This undergraduate degree program is designed to prepare individuals with an interest in working with animals for graduate study and positions in the field of animal science and animal welfare with specific emphasis on domesticated companion animals including cats, dogs, birds, pleasure horses, and small mammals/reptiles. Enrollment in this program requires an Associate’s degree or a minimum of 60 credits including the required general education courses from another college or university. Almost all of the Bachelor of Science degree courses can be completed in online classrooms anytime, night or day. Students may also choose academic residency and field study courses as electives to qualify for board certification as a certified Canine Behavior Counselor (CBC) with the Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors.

Students will study foundation and upper level courses in biology, psychology, learning and behavior, animal anatomy/physiology, welfare, nutrition, reproduction, endocrinology, pharmacology and behavioral ecology. A field study project is also a requirement. The Department of Animal Science continuously reviews its curriculum to ensure that courses offered are relevant for employment in current animal-related fields and industries. Students are assigned an academic advisor in the Department to assist in managing their plans of study and future goals in the scientific field.

Graduates may work for academic institutions, animal training organizations, animal shelter and welfare organizations, law enforcement agencies, the government, or veterinary practices. Graduates may also choose to continue with their higher education by applying to veterinary school or to graduate programs with the goal of becoming animal scientists, consultants, managers, companion animal behavior counselors, or educators.

In addition to being a major health benefit for humans, companion animals are also trained to assist humans in living richer and fuller lives. Graduates may wish to apply to work in the field of animal assisted therapy or with non-profit organizations that train therapy animals, services dogs, search & rescue dogs, alert dogs, and guide dogs for the blind.