Is this Major for you?

Do you enjoy working with animals? How about volunteering at a local animal shelter? Would you like to gain hands on experience working with cats, dogs, small animals, cattle, pigs, horses and sheep? You might want to explore a major in Animal Science. Here, students get an opportunity to work under "real" conditions with specifically assigned responsibilities. In Animal Science, a majority of time is spent working in animal labs and barns located on campus. This is the perfect major for you if you are excited about hands on learning with various species of animals, don't mind getting dirty and are not afraid of hard work.

What is Animal Science?

Animal science is focused on "the biology of animals that are under the control of mankind". The study of animal science concentrates on the understanding of how animals work including the physiology and biochemical makeup of tissues and major organ systems, growth, and nutrition. It is also the study of genetics and animal reproduction and breeding. At BCAHS, students will learn to improve animal productivity, their health and welfare. The Animal Science program is broken down into two concentrations; Small Animal Science and Large Animal Science. Students will follow a curriculum that aligns to each of these concentrations.

School to Career Pathways for the High School Graduate

Laboratory Animal Technician I and II
Vet Assistant
Groomer
Brusher/Bather
Animal Trainer
Pet Shop Manager
Animal Care Taker
Zoo Keeper
Farm Manager
Stable Manager
Animal Control Officer

Recommended Certifications

Vet Technician
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Technician Training
Riding Instructor License
Pet Grooming Certificate

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Animal Science Curriculum

In the Animal Science program you will take the following courses in each concentration:


  • Small Animal Concentration
  • Introduction to Small Animal Management
  • Companion Animal I & II
  • Small Animal Management
  • Lab Animal Facilities Design
  • Research Animal Methodology
  • Marine Habitats
  • Marine Mammals
  • Veterinary Assisting I
  • Veterinary Assisting II
  • Large Animal Concentration
  • Introduction to Equine Science
  • Equine Science I
  • Dairy Management
  • Sheep and Swine
  • Equine Science II
  • Stable Management
  • Veterinary Assisting I
  • Veterinary Assisting II

Large & Small Animal Related Courses

  • Comparative Anatomy
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Small Business Practices
  • Animal Ethics
  • Animal Behavior and Health
  • Career Development.
  • Animal Science Related Fields
  • Dairy Science
  • Pre-Veterinary Studies
  • Veterinary Studies
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Livestock Management
  • Laboratory Animal Management
  • Marine Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Breeding & Genetics
  • Zoology

Colleges/Universities

The following is a short list of colleges and/or universities that offer Animal Science and related fields. There are many other colleges and/or universities that offer such majors.

  • University of Massachusetts - Amherst
  • University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth
  • University of New Hampshire
  • Johnson and Wales University
  • State University of New York - Cobleskill
  • Bridgewater State University
  • Becker College
  • Mount Ida College
  • Holyoke Community College
  • Bristol Community College
  • Massasoit Community College

Post-Secondary Animal Science Jobs

  • Lab Animal Technologist
  • Vet Technician
  • Veterinarian
  • (Medical School is required after Bachelor's)
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Animal Science Instructor
  • Animal Nutritionist

Industry Organizations

  • American Veterinary Medical Association - AVMA
  • American Association for Laboratory Animal Science - AALAS
  • American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - ASPCA
  • Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - MSPCA
  • Association of Zoos and Aquariums - AZA