Cash explains. "Employers want graduates with more business background and hands-on experience, and recent graduates are saying they need more, too."

A special feature of the curriculum is a species-specific capstone management course which uses problem-solving case studies that will require critical thinking. Students will bring their science, production, and business training to bear on scenarios that challenge their abilities with real-world dilemmas.

For more information about the Animal Sciences major, write to the Department of Dairy and Animal Science Student Services Offices, 324 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, or call (814) 863-3664.

-- Gary Abdullah