Bachelor's Degree in Animal Sciences
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The bachelor's degree program in Animal Sciences is ideal for students passionate about animal biology, nutrition, and welfare in both agricultural and research settings. Graduates gain expertise in animal physiology, genetics, and husbandry, preparing them for careers as animal nutritionists, livestock managers, or veterinary technicians in industries such as agriculture, research, and animal health.
Program Overview
Discover your passion for animal health, care, and management with a degree in Animal Sciences. This program blends animal biology, nutrition, genetics, and behavior with real-world applications to prepare students for careers in veterinary medicine, livestock production, research, and agribusiness. Students can tailor their studies through two focus areas: Animal Enterprises and Production, which emphasizes animal care and industry readiness, and Pre-Professional, which prepares students for veterinary and graduate programs. Hands-on learning takes place at cutting-edge facilities like UK’s C. Oran Little Research Center and Maine Chance Farm. Small class sizes and faculty with active research backgrounds ensure personalized instruction.
Related Careers
Possible career fields include:
- Agribusiness & Finance
- Allied Animal Industries
- Animal Production
- Animal Promotion & Public Relations
- College & University
- Dairy Food & Meat Science Industry
- Extension & Education
- Government Agencies
- Research & Laboratories
- Veterinary Medicine*
- Zoos, Clinics, and Animal Preserves
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What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of animal biology, nutrition, genetics, physiology, and health. Through hands-on learning in laboratories and on farms, students explore the science behind livestock, companion animals, and animal production systems. The program prepares graduates for careers in veterinary medicine, animal care and management, research, and agricultural industries, as well as for advanced study in animal-related fields.
Choose Your Focus Area
- Animal Enterprises and Production: allows students to focus their studies on animal care and management and allied areas, such as agronomy, accounting, agricultural economics and business to prepare them for careers within the animal agriculture industries
- Pre-Professional: prepares students for applying to professional schools (such as veterinary, medical, dental or pharmacy), pursuing advanced graduate degrees in animal science related disciplines and seeking careers in research or technical services related to animal production
Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan for each available focus area.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View Pathways
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2025
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Tuition Rate
For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.
Delaware
West Virginia
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Join the Martin-Gatton CAFE Living Learning Program
Live in a community full of others who share your interests in agriculture, food and environment! Community members also gain access to specialized programs that foster relationships, professional growth, and community.
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At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
