Animal Science is an agricultural based discipline that focuses on the science and business aspects of the domestic livestock production industry, which includes beef cattle, dairy cattle, hogs, poultry, sheep, goats, horses, and aquaculture. Production of quality foods and other animal products, such as leather and wool, is the primary focus of the livestock industry. However, in order for the industry to continue to thrive and adapt to social and economic demands, a basic knowledge of livestock production and management schemes is imperative. An animal scientist will acquire species-specific knowledge pertaining to production and management, physiology, i.e, growth and reproduction, animal health and well-being, genetics, biotechnology, and economics. To ensure that our students have an understanding and an appreciation of the scope of agriculture, we offer a flexible choice of support courses in range/wildlife science, biological science, and plant/soil science. Graduates of our TAMUK Animal Science program will have acquired both traditional and ‘cutting-edge’ knowledge through experiential learning and critical thinking applications. Moreover, graduates from our well-rounded program will have a broad knowledge of animal production and be more competitive in today’s job market.

Our Range & Wildlife Management options allow for diverse career choices. TAMUK’s location puts us right in the center of part of Texas’ most active region for recreational wildlife. For our graduates, that means jobs managing wildlife enterprises or working with state agencies such as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. In addition, federal agencies are now recruiting from TAMUK to hire for positions that are “non-competitive.” This means that we get our students into those agencies at an early stage of their career through internships and special grants programs, and those same students literally walk into a ready-made positions when they graduate. Read more about our USDA-HSI collaborative programs here>>>.

Wildlife management is centered on wildlife populations, their dynamics, wildlife diseases, waterfowl management, big game management, and policy. Range management focuses more on what wildlife “eat,” how they use their habitats, or how they share them with other animal species. Interestingly, more agencies and landowners are now soliciting range ecologists more frequently because range management has become such an important factor in wildlife populations and how they are managed. There is a current shortage of range conservationists in the country, and federal agencies are offering special grants and incentives to recruit students. If you are interested in range ecology, right now is the right time to sign up!

Need help deciding? Talk to an advisor or try our TAMUK Career Services!