College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Animal Science is the biology, behavior, and management of all types of animals: zoo, exotic, companion, equine, livestock, and laboratory. Animal science majors gain the foundation that will prepare them for competitive and rewarding careers as zookeepers, nutritionists, behaviorists, researchers, and more.
UVM's animal science program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the interconnections between animals, the environment, and human health. Our "one health" approach includes the study of animal welfare, biology, nutrition, genetics, behavior, reproduction, anatomy, and physiology. This rigorous range of academic subjects prepares our students for a wide variety of career paths, from veterinarians to zookeepers, from animal behaviorists to medical researchers.
Another defining feature of our animal science program is the breadth and number of hands-on learning experiences in which students can participate. Students enter the laboratory, go into the field, or go onto our farms to work directly with faculty and professionals performing research and completing coursework to address real-world challenges. This practical experience, combined with our science-based curriculum and customized programs of study, prepares our students for diverse career fields. They are equipped to support sustainable livestock production, improve animal health and well-being through management practices, provide nutrition, and prevent animal disease. Our popular concentrations, such as Pre-veterinary/Pre-professional Science, Zoo and Exotics, Companion Animals, Equine Science, and Dairy Science/Management, allow students to tailor their studies to their specific interests.
Why Study Animal Science?
Our programs offer unlimited internship opportunities
Whether you want to train dog-sled teams, rescue endangered wildlife, or care for exotic zoo animals, our programs internships will find the right mentor in the direction you want your career to go. You can explore multiple aspects of the field before you make up your mind.
Our students gain research experience working with faculty in our premiere labs
Want to work find solutions for animal biosecurity? Have a passion for dairy herd genetics? Want to test companion-animal usage for treating PTSD? Whatever questions you have and whatever answers you seek you will be able to work with faculty doing cutting-edge research on today's key problems.
Faculty advisors provide guidance for career exploration opportunities
Each student has a faculty advisor who provides personal guidance with course selection, internship and research opportunities, as well as career preparation. No matter where you want your degree to take you, faculty will help you to reach the goals that you set for yourself.
So Many Ways for Animal Science Students to Get Involved
Animal Science offers an extraordinary range of exciting, hands-on learning opportunities beyond the classroom. From managing a dairy herd to training emotional-support animals, students will find their pack, learn valuable professional skills, all while having amazing animal science experiences.
So Many Ways for Animal Science Students to Get Involved
Animal Science offers an extraordinary range of exciting, hands-on learning opportunities beyond the classroom. From managing a dairy herd to training emotional-support animals, students will find their pack, learn valuable professional skills, all while having amazing animal science experiences.
Animal Science Internships
Animal Science students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge through rich experiences in veterinarian offices, sled-dog teams, wildlife rehabilitation programs, rescue farms, zoos, and aquariums. The possibilities are nearly unlimited and most ASCI student complete more than one at UVM.
CREAM
Cooperative for Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM) is a student-managed dairy herd. Students perform all farm operations and do all of the barn chores. Students are selected from all majors across the University and are not required to have a dairy or livestock background.
Horse Barn COOP
The UVM Cooperative Horse Barn is a program in which students have the opportunity to learn equine management, teamwork and leadership while bringing their horse with them to college. Membership in the UVM Horse Barn requires a large time commitment as well as a willingness to work with others.
Travel Study Abroad
During the winter break and the summer semester students can pursue exciting study abroad options. Want to care for alpacas in Ecuador, tour dairy farms in Canada, or do a pony tour across Ireland? These faculty-led excursions provide field-specific fun and international professional connections.
Morgan Horse Farm Internship and Apprenticeship Program
Apprentices spend one year living, working and learning at this historic site, and become involved in a wide variety of overall farm operations. Interns receive credit through UVM and can apply for fall, spring or summer semesters.
UVM Pre-Vet Club
The Pre-Vet Club is a very active club, getting local veterinarians involved with the students. It serves to unite students who are interested in a career in veterinary medicine with those already working in the field, as well as providing a way to connect to peers with similar veterinary interests.
Equestrian Team
The UVM Intercollegiate Equestrian Team is a club sport through the Student Government Association, open to all students with an interest in competing in hunter seat equitation. UVM's Equestrian Team won a National Championship in 2024. The Equestrian Team invites all interested athletes to try out.