Tennessee Technological University

What you'll study

The Animal Sciences degree combines core biological and agricultural science with practical training in animal management. You will follow a curriculum that covers fundamental disciplines and applied topics to prepare you for work in production, health and research settings.

• Core biological sciences: courses in general biology, animal physiology, anatomy and microbiology give the scientific basis for understanding animal function and health.
• Nutrition and feeding: animal nutrition, feed formulation and nutrient metabolism modules teach principles of diet formulation for livestock, poultry and companion animals.
• Reproduction and genetics: reproductive physiology, breeding systems and quantitative genetics cover herd improvement and management of genetic resources.
• Health and disease management: classes in animal health, preventive medicine, common diseases and biosecurity emphasise welfare and herd/flock health programmes.
• Production systems and management: beef, dairy, swine, poultry and small ruminant production, including pasture and confinement systems, economics and business management for agricultural enterprises.
• Animal welfare and behaviour: study of behaviour, welfare assessment and ethical issues in animal care and production.
• Practical skills and labs: hands-on labs, animal handling, husbandry techniques and laboratory practicum in forage analysis, feed processing and diagnostic methods.
• Research methods and capstone: training in experimental design, statistics and a senior project or practicum that applies knowledge to a real-world problem or research question.
• Electives and minors: options typically include courses in equine science, companion animal management, agricultural business, food science or environmental science to tailor the degree to career goals.

Programme structure

The programme is delivered through a blend of lectures, laboratory sessions, field practicum and supervised internships. Students normally complete general education requirements alongside major courses, with progressive specialization in upper-level classes and a final-year capstone or research project.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences generally requires a high-school diploma or equivalent with a strong background in science and mathematics. Typical expectations include:

• High-school coursework in biology and chemistry; mathematics through algebra and preferably precalculus or calculus.
• A competitive high-school GPA and admissions profile; specific minimum GPAs and test score policies are set by the university and may vary for in-state and out-of-state applicants.
• For transfer applicants, completion of foundational college-level courses (biology, chemistry, English and mathematics) with satisfactory grades.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide credential evaluations as required by the university.
• Relevant practical experience such as FFA, 4‑H, farm work, volunteer experience or employment with animals is beneficial and may strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Animal Sciences programme are prepared for a wide range of roles across animal production, health, research and industry services. Career pathways include:

• Livestock or farm manager and production supervisor in beef, dairy, swine, poultry or small ruminant enterprises.
• Animal nutrition or feed industry specialist, including formulation and sales roles (often in combination with further training).
• Animal health technician, extension or field service roles supporting herd/flock health and disease prevention (licensure or additional certification may be required for some positions).
• Research or laboratory technician positions in university, government or private-sector research programmes.
• Positions in animal welfare organisations, zoo and wildlife care, or companion animal management; additional specialised training may be needed for certain roles.
• Further professional study pathways: many graduates progress to veterinary school, graduate research degrees (MS/PhD) or specialised masters programmes in animal nutrition, physiology or agricultural sciences.

Why study at Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Tech offers an Animal Sciences programme with strong hands-on learning opportunities and connections to regional agricultural industries. The university emphasises experiential education through laboratory courses, on-campus facilities and supervised internships that let students apply classroom knowledge to real animals and production systems.

• Practical facilities: access to teaching herds/flocks and laboratory resources for nutrition, physiology and diagnostic work provides practical skills employers value.
• Faculty expertise: faculty have active research and extension roles, enabling students to participate in applied research projects and outreach activities.
• Industry and community links: partnerships with local farms, extension services, allied industry and professional organisations support internship placement and careers networking.
• Support for career development: the university offers advising, career services and opportunities to engage with student organisations such as animal science clubs, 4‑H and FFA alumni networks.

These features make Tennessee Technological University a practical choice for students seeking a career-focused Animal Sciences degree with opportunities for applied learning and progression to professional study.