Undergraduate Programs

Animal Science, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Oh My

As an undergraduate, you need to obtain a basic understanding of the world around you. Whether you decide to follow a technology or science degree track in Poultry Science, during your first two years at NCSU you will be take basic courses in English, biology, chemistry, math, genetics, zoology, etc. Gaining proficiency in a second language is also encouraged during this time.

The last two years of your undergraduate career will be devoted primarily to courses in your major and/or minor, e.g. courses in poultry production, avian physiology, basic and comparative nutrition, economics, food science, microbiology, to name a few. Many students choose to double major in Poultry Science and another related field such as Animal Science, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Food Science, Agricultural Economics, etc. Double majors are required to complete the major requirements in both selected fields.

Some students elect to minor in Poultry Science while majoring in another field such as Agri-business Management or Food Science. Poultry Science Students can also minor in several other areas including: Agribusiness Management, Food Science, Biotechnology, or in Feed Mill Management.

Poultry Science students who choose the Science Option are generally those who are interested in applying to professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or graduate school. Those who choose the Technology Option are generally those who plan to enter the work force with either the poultry industry or one of its allied industries following their graduation. Those with double majors and/or minors often enjoy more flexibility in employment opportunities, which the dual major and/or a minor can provide.

A new Bachelor/Masters degree program has recently (2001) been adopted that will allow exceptional students to complete both a Bachelor of Science and a Masters degree in a period of five years. Students with appropriate qualifications are allowed to enter this program following the completion of their Junior year, and can work on either a thesis or a non-thesis Masters degree while completing their Bachelors degree.