Department of Animal Science
North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Pictures of horses, livestock, and dog

Introduction to the field of Animal Science

red line

As an animal scientist, your opportunities are boundless and the areas of emphasis are diverse. For example, you can study physiology and genetics, including in vitro fertilization and the manipulation of embryos, or you can study nutrition and management that could lead to a career in animal production. Animal Science graduates from North Carolina State University are qualified for positions in a wide variety of areas such as: livestock management, livestock production, feed and animal health product companies, livestock marketing, food processing industries, feedlot managers, management consultants, state and federal departments of agriculture, breed associations, education, financial institutions, livestock publications, technical service managers, animal technicians, media specialists, agricultural extension service and public relations. Animal Science students may also become veterinarians and be involved in primary health care. Animal scientists can be found across the nation and around the world in all phases of production, research, sales, service, business, and education.

red line

Academic Programs

red triangle Associate of Applied Science Program at NCSU's Agricultural Institute
red triangle Bachelor of Science Undergraduate Program in Animal Science
red triangle Graduate Study (Master's, Ph.D.)  in Animal Science

red line

Research Emphases

The primary research emphasis in Animal Science is to develop projects that will result in development of new technology in the disciplines of physiology, nutrition, genetics, genomics, biotechnology, production, and management.

Our reproductive physiology group has developed a strong program in endocrinology with emphasis on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the male and female of farm animals. Our primary goal in this discipline is to improve the reproductive efficiency of farm and companion animals. Research in biotechnology focuses on the production of new breeds of mammals by alterations in the genome and studies on gene transfer and embryo micro-manipulation in swine and cattle. The research goals of our nutrition faculty are to increase the efficiency of red meat and milk production, and to improve the desirability of animal products for human consumption. The mission of our animal breeding and genetics research faculty is to develop and evaluate theory and technology relevant to the genetic improvement of livestock. With emphasis on food- and fiber-producing animals, our overall goal is to study basic principles and to ask "why" as well as "how" research results can be applied for the betterment of mankind.

red line

Career Opportunities

As an animal scientist, your opportunities are boundless and the areas of emphasis are diverse. For example, you can study physiology and genetics, including in vitro fertilization and the manipulation of embryos, or you can study nutrition and management that could lead to a career in animal production. Animal Science graduates from North Carolina State University are qualified for positions in a wide variety of areas such as livestock management, livestock production, feed and animal health product companies, livestock marketing, food processing industries, feedlot managers, management consultants, state and federal departments of agriculture, breed associations, education, financial institutions, livestock publications, technical service managers, animal technicians, media specialists, agricultural extension service and public relations. Animal Science students may also become veterinarians and be involved in primary health care. Animal scientists can be found across the nation and around the world in all phases of production, research, sales, service, business, and education.

red line

Career Services

In addition to faculty who are available to provide information about career and employment opportunities, graduates and alumni receive assistance from the Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Services Office. Undergraduates are informed about summer internships and co-op opportunities in their career fields and are assisted with applying for such positions. Services are also provided to help students with resume writing and interviewing skills. On-campus interviews are arranged for prospective graduates and employment opportunities are widely publicized to students. Alumni are also able to take advantage of these services and are informed about employment prospects through a monthly placement bulletin.

red line

For more information about the Animal Science Department, contact:

Dr. Roger L. McCraw
Professor and Head, Department of Animal Science
North Carolina State University
Box 7621, 123 Polk Hall
Raleigh, NC 27695-7621

Phone: (919) 515-2755
Fax: (919) 515-6884   E-mail  Animal_Science_Webmaster@ncsu.edu

red line

Move directly to:

red triangle Animal Science Department's Main Page
red triangle College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
red triangle North Carolina State University

red line

Last modified May, 2007 by Animal_Science_Webmaster@ncsu.edu