Animal Science
Animal Science offers a broad foundation in animal health, genetics, nutrition, and behavior, preparing you for a wide range of careers in animal agriculture and beyond.
Through courses with hands-on lab sections, you'll gain real-world experience working with both large and small animals, connecting classroom knowledge with practical application.
The degree offers two concentrations, industry or science, allowing you to tailor your coursework to your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals.
Whether you’re interested in production agriculture, research or pre-professional pathways such as veterinary medicine, dentistry, nursing, or medicine, Animal Science helps you build your future.
Striving for Honor
Learn more about the Animal Science program at Texas Tech through student testimonials, faculty highlights, and facility tours.
Degree & Course Details Davis College Career Pathways
Learn by Doing
Animal Science students gain hands-on experience through faculty-led research and access to state-of-the-art facilities, including five specialized labs and an on-site retail store.
Competitive Teams
Davis College offers students opportunities to compete, lead and gain hands-on experience while becoming part of a tradition marked by 100 national championships.
Industry Connections
Through strong industry partnerships, Animal Science students gain access to networking opportunities, internships, and hands-on experiences with leaders across the animal agriculture sector.
Key Courses
View Degree Courses in Catalog
ANSC 3306 - Animal Diseases
Diseases of farm animals, both infectious and noninfectious, parasites, parasitic diseases, and the establishment of immunity through the use of biological products.
- View in Catalog
- Credit Hours: 3
ANSC 3301 - Principles of Nutrition
Nutritional roles of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, minerals, vitamins, and water. Digestion, absorption, and use of nutrients and their metabolites.
- View in Catalog
- Credit Hours: 3
- Prerequisite(s): ANSC 1401; CHEM 1305 or CHEM 1307.
ANSC 2202 - Principles of Anatomy of Domestic Animals
Introduction to anatomy of domesticated animals with emphasis on bones, muscles, organs, vascular and nervous systems.
- View in Catalog
- Credit Hours: 2
ANSC 3402 - Animal Breeding and Genetics
Fundamental principles of cellular, population, and quantitative genetics applied in selection and mating systems to make genetic improvements in farm animals.
- View in Catalog
- Credit Hours: 4
- Prerequisite(s): ANSC 1401 and MATH 1320 or higher.
Accelerated B.S. in Animal Science to Master of Agribusiness
Program DetailsThis accelerated pathway program allows students to count 6 hours of graduate coursework toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students enter the workforce with advanced agribusiness skills from Rawls College of Business, gain higher earning potential, and incur less student debt.
Career Success Stories
Our Animal Science graduates are making an impact across industries. Explore where our alumni are working and what they're building.
Conner McKinzie
B.S. Animal Science, Meat Science (2021); M.S. Animal Science (2023)
Agricultural Science Teacher & FFA Advisor, Lubbock ISD- AgriSTEM Complex
Conner McKinzie
Kiersten Atkinson
B.S. Animal Science, Meat Science Business (2017)
Sales Manager, Raider Red Meats
Kiersten AtkinsonCareer Paths & Salary Ranges
Our Animal Science graduates are making an impact across industries. Explore where our alumni are working and what they're building.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Incoming students are considered for merit scholarships when they apply for admission. Admitted students can find additional internal and external scholarship opportunities through Scholarship Universe. Students are considered for general scholarships with their application for admission to Texas Tech.
All ScholarshipsDavis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
Davis College offers one of Texas Tech's largest and most accessible scholarship programs.
View Davis College Financial ResourcesDepartment of Animal & Food Sciences
Department-level scholarships are awarded to students based on academic performance, community involvement, and leadership.
View AFS Department ScholarshipsProgram Faculty
Meet a few of the faculty and staff you'll learn from. Explore their passions and research interests, and visit their profiles to see publications, labs, and projects.
Faculty Directory Explore Research Labs
Ryan Rathmann, Ph.D.
John W. and Doris Jones Professorship
Department of Animal & Food Science
Ryan Rathmann, Ph.D.
Dale Woerner, Ph.D.
Cargill Endowed Professorship in Meat Science
Department of Animal & Food Science
Dale Woerner, Ph.D.
Nathan Hall, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Animal & Food Science
Nathan Hall, Ph.D.
Animal Science Competitive Teams & Student Organizations
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Animal & Food Sciences Judging and Competitive Teams
Be a part of a National Championship program.
Judging & Competitive Teams -
Student Organizations
Select from a variety of student clubs and organizations related to your field of interest.
Student Organizations -
Student Agricultural Council
The Student Agricultural Council supports all Davis College competitive teams, clubs, and organizations. They work to establish and maintain a working relationship between students, faculty, administration, and the Davis College community. The officers oversee Davis College events including Ag Fest, Winter Welcome, and banquets throughout the year.
Student Agricultural Council -
Agri-Techsans
Agri-Techsans are a select group of students who assist with recruiting for and promoting the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and Texas Tech University. They travel all over the nation to speak to prospective Red Raiders and families.
Agri-Techsans -
Ambassadors for Agriculture
Ambassadors for Agriculture members dedicate their time to advocate for agriculture in and out of the classroom, serve the community by volunteering at various locations, and educate youth with activities relating to agriculture, natural resources, and landscape design.
Ambassadors for Agriculture -
MANRRS
MANRRS organization offers a welcoming community that brings together people from a wide range of experiences, all working toward a stronger future for students and professionals in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.
MANRRS
Related Programs
Agricultural Communications Minor
A minor in Agricultural Communications allows you to learn how to communicate and advocate for the agricultural industry through comprehensive coursework.
View Agricultural Communications detailsAgricultural Policy Advocacy Certificate
This certificate is 12-credit hours and prepares students for future careers in agricultural policy and law.
View Agricultural Policy Advocacy Certificate detailsAgribusiness Management Minor
The Agribusiness Management minor requires 18-credit hours of Agricultural and Applied Economics courses focused on economics and business.
View Agribusiness Management Minor detailsNatural Resources Management Minor
The Natural Resources Management minor requires 18-credit hours and teaches students basic principles and management skills to support ecological systems.
View Natural Resources Management Minor detailsEquine Science Certificate
The Equine Certificate is offered as two options: Equine Assisted Therapy and Ranch Horse Management. Both options contain 13 hours of required coursework and 6 hours of directed electives, which are specific to each option.
View Equine Science Certificate detailsReady to Take the Next Step?
Reach out to our team to learn more about the incredible opportunities at Texas Tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the college called Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources?
The Davis College is named after Dr. Gordon W. Davis and wife Joyce, whose $44 million gift is Texas Tech's largest donation.
How can I enhance my experience at Texas Tech and get involved?
You can join 40 clubs, organizations, and competitive teams within Davis College, and explore opportunities through events like Ag Fest and Winter Welcome or by talking to their academic advisor.
What is the mission of Davis College?
Davis College develops ethical global leaders solving grand challenges through teaching, research, and engagement, partnering to strengthen agriculture, natural resources, and quality of life in West Texas and beyond.
Where is the Davis College Learning Community located?
The learning community is in Murdough Hall, made up of only Davis College majors and has male and female wings. Take a virtual tour of Murdough Hall.
What support resources are available to students?
The Dr. Bill Bennett Student Success Center recruits and supports Davis College students, offering guidance on organizations, academics, scholarships, internships, events, resources, and career development.
How easy is it to change my major, minor, or concentration?
Very easy! We know interests and career decisions may change throughout your time as a student. Our faculty and advisors are here to support your next steps and guide you to success.
Programs
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Address
Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2011 -
Email
webmaster@ttu.edu