Animal and Dairy Sciences
Animal and Dairy Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Animal and Dairy Sciences
Concentrations Offered
Business and Industry, Food Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine Technology, Pre-Veterinary Science, Production Management
Top 5 Reasons to Study
Core
Skills
- Apply foundational knowledge of animal biology and science within modern animal and livestock industries.
- Manage domestic livestock effectively using hands-on skills grounded in animal care, health, and production practices.
- Use scientific equipment and tools confidently to collect information and support animal-related research and operations.
- Think critically and solve problems by analyzing situations, evaluating options, and making informed decisions.
- Work collaboratively in team-based settings to support animal management, research, and industry goals.
Sample
Jobs
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary Technician / Technologist
- Food Technologist
- Laboratory Research Associate / Animal Science Technician
- Pharmaceutical Sales
Successful Career Outcomes
Top
Employment
Industries
- Animal Health
- Veterinary School
- Agriculture and Livestock Production
- Government and Regulatory Agencies
- Meat Production Industry
Brag
Points
- Our students receive hands-on training with livestock on our working farms, preparing them for veterinary school and production careers.
- Our facilities include the 1,100-acre MAFES H. H. Leveck Animal Research Center, dedicated to livestock and forage production.
- Our MSU Equestrian Team competes through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association in both English and Western riding.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
As an animal and dairy sciences major at Mississippi State University, you’ll learn by doing as you combine science with hands-on experience in animal agriculture. Through labs, farms, and applied coursework, you’ll study animal biology, care, and sustainable production while building practical skills in breeding, reproduction, and herd management. Whether you’re preparing for veterinary school or pursuing careers in nutrition, food production, or research, you’ll gain a strong, experience-based foundation in animal care. Experiential learning opportunities ensure you graduate ready to support animal health, food safety, and sustainable agriculture. You’ll gain real-world experience through internships aligned with your career goals and can expand your learning through study abroad programs, student organizations, major-related jobs, undergraduate research, and community service projects—building the skills and confidence needed for a successful career.
Spotlight
Further your education through the Thrive in Five accelerated M.S. degree program, where students complete undergraduate and master’s coursework concurrently to graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees within five years.
Animal and Dairy Sciences
2025-2026 Major Map
Bachelor of Science in Animal and Dairy Sciences
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Alumni
Success
Coming from a background with limited livestock exposure, the Animal and Dairy Sciences major provided me with opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone and further establish my passion to be in the animal field.
Ziember Powell, alumna
Student
Testimonial
I chose Animal and Dairy Sciences for my undergraduate program because I wanted a hands-on, experiential learning experience in addition to a robust scientific education to equip me for veterinary school. The applicable, dynamic curriculum has prepared me well.
Alex Speak, student