Tarleton State University

What you'll study

The Animal Sciences degree combines foundational biological and agricultural science with applied animal-centred courses and practical experience. Students study core topics in animal anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition, genetics, reproduction and breeding, animal health and disease, and animal behaviour. The curriculum typically includes laboratory and field-based modules to develop technical skills in animal handling, sample collection and analysis, and herd/flock management.

• Core sciences: general biology, microbiology, animal physiology, biochemistry relevant to animal systems.
• Animal science subjects: principles of animal nutrition, livestock production systems, comparative anatomy, reproductive physiology, meat science, and animal welfare.
• Applied and practical learning: lab practicums, supervised animal handling, farm management techniques, and practicum projects with Tarleton’s teaching herds and facilities.
• Electives and specialisms: options often include equine science, beef cattle management, dairy, swine and poultry production, animal breeding and genetics, and pre-veterinary coursework.
• Capstone/experience: an internship, research project or capstone course is common, allowing students to apply skills in industry, extension services or research settings.

Students also take supporting courses in statistics, agricultural economics or business to prepare for managerial and industry roles, and there are pathways to tailor the programme for students planning to enter veterinary programmes or graduate study.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on secondary-school completion or an equivalent qualification. Applicants should have a solid background in biological sciences and mathematics from high school. Typical academic preparation includes coursework in biology, chemistry and algebra or precalculus. Tarleton considers overall academic record, coursework rigor and, where applicable, college or transfer credits.

Transfer students from community colleges are accepted with evaluation of prior credits; practical experience with animals, agricultural extracurriculars or work on farms and ranches strengthens an application. International applicants will need to meet English language proficiency requirements and provide evidence of comparable secondary qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates of Animal Sciences pursue a broad range of careers across agriculture, industry, research and public service. Common career paths include:

• Livestock and farm management, including production and operations roles on ranches and commercial farms.
• Animal nutrition and feed industry positions, such as feed formulation and technical sales.
• Extension and outreach roles delivering technical support to producers and communities.
• Laboratory and research technician roles in animal health, genetics and nutrition research.
• Positions with meat and food processing industries, including quality assurance and meat science.
• Veterinary medicine preparation—many graduates proceed to veterinary school or allied animal health programmes (e.g. veterinary technician roles).
• Sales, marketing and product development with agricultural suppliers, pharmaceutical companies and equipment manufacturers.

Graduates are employable across family farms, commercial agricultural enterprises, research institutions, government agencies and private industry; many also choose postgraduate study to specialise further.

Why study at Tarleton State University

Tarleton State offers a hands-on Animal Sciences experience anchored in a university with deep agricultural roots and membership in a major state system. Students benefit from access to dedicated teaching herds and flocks, specialised laboratory facilities and on-campus centres that support applied research and practical training.

• Experiential learning: frequent lab sessions, field exercises and internship opportunities with regional producers and industry partners.
• Facilities and resources: access to livestock handling facilities, equine centres, nutrition and meat science labs and extension networks that connect students with real-world projects.
• Industry connections: local and regional agriculture networks provide internship placements and employment pathways in production, feed and agribusiness sectors.
• Veterinary and graduate pathways: coursework options and advising support for students preparing for veterinary school or graduate research careers.
• Supportive community: faculty with applied and research experience, small-group instruction in practical modules and student organisations related to animal and agricultural science.

These features make Tarleton a practical choice for students seeking an applied, career-focused education in Animal Sciences with direct links to the agricultural industry.