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Animal Sciences

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

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What is Animal Sciences?

This major will combine your interests in biology and animals in a learning environment that goes beyond the classroom. During your freshman and sophomore year, you’ll take core Animal Sciences courses. These may include animal care and use, genetics, anatomy, nutrition, reproduction, and growth. During your junior and senior year, you’ll have the flexibility to pick courses that interest you. You’ll also have opportunities to do undergraduate research and gain experience in our laboratories and farms. You can choose from three concentrations:

  • Companion Animal Science and Equine Science
  • Pre-Veterinary and Medical Science
  • Technology and Management

Career Options

  • Animal nutrition
  • Animal production
  • Consulting
  • Humane education
  • Management
  • Product development
  • Research
  • Teaching
  • Veterinary medicine

Post-Graduation Success1

86% employed or continuing education

29% employed after graduation

57% attending graduate school

$35,108 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: AmeriCorps (2), Cargill (2), Champaign County Humane Society (2) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago View All

Program Resources

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Strong science and math coursework and performance
  • Calculus and Chemistry preferred (if available at high school)
  • Demonstrated interest and involvement in working with animals

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

3.8 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

76% four-year graduation rate

85% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $15,578
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $39,516

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $35,930
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $60,208

International

  • Tuition: $36,924
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $61,202

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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