The Department of Animal Science has introduced a new Companion Animal Science and Management Certificate and an Animal Nutrition Minor.
The Companion Animal Science and Management Certificate aims to provide more education and expertise focused on the study of Companion Animal Science. The certificate covers Foundation Courses in Companion Animal Science, Fundamental Disciplines in Animal Science Nutrition, Behavior, and Biology Expansion courses, Expertise Expansion courses, and Companion Animal Management Emphasis courses. The courses required to fulfill the Companion Animal Management Emphasis are Companion Animal Systems Management (ANS 4240) and Companion Animal Internship Experience (ANS 3990), giving students the opportunity to gain industry experience. There are a variety of classes that can be taken to earn the certificate, such as Food Processing for Companion Animals (ANS 3240), Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENTSP 3100), and even Social Media Marketing Strategy (MKT 3610).
This certificate is designed for animal science students, especially students who are pursuing a future in veterinary medicine, pet nutrition, animal welfare, and animal training. It allows students to provide documentation to employers that they have achieved an extra level of knowledge in companion animal management.
The companion animal industry is also very impactful, with 66% of U.S. households, which equates to 86.9 million homes, owning a pet. Students can tap into this high-demand industry with the addition of this certificate.
The Animal Nutrition minor gives students the knowledge and skills to specialize in the Animal Nutrition of a variety of species, with a particular focus on feed formulation. The minor requires the completion of 16 credits, categorized into 12 credits of required Animal Nutrition courses, 1 credit dedicated to either Formulation Course for Monogastrics or Formulation Course for Ruminants (ANS 4210X/ ANS 4220X), and 3 credits of the student's choosing. These 3 credits can be fulfilled from classes like Forage Crop Management (AGRON 3340), Digestive Physiology and Metabolism of Non-Ruminants/ Ruminants (ANS 5180/ANS 5200), and Advanced Ruminant Nutrition (VDPAM 7491).
The minor allows students ample opportunities to gain real-life experience with feed formulation software, skills to evaluate feed and feedstuff quality, and relate animal health to animal nutrition. Students who partake in this minor will also be able to delve into current topics and issues surrounding animal nutrition, such as alternative proteins, sustainability, and strategies for precision nutrition.
Students who are majoring in animal science, veterinary medicine, agricultural studies, and other related majors would benefit from adding the Animal Nutrition minor to learn specialized knowledge in a rapidly growing field.
If you are interested in adding the Companion Animal Science and Management Certificate or the Animal Nutrition Minor, you can find more information here.