2025-2026 Academic Catalog
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
The School of Animal Sciences offers two degree programs (Animal and Poultry Sciences and Dairy Science) as well as several options within each degree. With expert faculty in fields and species across the animal sciences, our students are well-trained in science-based education and hands-on learning for careers in the animal sciences as well as graduate and professional schools, such as veterinary school.
The Animal and Poultry Sciences degree provides students with a broad science-based education tailored to meet their needs and career goals. The program prepares students for careers in livestock, poultry, and equine industries, and with companion animals, laboratory animals, agribusiness, research, and teaching. The curriculum also provides preparation for professional schools including veterinary medicine, medical school and other health professions, as well as graduate school. This major combines education in the basic sciences of animal nutrition, genetics, and physiology with management principles as applied to the raising and merchandising of beef cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, and their products, as well as pets and other companion animals. Students are encouraged to participate in independent studies, undergraduate research, and internship programs. Study abroad opportunities are also available.
The Animal and Poultry Sciences curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their academic and career goals. The APSC major broadly prepares students for careers related to animal management and production, health and wellbeing. For students interested in tailoring their degree, two options are available (choose one):
Two minors are offered in the Animal and Poultry Sciences program: Animal and Poultry Sciences and Equine Science. Both minors require a minimum of 18 credits. Minor checksheets can be found at the following website - https://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/checksheets.html.
The purpose of the Dairy Science degree is to offer students the opportunity to prepare themselves for a wide variety of careers by developing their technical and interpersonal skills. We offer a challenging yet flexible curriculum that can be individualized to meet the educational needs and interests of each student, counseling to assist each student in designing individual programs, and extracurricular activities to enhance development of interpersonal skills.
Students may select from three curricula: Dairy Business Management, Science/Pre-Veterinary, and Dual Emphasis. All options provide students with the opportunity to acquire a broad education in the sciences, social sciences, economics, mathematics, and communications while learning the basic principles of dairy enterprise management.
Nearly all Dairy Science students complete a second major or minor and they are encouraged to actively participate in extracurricular clubs, judging teams and the dairy management team. Ninety five percent of students complete at least one internship prior to graduation and nearly half complete undergraduate research, an independent study, or serve as a teaching assistant.
Active participation in research projects in lactation, genetics, nutrition, nutrient management, and management provide qualified students valuable research experience with departmental scientists as well as part-time employment opportunities. These opportunities are available to students in all options and enhance their preparation for advanced study and provide a better understanding of the research process.
Students may minor in Dairy Science. The minor requires the completion of a total of 19 credit hours. Courses that may be taken for the minor are listed on the minor checksheet found on the following website - https://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/checksheets.html.
Note: Advisors work with students to individualize the course of study.
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Pathways) (see "Academics") and toward the degree.
Satisfactory progress requirements toward the specific degree can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at https://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/checksheets.html.
Director: D. E. Gerrard
Horace E. and Elizabeth F. Alphin Professor of Dairy Science: A. D. Ealy
Colonel Horace E. Alphin Professor of Dairy Science: K. F. Knowlton
David R. and Margaret Lincicome Professor of Agriculture: M. D. Hanigan6
Paul Mellon Distinguished Professor of Agriculture: S. E. Johnson
John W. Hancock Professor: M. E. Persia
Professors: A. D. Ealy, B.A. Corl, M. J. Estienne, G. Ferreira, D. E. Gerrard, S. P. Greiner, M.D. Hanigan, H. Jiang, S. E. Johnson, K.F. Knowlton, J. J. Maurer, K. Medler, M. E. Persia, R. P. Rhoads Jr., E. J. Smith, and R. White
Associate Professors: F. Biase, R. Cockrum, K. M. Daniels, S. W. El-Kadi, D. E. Eversole, E. Feuerbacher, L. Jacobs, T. J. Jarome, C. S. Petersson-Wolfe, V. Mercadante, M. L. Rhoads, R. White, and C. M. Wood
Assistant Professors: A. Ali, J. Chen, T. Fernandes, L. Gunter, R. Marques, and J. Osorio,
Associate Professor of Practice: J. S. Bedore and M. Miller
Assistant Professor of Practice: K. J. Heiderscheit
A/P Faculty: M. Arant, K. Carter, T. Golightly, H. Liles, and B. Sheely
Advanced Instructor: L. Bergamasco and W. A. White
Lecturer: D. R. Winston
Research Associate Professor: T.H. Shi
Research Assistant Professor: E.T. Helm
Career Advisors: J. S. Bedore, L. Bergamasco, E.T. Helm, , D. E. Eversole, K. J. Heiderscheit, K. F. Knowlton, M. Miller, D. R. Winston, and C. M. Wood
E-mail: ansci@vt.edu
Footnotes:
Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising
Academy of Teaching Excellence inductee
Wine Award recipient
Sporn Award recipient
Alumni Award for Extension Excellence
Alumni Award for Research Excellence
Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence
Academy of Faculty Service
Commonwealth of Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award
Diggs Teaching Scholar Awards
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