House of Raeford Farms School of Agriculture & Biological Sciences

Animal Science

Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

The BS in Animal Science provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers and graduate programs in production animal agriculture. The program offers multiple opportunities to engage in hands-on learning — including poultry production and research, artificial insemination schools, forage and grazing research, and visits to local livestock, poultry, and equine facilities.

Animal Science labs are limited to 15 students per section to allow for a high level of student participation. Students also handle animals at the UMO Kornegay Student Farm. If you are interested in becoming a veterinarian, see the Veterinary Bioscience degree.

Class Size Max 15 Students per lab section for high participation
Credentials 6+ Certs Industry certifications available before graduation
Experience Hands-On Farm Work with livestock at the Kornegay Student Farm
Animal science students working with livestock at the University of Mount Olive

Key Program Features

Participation in animal science and livestock competitions including the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, Livestock Judging, Animal Science Quadrathalon, and Forage Quiz Bowl. Students attend conferences at the local, state, regional, and national levels.
Industry-recognized certifications that build on classroom and applied learning to prepare students for careers.
Applied learning at the Kornegay Student Farm with pasture-raised goats, sheep, calves, and chickens, as well as visits to local farms to prepare students for research and agricultural communication.
UMO Animal Science Club organizes monthly meetings to educate students on working with large and small animals, with HR representatives from agribusinesses discussing internships and careers.

Program Details

UMO students have participated in summer internships with swine and poultry integrators, research stations, cooperative extension, and family farms. Many students receive full-time employment offers as a direct result of their internship experience.

Smithfield Foods Prestage Farms Goldsboro Milling Sanderson Farms Butterball NCDA Research Stations NC Cooperative Extension Family Dairy & Beef Farms

Before graduation, Animal Science students have the opportunity to become certified in the following industry-recognized programs:

Pork Quality Assurance
Transport Quality Assurance
Beef Quality Assurance
Livestock and Poultry Pests
Operator in Charge Type A
FAMACHA

Alumni Spotlight

I loved all my professors because they cared about me and wanted me to succeed.” — Cameron Starnes, Animal Science ’22 — Broiler Service Tech / Flock Advisor, Tyson Foods Cameron grew up working side by side with his grandfather on their chicken farm in Marshville, NC. He chose UMO for its small size and numerous opportunities to interact with faculty — and UMO was the only university he applied to. Today, Cameron provides technical assistance to growers in Union County and the surrounding areas, overseeing the care of over one million broilers in his territory. His advice: “Don’t rush through school. Enjoy every day and make it count.”

What Can You Do With an Animal Science Degree?

Farm and Ranch Manager
Feedlot Operator
Animal Nutritionist
Animal Feed Sales
Animal Health Product Sales
Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory Technician
Animal Research Technician
Food and Animal Inspector (State & Federal)
Animal Breeding / Reproductive Technician
Livestock Extension Agent

More Information

Degree Sheets Registrar — Academic Planning
Program Courses Academic Catalog
Scholarships & Financial Aid Traditional Undergraduate Aid
Program Certifications House of Raeford Farms School
Launch Your Future in Animal Science

Gain Experience. Build Your Career.

Gain in-depth knowledge, valuable field experience, and personalized mentorship with the Animal Science program at UMO.

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