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Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources School of Agriculture and Food Systems

Animal and Nutritional Sciences, BSAgr

This curriculum provides the necessary background in agricultural economics, agronomy, breeding, nutrition, and physiology. You’ll be prepared for careers in production and management of dairy, livestock, or poultry, food processing and technology, as well as graduate school.
A degree in animal science allows you an opportunity to improve the health of both animals and people by affecting the food system at the ground level.

Your Degree Plan

In this program you’ll study animal behavior, health, nutrition, and management. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to make a meaningful and immediate impact on local farms and families.
Take advantage of special options related to this major:

Honors

Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart?

Learn by Doing

Get involved outside the classroom.

  • Intern at zoos, research facilities, and in the animal nutrition and poultry industries.
  • Train service dogs for course credit as part of WVU’s partnership with Hearts of Gold.
  • Research opportunities exist in areas of poultry feed and immunology.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Fishing and Hunting Workers

Hunt, trap, catch, or gather wild animals or aquatic animals and plants. May use nets, traps, or other equipment. May haul catch onto ship or other vessel.

Median Salary: $36,750

Possible Job Titles: Commercial Fisherman, Hunter, Trapper, Wildlife Control Operator

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Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

Median Salary: $87,980

Possible Job Titles: Aquaculture Director, Farm Manager, Greenhouse Manager, Ranch Manager

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Agricultural Technicians

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $46,790

Possible Job Titles: Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech), Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech), Agriculture Assistant, Seed Analyst

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Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $52,000

Possible Job Titles: Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Research Associate, Research Technician

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Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

May Require Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $87,710

Possible Job Titles: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Environmental Sciences Professor, Professor

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Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $45,980

Possible Job Titles: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech)

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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $37,320

Possible Job Titles: Animal Care Provider, Animal Caregiver, Certified Veterinary Assistant, Veterinarian Assistant (Vet Assistant)

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First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

Median Salary: $59,330

Possible Job Titles: Farm Supervisor, Harvesting Supervisor, Hatchery Manager, Logging Supervisor

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Career options

Graduates of the Animal and Nutritional Sciences BSAgr program are well-prepared for entry-level positions in poultry, equine, dairy, and beef industries, as well as production management, pharmaceutical and feed sales, or to continue their education in graduate school.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Animal and Nutritional Sciences major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Animal and Nutritional Sciences at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Ways to Save

Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Animal and Nutritional Sciences, BSAgr is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Animal and Nutritional Sciences can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

More About Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

Start at Another WVU Campus

You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.

Explore WVU System

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Request Info

Want to know more about Animal and Nutritional Sciences at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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