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Bachelor of Science in Animal & Veterinary Sciences

Department of Agriculture

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Animal & Veterinary Sciences

Department of Agriculture

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Combine Your Love of Animals and Passion for Science

Prepare for a career in industry or veterinary school

Animal science degrees open the door to a wide range of careers. From veterinary medicine to wildlife conservation, EKU’s animal and veterinary sciences degree prepares you for exciting career fields that align with your goals, interests and experiences. Students choose a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine or animal science and receive hands-on training through DNA extraction, blood and fecal diagnostic tests, dissections, and more with livestock animals including, dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens at our 1,000- acre production farm and in our animal science teaching labs. Graduates are prepared to take on entry level animal science careers or pursue graduate or veterinary programs.

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Career Outlook


Increases in consumers’ pet-related spending, expanding treatment options, and a growing, aging pet population are expected to drive employment growth of veterinarians.

Veterinary medicine has advanced considerably. Today’s veterinarians are able to offer many services that are comparable to healthcare for humans, including more complicated procedures such as cancer treatments and kidney transplants.

Employment of veterinarians is projected to grow 20 percent from 2022 to 2032.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Careers in the animal science industry are plentiful and include options such as animal nutrition / feed industry, pharmaceuticals, food sciences, sales, research and development, extension, private consultants, geneticist, writer for animal related publication, USDA, FDA, EPA, and public health.

Job Titles Include:

  • Animal health inspector
  • Feed / nutrition sales or consultation
  • Livestock procurement

EKU animal science graduates work in a variety of settings and positions.

Employers Include:

  • Primate Rescue Center
  • Colorado State University (studying under Dr. Temple Grandin, Professor of Animal Science and world-renown on animal welfare)
  • Cat Ambassador Program at the Cincinnati Zoo

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credit hours
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Pre-veterinary curriculum allowing students to meet entrance requirements for veterinary schools throughout the United States and abroad
  • Customize your degree with 1 of 2 concentration areas
  • Hands-on, project-based learning at our top-tier facilities
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment

Program Options

Choose between two concentrations in that offer the opportunity to tailor the degree to specific career goals and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Options include:

The pre-veterinary medicine concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue veterinary school after college. While Kentucky does not have an in-state veterinary school, Auburn University has agreed to serve as an in-state school for Kentucky students. Due to this arrangement EKU’s pre-veterinary program meets all the pre-requisite course requirements for Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. If a student has an interest in applying to other veterinary schools, the program can be tailored to fit the course pre-requisite requirements of any veterinary school.

The animal science concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in the animal science industry and / or to attend graduate school to earn a Master’s or PhD degree. Careers in the animal science industry are plentiful and include options such as animal nutrition / feed industry, pharmaceuticals, food sciences, sales, research and development, extension, private consultants, geneticist, writer for animal related publication, USDA, FDA, EPA, public health, and much more!

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • Biology
  • Business

View the full list of minors available.

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Crops, Soils & Natural Resources

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Admission


In Animal and Veterinary Sciences, students will receive hands on training in animal handling and research that will include opportunities to work directly with both large and small animals. The Pre-Veterinary curriculum will allow students to meet entrance requirements for veterinary schools throughout the United States and abroad. The rigorous coursework will also prepare students to pursue advanced degrees in veterinary science, animal science, human medicine, biomedical science, biotechnology, genetics, nutrition, microbiology, reproduction, behavior, or any of the other basic sciences.

A minimum of 120 are required to graduate with an animal and veterinary sciences bachelor’s degree, including 42 upper-division credits.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Photo of Aida Bermudez

Aida Bermudez

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2902
aida.bermudez@eku.edu


Student Stories & Features

Travis Herndon

EKU Agriculture Student
When my senior year in high school was concluding, I toured Eastern Kentucky University and fell in love with the landscape and atmosphere. I would like to thank my friend and supervisor here at the EKU greenhouses, John Duvall, for helping me grow into a better horticulturist.

Upcoming Events

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2025 EKU Living with Animals Conference

March 13, 2025 at 8:00 am – March 15, 2025 at 5:00 pmcalendar-multiday
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Feel Better Fast! Weekly Drop-in Workshops to Improve Mood

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Spring Break

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Contact Information

Department of Agriculture

A.B. Carter Building
Room 2
4400 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-2228
Fax: 859-622-6676
agriculture@eku.edu