At Sul Ross, we believe you learn by doing. That is why students benefit from hands-on experience through the Animal Science degree programs.
The Animal Science program features an expert faculty across a variety of concentrations, from meat science to animal health/nutritional management to reproductive physiology. Here, students are immersed in the art and science of managing animals and preparing for a career in the animal agricultural industry. Currently, the Animal Science department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in animal production, science, and pre-veterinary medicine. We offer a Master of Science in Animal Science with thesis (in-residence) and a Master of Agriculture in Animal Science non-thesis (online) degree options.
The Department of Animal Science is housed in the Everett E. Turner Range Animal Science Center (RAS) on East Highway 90, about a mile east of the main campus. RAS has specialized laboratories and facilities for animal health/nutritional management, animal production, equine science, and meat science, to name a few. The University also maintains animals for teaching and research, including a herd of registered horned Hereford cattle.
A variety of student clubs and organizations are available for students to participate in, including Collegiate FFA, Block and Bridle-Pre-Vet Club, Ranch Horse Club, Rodeo Club, and Range and Wildlife Club.
We take this program seriously because we know that our students have a passion for working with animals. Our faculty and our emphasis on hands-on learning will get you the attention you deserve and the experience you need to further a career in Animal Science.
A report from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Purdue University released in December 2020 predicts a strong job demand for new college graduates with degrees in agricultural programs. U.S. college graduates can expect approximately 59,400 job opportunities annually between 2020 and 2025. This reflects a 2.6 percent growth from the previous five years. Employer demand will exceed the supply of available graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in agriculture-related fields. Additionally, authors concluded that a more diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to support a more innovative and creative agricultural industry for the future.
- Artificial insemination and breeding organizations
- Companion animal (boarding, breeding, training, Humane Society)
- County extension agents
- Department of Agriculture (research and information)
- Department of Defense (food supply and food service)
- Feedlot positions (manager, buyer)
- Finance (Production Credit Associations, banks, etc.)
- Government protection and regulatory agencies
- Graduate school for Master’s in Business Administration
- Graduate school for Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees
- International opportunities
- Laboratory technicians livestock and meat market reporting (government)
- Livestock buyers for feeders and packers
- Livestock production operations (beef, dairy, swine, Sheep, goats, and horses)
- Livestock publications
- Meat inspection, grading, handling, distribution, and marketing (auctions, Cattle Fax, livestock sales management, etc.)
- Positions in food processing, manufacturing, and ingredient plants
- Positions in poultry production units
- Ranch positions
- Research (university or industry) in nutrition, reproduction, breeding and genetics, products, and production management
- Riding instructors
- Sales, advertising, management, and public relations positions with feed companies, packing houses, pharmaceuticals and equipment companies, etc.
- University or college teaching
- University extension and area extension
- Veterinary school for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (private practice, consulting, university teaching and research)
- Unlimited opportunities in government, education, and private sectors
| Dr. Jamie Boyd Chair and Assistant Professor, Nutrition Animal Science jamie.boyd@sulross.edu Office: (432) 837-8413 Fax: (432) 837-8406 Office: RAS 103A Address: Box C-11, Alpine, TX 79832 |
Dr. Scott A. Ericsson, Reproductive Physiology Professor Animal Science ericsson@sulross.edu Office: (432) 837-8260 Fax: (432) 837-8406 Office: RAS 110 Address: Box C-11, Alpine, TX 79832 |
| Mr. Richard Mrozinski Lecturer: Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, Computer Science & Mathematics richard.mrozinski@sulross.edu Office: (432) 837-8606 Fax: (432) 837-8406Office: RAS 116 Address: Box C-16, Alpine, TX 79832 |
Dr. DeMetris Reed Assistant Professor, Meat Science Animal Science demetris.reed@sulross.edu Office: (432) 837-8232 Fax: (432)837-8406 Office: RAS 106 Address: Box C-11, Alpine, TX 79832 |
| Dr. Paul A. Will Distinguished Professor Emeritus Animal Science Address: Box C-11, Alpine, TX 79832 |
Jeanne Pinkerton Administrative Assistant Animal Science/Natural Resource Management/Industrial Technology jeanne.pinkerton@sulross.edu Office: (432) 837-8200 Fax: (432)837-8406 Office: RAS 111 Address: Box C-11, Alpine, TX 79832 |
The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science offers three concentrations. The links below provide the adviser checklist for each concentration and the degree plans are available in the tabs below for each concentration.
Production Concentration Advisor Checklist
Pre-Vet Concentration Advisor Checklist
Science Concentration Advisor Checklist
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Degree Plans
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Animal Science major with a concentration in Production
Freshman Year
Semester I, Fall
Semester II, Spring
ENG 1301
3 credit hours
ENG 1302
3 credit hours
MATH 1314
3 credit hours
CHEM 1311 + Lab
4 credit hours
ANSC 1101
1 credit hour
ANSC 2312
3 credit hours
BIO 1313 + Lab
4 credit hours
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
ANSC 1419
4 credit hours
PS 2305
3 credit hours
Total: 15 sch
Total: 16 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester III, Fall
Semester IV, Spring
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
*COMM 1310 or 1311
3 credit hours
PS 2306
3 credit hours
*ENG 2315 or 2331
3 credit hours
CHEM 1312 + Lab
4 credit hours
ANSC 3410
4 credit hours
ANSC 3315
3 credit hours
*ANSC Production
3 credit hours
*ENG 2341 or PHIL 1301
3 credit hours
NRM 301, 2330, or 2305
3 credit hours
Total: 16 sch
Total: 16 sch
Junior Year
Semester V, Fall
Semester VI, Spring
*ANSC Production
6 credit hours
ANSC 3416
4 credit hours
ANSC 3308
3 credit hours
ANSC 4305
3 credit hours
ANSC 3406
4 credit hours
*ANSC Production
4 credit hours
*ART 1301 or FA 1302
3 credit hours
*AGB Elective
3 credit hours
Total: 16 sch
Total: 14 sch
Senior Year
Semester VII, Fall
Semester VIII, Spring
ANSC 4304
3 credit hours
ANSC 4317
3 credit hours
ANSC 4306
3 credit hours
*ANSC Production
5 credit hours
ANSC 4308
3 credit hours
General Electives
4 credit hours
*AGB Elective
3 credit hours
–
–
*ANSC Production
3 credit hours
–
–
Total: 15 sch
Total: 12 sch
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Production concentration: 120
*Several options meet this requirement. Consult your adviser for specific lists.
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisprs provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advis0rs also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Animal Science major, Pre-Vet concentration
Freshman Year
Semester I, Fall
Semester II, Spring
ENG 1301
3 credit hours
ENG 1302 or 2311
3 credit hours
MATH 1314
3 credit hours
CHEM 1311 + Lab
4 credit hours
ANSC 1101
1 credit hour
BIO 1307 + Lab
4 credit hours
BIO 1306 + Lab
4 credit hours
ANSC 2312
3 credit hours
ANSC 1419
4 credit hours
_
_
Total: 15 sch
Total: 14 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester III, Fall
Semester IV, Spring
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
PS 2305
3 credit hours
PS 2306
3 credit hours
CHEM 1312 + Lab
4 credit hours
COMM 1320
3 credit hours
ANSC 3315
3 credit hours
BIO 2321 + Lab
4 credit hours
*ENG 2341 or PHIL 1301
3 credit hours
ANSC 3410
4 credit hours
Total: 16 sch
Total: 17 sch
Junior Year
Semester V, Fall
Semester VI, Spring
PHYS 1301 + Lab
4 credit hours
CHEM 3408
4 credit hours
CHEM 3407
4 credit hours
CHEM 4301
3 credit hours
ANSC 3406
4 credit hours
PHYS 1302 + Lab
4 credit hours
*ENG 2315 or ENG 2331
3 credit hours
PSY 1302
3 credit hours
Total: 15 sch
Total: 14 sch
Senior Year
Semester VII, Fall
Semester VIII, Spring
BIO 3306
3 credit hours
ANSC 4305
3 credit hours
ANSC 3308
3 credit hours
ANSC 4317
3 credit hours
ANSC 4304
3 credit hours
*FA 1302 or FA 1315
3 credit hours
ANSC 4306
3 credit hours
General Electives
5 credit hours
ANSC 4308
3 credit hours
–
–
Total: 15 sch
Total: 14 sch
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Pre-Vet concentration: 120
*Several options meet this requirement. Consult your adviser for specific lists.
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Animal Science major, Science concentration
Freshman Year
Semester I, Fall
Semester II, Spring
ENG 1301
3 credit hours
ENG 1302 or 2311
3 credit hours
MATH 1314
3 credit hours
CHEM 1311 + Lab
4 credit hours
ANSC 1101
1 credit hour
BIO 1307 + Lab
4 credit hours
BIO 1306 + Lab
4 credit hours
ANSC 2312
3 credit hours
ANSC 1419
4 credit hours
–
–
Total: 15 sch
Total: 14 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester III, Fall
Semester IV, Spring
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
PS 2305
3 credit hours
PS 2306
3 credit hours
CHEM 1312 + Lab
4 credit hours
*COMM 1310 or 1311
3 credit hours
ANSC 3315
3 credit hours
BIO 2321 + Lab
4 credit hours
*ENG 2341 or PHIL 1301
3 credit hours
ANSC 3410
4 credit hours
Total: 16 sch
Total: 17 sch
Junior Year
Semester V, Fall
Semester VI, Spring
*ANSC Production
6 credit hours
ANSC 3416
4 credit hours
CHEM 3407
4 credit hours
ANSC 4305
3 credit hours
ANSC 3406
4 credit hours
*ANSC Production
6 credit hours
*ENG 2315 or ENG 2331
3 credit hours
*ART 1301 or FA 1302
3 credit hours
Total: 17 sch
Total: 16 sch
Senior Year
Semester VII, Fall
Semester VIII, Spring
ANSC 3308
3 credit hours
ANSC 4317
3 credit hours
ANSC 4304
3 credit hours
*ANSC Production
7 credit hours
ANSC 4306
3 credit hours
General Electives
3 credit hours
ANSC 4308
3 credit hours
–
–
Total: 12 sch
Total: 13 sch
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a Pre-Vet concentration: 120
*Several options meet this requirement. Consult your adviser for specific lists.
