Prospective Students
Why Poultry Science?
The poultry industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 50 years. Poultry is one of the top commodities produced in NC. NC produces 10% of all poultry in the U.S. It's a business with both local and global perspectives.
The career possibilities are boundless.
Contact us for more information
Evolution of the Global Market Place
Like any business with roots in agriculture, the poultry industry has evolved from a community enterprise in which poultry meat and eggs were sold to neighbors through the local store.
Today, the neighborhood is the world. It's a global marketplace that demands the latest technology in processing, packaging, storage, and distribution systems. The U.S. poultry industry competes in a market not limited by national boundaries and cultures.
The reasons? Poultry products are nutritious, low-cost, and not subject to religious or cultural prohibitions - they have easy access to markets in every region of the world.
Exciting challenges await future poultry professionals. Worldwide demand means expanded production and competition in providing broilers, turkeys, and table eggs to consumers. The challenge is for U.S. poultry companies to position themselves to capture a greater share of the world market. Even as domestic consumption increases, a greater percentage of U.S. poultry is being sold internationally.
The U.S. poultry industry must operate in the global environment if it is to continue to succeed. Tomorrow's poultry professionals may need to understand Spanish or Chinese with the same skill as they comprehend the grain futures market at the Chicago Board of Trade. A North Carolina poultry executive will be required to understand the needs of customers half a world away. Thinking globally is no longer an option, it's a necessity. If we do not provide the world's poultry technology, someone else surely will.
Poultry is Big Business in North Carolina
Poultry production leads the state's agricultural economy. Recent North Carolina Department of Agriculture statistics show that poultry represents nearly 38 percent of all cash receipts from agriculture.
Conservative estimates place the "farm gate" value of North Carolina poultry products at $3.6 billion.
Annually, North Carolina poultry companies produce approximately 800 million broilers, 32 million turkeys, and 3 billion eggs.
North Carolina currently ranks #2 nationally in turkey production, #3 in total poultry production, #4 in broiler production, and #10 in egg production. North Carolina produces nearly 10% of all US poultry.Poultry Science...Is It Right For Me?
See why our current student chose Poultry Science....
Ann Margaret Dietrich...."My family has a long history in agriculture and I wanted to carry on the tradition. I became involved in agriculture through 4-H. I attend PSSI (Poultry Science Summer Institute) and it became clear I should major in Poultry Science. I love the diversity and the opportunities associated with the poultry industry." 
J T Pope..."I chose Poultry Science for my major because we study a unique species and work with people in a complex and advanced industry. Poultry Science has also given me internship opportunities which will lead to jobs when I graduate."
Admissions Requirements
Poultry Science Curriculum
Poultry Science Scholarships
Through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and organizations, students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Poultry Science at N. C. State may apply for more than 30 Poultry Science scholarships. A number of these scholarships arc designated for entering freshmen with outstanding high school credentials that have been accepted into the Poultry Science program. With approximately $50,000 in annual scholarship funding available, the NC State Poultry Science Department enjoys one of the highest levels of scholarship support in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
