Would you rather work with animals than behind a desk? Do you want to run cattle like your dad? Or sheep like your mom? Are you relentlessly curious about science, anatomy, our food system, baby animals?
Whether you are looking to feed the world, cowboy up or prevent disease in animals, the animal and veterinary science degree program at the University of Wyoming can be your introduction to a vast landscape of animal-related and agricultural careers.
What is Animal and Veterinary Science?
Animal and veterinary science is a hands-on major in which you will study subjects related to meat-animal production and the health and well-being of animals. From animal physiology and nutrition to marketing, meat processing, organic chemistry and microbiology, you will have the opportunity to customize your degree to your desired career.
Yes, you will learn the necessary science to fuel your future, but you are just as likely to have your arm in a cannulated cow, handling livestock at the farm, or study diseases that affect Wyoming’s livestock or wildlife.
The major in Animal and Veterinary Sciences (ANVS) is offered jointly through the Department of Animal Science, and the Department of Veterinary Sciences. Faculty in these departments have expertise that cover the eight concentrations.
The animal and veterinary science program offers a rich educational experience characterized by small classes, amazing facilities, undergraduate research, career-enhancing work experience and intercollegiate competitions.
Check out these opportunities for animal and veterinary science students:
Eight Concentrations. Match your degree to your individual interests. Animal and veterinary science offers eight concentrations from which to choose:
Internships. Although it is not required for degree completion, students are encouraged to participate in internship opportunities to expand their learning. Work at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory right on campus. Gain on the job experience at one of UW’s state research stations. Intern with UW’s own Cowboy Branded Meats program, the National Western Stock Show and other animal and agricultural organizations.
Facilities. Take advantage of UW’s remarkable facilities that include the only wool-scouring train on a college campus, the 47,500- square-foot Cliff and Martha Hansen Teaching Arena, the Laramie Research & Extension Center with its large-capacity livestock pens, a state-inspected meat lab, the Wyoming State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and modern research labs.
Student clubs, organizations and teams. Get involved and get experience in one or more of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources 30 student groups. Groups like the Food Science Club, the Livestock Judging Team, the Rodeo Club, the Wool Judging Team, the pre-vet club, the Ranch Horse Team and the Shotgun Team are always eager to welcome new students who want to be involved outside of the classroom.
Undergraduate research. Work with professors conducting research in areas such as animal nutrition, reproductive biology, livestock production systems, diseases of food animals and wildlife, and meat science and food technology.
Maybe you want to start your own veterinary practice, raise grass-fed cattle or revivify wool-processing in the United States. The animal and veterinary science program at the University of Wyoming gives you the flexibility and hands-on experiences that allow you to break your own trail.
Animal and Veterinary Science Careers
The University of Wyoming animal and veterinary science degree program has been designed to prepare you for graduate school, veterinary medical school and the following careers:
Here are just a few of the places where University of Wyoming animal and veterinary science alumni are making a difference:
“We get to participate in hands-on learning, whether it be out at the farm, riding horses or even in the lab. It seems like we get emails every other day about participating in research projects, which I feel is super neat. I think that sets us apart. It will really increase our learning experience.”
-Kaitlyan Reed, B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Science ’20, serves as an ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and competes with the UW Ranch Horse Team.
These are just a few of the courses you might take as an Animal and Veterinary Science major at the University of Wyoming:
View the degree plan for the Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Science program.