Animal Studies, Bachelor of Science

A Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Studies is an interdisciplinary liberal arts major that prepares graduates for sustainable employment in animal-related fields or for entrance to graduate school.

The animal studies courses in the major emphasize critical and creative thinking in the areas of: animal behavior, the animal-human bond, animal-human interactions, animals in service, ethical standards of practice, ethical treatment, conservation, environmental impact, training and handling methods, and current events, as these topics relate to canines, equines, farm animals, felines and exotics, and wildlife.

Breadth of knowledge is critical in the animal studies major. This breadth is achieved through the student’s choice of an interdisciplinary concentration in one of the following: biology/psychology, English/communications or environmental science. The concentrations are designed to focus and develop additional occupational skills and prepare for graduate-level coursework, while enhancing the core curriculum.

Students will demonstrate depth of understanding in the advanced seminar and senior thesis in animal studies. Through experiential learning, observation, internships or research, students will identify specific areas of interest that will prepare them for employment or graduate school. The student’s capstone experience will culminate with the submission of a thesis, portfolio, or oral presentation.

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

PSY 110Introduction to Psychology

3

ANS 101Introduction to Animal Studies

3

ANS 201Animal Studies: Equines

3

ANS 202Animal Studies: Canines

3

ANS 203Animal Studies: Felines & Exotics

3

ANS 204Animal Studies: Wildlife

3

ANS 205Animal Studies: Farm Animals

3

ANS 380Animal Studies Advanced Seminar

3

ANS 499Senior Thesis

3

In addition, the student must fulfill the requirements for one of the following concentrations:

Concentration in English and Communications

BIO 110Contemporary Biology

4

OR

BIO 101General Biology I

4

AND

BIO 102General Biology II

4

 

ENG 185Writing About Literature and Environment

3

ENG 212Technical Writing

3

ENG 201Media Writing

3

ENG 355Internship

3

Concentration in Environmental Science

BIO 110Contemporary Biology

4

OR

BIO 101General Biology I

4

AND

BIO 102General Biology II

4

 

BIO 230Conservation Biology

4

ENV 115Intro to Environmental Science I

3

Two of the following four courses (at least one at the 300 level)
ENV 116Intro to Environmental Science II

4

 

ENV 224Environmental Law

3

 

ENV 220Stewardship of Watershed Ecosystems

4

OR

ENV 320Stewardship of Watershed Ecosystems

4

 

ENV 210Environmental History

3

OR

ENV 310Environmental History

3

 

ENV 216Agroecology

3

Concentration in Biology/Psychology

BIO 101General Biology I

4

BIO 102General Biology II

4

BIO 220Animal Behavior

4

PSY 218Biopsychology

4

PSY 335Evolutionary Psychology

3

BIO 314Ecology

4