Bachelor of Science, Major in Animal Science

The major emphasis in Animal Science prepares students for careers in the livestock and equine production and support industries. Scientific principles, management, production technologies, and skills are covered in appropriate courses. The University maintains herds and flocks for teaching and research. Students may complete pre-veterinary medicine, equine science, wildlife management and conservation biology requirements under the Animal Science program. Graduates can expect to qualify for positions in sales and service, inspection, regulation, research/teaching, breed associations, extension, or management in an animal, equine and/or wildlife management industry.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Animal Science
Core Curriculum
Component Area I (Communication)6
Component Area II (Mathematics)3
Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) 18
Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture)3
Component Area V (Creative Arts)3
Component Area VI (U.S. History)6
Component Area VII (Political Science/Government)6
Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences) 23
Component Area IX (Component Area Option) 34
Degree Specific Requirements
ACOM 3360Communication Skills for Agriculturists3
or ENGL 3330 Intro to Technical Writing
CHEM 1406Inorganic & Envir Chemistry 14
or CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I
CHEM 1407Intro Organic and Biochemistry 14
or CHEM 1412 General Chemistry II
COMS 1361Public Speaking 33
or COMS 2382 Comm. for Bus. & Professions
MATH 1342Elementary Statistics3
Major: Foundation
AGRI 4120Professional Career Skills1
ANSC 1319
ANSC 1119
Animal Science
and Animal Science Laboratory
4
ANSC 2360Animals and Society 23
ANSC 3363Anatomy & Physiology of the Domestic Animal3
ANSC 3373Animal Nutrition3
ANSC 3376Meat Science3
ANSC 4395Animal Breeding & Genetics3
ANSC 4389Animal Reproduction3
ANSC 4394Animal Feeds And Feeding3
PLSC 4370Forage Crops & Pasture Mgmt3
or PLSC 4383 Range Management
PLSC 1307
PLSC 1107
Plant Science
and Plant Science Laboratory
4
AGBU 2317Principles of Agri Economics3
or AGBU 2389 Agribusiness Financl Analysis
Major: Prescribed Electives
Prescribed Elective3
Select one course from the following:
Agricultural Biosecurity
Animal Legal Issues
Disaster/Emergency Mgmt in Ag
Animal Diseases & Public Hlth
Prescribed Electives 418
Minor: Required 5
Minor6
Minor (Advanced)12
Total Hours120
1

CHEM 1406, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1407, and CHEM 1412 satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements for Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) and the Degree Specific Requirement.

2

COMS 1361 and COMS 2382 satisfy three semester credit hours of the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IX (Component Area Option) and the Degree Specific Requirement.

3

ANSC 2360 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences) and the major.

4

To fulfill this requirement, 9 hours must be advanced from: ANSC, EQSC, or WGMT electives. 

5

The following minor cannot be paired with this degree program: Minor in Early Childhood Education. 

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.

 Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area I3Component Area I3
Component Area IIComponent Area IV3
Component Area IX1ANSC 236023
ANSC 1319
ANSC 1119
4CHEM 1406 or 141134
Minor13COMS 1361 or 238243
 11 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area V3Component Area VI3
Component Area VI3Component Area VII3
ANSC 33633ANSC 33733
CHEM 1407 or 141234ANSC 4393, 4397, 4398, or AGRI 43503
Minor13Prescribed Electives53
 16 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area VII3AGBU 2317 or 23893
ANSC 33763ACOM 3360 or ENGL 33303
ANSC 43953ANSC 43893
Prescribed Electives53MATH 13423
 PLSC 1307
PLSC 1107
4
 12 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
AGRI 41201Minor Advanced 19
ANSC 43943Prescribed Electives56
PLSC 4370 or 43833 
Minor Advanced 13 
Prescribed Electives56 
 16 15
Total Hours: 117
1

The following minor cannot be paired with this degree program: Minor in Early Childhood Education. 

2

ANSC 2360 satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences).

3

CHEM 1406, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1407 and CHEM 1412 satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements for Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) and the Degree Specific Requirement.

4

COMS 1361 and COMS 2382 satisfy three semester credit hours of the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IX (Component Area Option) and the Degree Specific Requirement.

5

To fulfill this requirement, 9 hours must be advanced from: ANSC, EQSC, or WGMT electives.

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The BS in Animal Science is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Ability to make livestock management decisions based on scientific, economic, and other applicable information.

  • Knowledge of each segment of the food animal and meat industry and make critical marketing decisions in each.

  • Understand nutrition as it applies to animal performance and be able to develop balanced rations to meet physiological and production needs.

  • Develop presentations and effectively communicate factual information, logically and concisely, both orally and in writing.

  • Understand anatomy, physiology, and functions of the major organs and systems of livestock.