Major map:
Animal Science
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.S.A) - View all program options
Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.
Animal scientists study the feeding, breeding and management of domestic animals, particularly those of agricultural significance, from herd genetics and high-performance diets to animal vaccines and environmentally sound animal management.
Not a USask student?
Learn more about studying animal science at USask and apply for admission.
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
AGRC 110.3 | Scientific Literacy and Communication for the Agricultural Sciences
AGRC 111.3 | Introduction to Plant and Soil Sciences
AGRC 112.3 | Animal Agriculture and Food Science
AGRC 113.3 | Introduction to Agri Food Economics
BIOL 120.3 | The Nature of Life
BIOL 224.3 | Animal Body Systems
CHEM 112.3 | General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials
CHEM 250.3 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry
*ANSC students planning to apply for admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) need to take CHEM 115 to fulfill the 6 credits of chemistry (with lab) requirement
You choose
- AREC 220.3, History of Indigenous Agriculture in Canada, OR INDG 107.3 Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies*
- One course (3 c.u.) from a variety of courses in social sciences, humanities, and fine arts to fulfill your degree requirements
*Students planning to apply for admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) should take INDG 107.3 to fulfill the 3 credits Indigenous Studies requirement (AREC 220.3 will not be sufficient)
Academic tips
- Explore information about your program in the course and program catalogue
- Meet with an AgBio Student Services academic advisor for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
- Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills
- Visit AgBio Student Services to find out about unique supports for AgBio students
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
- Declare your major before the end of your first year by contacting agbio.studentservices@usask.ca
What will I learn?
- Learn about the feeding, breeding and management of domestic animals with a focus on livestock production systems
- Examine innovative solutions that meet the challenges posed by a growing world population with changing patterns of diet, a finite amount of farmland and changing climatic conditions
- Study biotechnology, genetics, computer modelling, nutrition, animal behaviour and welfare, sustainable production systems and management, pasture management, and forage production
- Attain a broad knowledge base in animal science to address local and global challenges facing animal industries
- Gain skills that prepare you for careers serving the animal agri-food industry
Gain relevant experience
- Consider volunteering at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC)
- Consider volunteering with the Applied Animal Management Volunteer Program by contacting the Poultry Research and Teaching Unit Facility Manager
- Familiarize yourself with study abroad programs to make informed decisions in your later years of study
- Explore undergraduate research opportunities
- Consider enrolling in an experiential learning course
Create local and global connections
- Sign up for an AgBio Learning Community
- Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
- Get involved in your campus community through student groups, campus rec, and USask events
- Before you register in your first-year courses, sign up to be a part of a Learning Community
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
- Join the Pre-Vet Club if you're considering applying to Veterinary Medicine
- Consider joining an AgBio Student Club
Get career ready
- Meet with a career educator at Career Services to explore your career possibilities
- Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
- Create your résumé and cover letter to take advantage of part-time and summer job opportunities
- Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand
Featured courses
- ANSC 212.3 Livestock and Poultry Production
- ANSC 313.3 Animal Breeding and Genetics
- ANSC 315.3 Animal and Poultry Nutrition
- ANSC 410.3 Cow Calf Management
- ANSC 494.6 Research Thesis in Animal Science
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
ANSC 212.3 | Livestock and Poultry Production
ANSC 313.3 | Animal Breeding and Genetics
BMSC 200.3 | Biomolecules
BMSC 230.3 | Metabolism
PLSC 214.3 | Statistical Methods
You choose
- One course (3 c.u.) from the English Language Writing requirement
- FABS 212.3 Agrifood and Resources Microbiology OR BMSC 210.3 Microbiology
- MATH 104.3 Elementary Calculus, OR MATH 110.3 Calculus I, OR MATH 125.3 Mathematics for the Life Sciences
- From a variety of courses in social sciences, humanities, and fine arts to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Check DegreeWorks and meet with an academic advisor to ensure your degree is on track
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
Add to your major
Choose from a variety of options to complement your major.
- Precision Agriculture (certificate)
- Professional Communication (certificate)
- Sustainability (certificate)
Gain relevant experience
- Consider volunteering at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC)
- Consider volunteering with the Applied Animal Management Volunteer Program by contacting the Poultry Research and Teaching Unit Facility Manager
- Explore study abroad options or gain support as an international student through the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC)
- Become a peer mentor through the, University Library, or Peer Health
- Sign up for a Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
- Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
- Consider running for a leadership position with an AgBio Student Club or the USask Students’ Union (USSU)
Create local and global connections
- Engage with your community through volunteering and Co-Curricular Record activities
- Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and Global Connections
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
- Consider joining the an AgBio Student Club
- Join the Pre-Vet Club if you're considering applying to Veterinary Medicine
Get career ready
- Conduct occupational research through Job Bank and LinkedIn
- Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at Career Services events and career fairs
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
- Get a better understanding of your career possibilities through career informational interviews
- Attend Careers Day in September to connect with Ag/Bio employers
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nurturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
ANSC 315.3 | Animal and Poultry Nutrition
ANSC 316.3 | Feed Technology
ANSC 410.3 | Cow Calf Management
ANSC 430.3 | Intensive Management of Beef Cattle
ANSC 440.3 | Poultry Production
ANSC 460.3 | Intensive Management of Dairy Cattle
ANSC 485.3 | Swine Production and Management
ANSC 313.3 | Animal Breeding and Genetics
VBMS 324.3 | Animal Physiology I
VBMS 325.3 | Animal Physiology II
You choose
- Four courses (12 c.u.) from a variety of restricted elective courses to fulfill your degree requirements
- Six courses (18 c.u.) from a variety of open eletive courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Check DegreeWorks and meet with an academic faculty advisor to ensure your degree is on track
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
Consider applying to a graduate program
- Animal and Poultry Science (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
- Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
Gain relevant experience
- Consider volunteering at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC)
- Consider volunteering with the Applied Animal Management Volunteer Program by contacting the Poultry Research and Teaching Unit Facility Manager
- Consider running for a leadership position with the Agricultural Student's Association (ASA) or the USask Students' Union (USSU)
Create local and global connections
- Join the USask Alumni and Friends community
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
- Join the Pre-Vet Club if you're considering applying to Veterinary Medicine
Get career ready
- Update your résumé, cover letter or CV to apply for jobs
- Book a Mock Interview appointment with Career Services to prepare for your interview
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- If you are new to Canada, take time to learn about how to search for a job in Canada
- Attend Careers Day in September to connect with Ag/Bio employers
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nurturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Possible destinations
People with an animal science degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.
Career paths
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Researcher
- Animal Care Technician
- Animal Nutrition (Consultant, Manager, Extension Specialist)
- College Instructor
- Dairy Nutrition Associate
- Environmental Consultant
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance Supervisor
- Feed Scientist or Formulator
- Feed Sales Representative
- Feedlot or Hatchery Manager
- Laboratory Technician
- Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist
- Livestock Producer (Beef, Dairy, Swine, Poultry)
- Marketing Associate
- Marketing Board Employee
- Meat Inspector
- Pet Food Manufacturing
- Program Coordinator (agriculture education or outreach)
- Quality Management Coordinator
- Research Assistant
- Regulatory Affairs
- Ruminant or Monogastric Nutritionist
- Veterinarian
My Animal Science degree laid the foundation for my pursuit of a Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition, which has opened up a wide range of career possibilities, from academia to industry roles as a practicing nutritionist. As the agricultural industry increasingly values advanced education, I’m grateful for my decision to pursue graduate school. My degree has positioned me to take advantage of diverse and exciting career opportunities in the future.
—Claire, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Animal Science) '20
Where do USask alumni work?
- AcuFast
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
- Alberta Agriculture
- Alberta Milk
- Beef Cattle Research Council
- Blue Rock Animal Nutrition
- Bullseye Feeds
- Canadian Cattle Association
- Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Charles River Laboratories
- Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan
- Ducks Unlimited
- Federated Cooperatives Limited
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition
- Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiative
- Lakeland College
- Maple Leaf Foods
- Manitoba Agriculture
- Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives
- Maple Leaf Foods
- Masterfeeds
- O & T Farms
- Olds College
- Olymel
- Prairie Swine Centre
- Proveta Nutrition
- Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
- SaskMilk
- SaskSPCA
- Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
- Trouw Nutrition
- University of Saskatchewan
- VCA Canada Animal Hospitals
- Telus Agriculture
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO)
Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool
"The College of Agriculture and Bioresources academic programming is second to none, the in-class educational experience lent me knowledge I utilize in my business everyday, and has lead to more profitable outcomes, and better management. I really appreciated the case-study entrenched lectures and hands-on lab experiences to showcase the real-world applications of what we're learning. With that being said, the relationships I developed not only with peers, but faculty and industry members will live with me forever and are the most valuable and memorable part of my academic career. The faculty at USask genuinely cares about your pursuits, passions, and are invested in helping you succeed."
—Matthew, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Animal Science) '23
"The Animal Science major provided opportunities to learn more about livestock production, connect with industry professionals, and be mentored by faculty and staff. Through the lectures, labs, and unique networking opportunities in the Animal Science major, I developed skills to think critically, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships. I have held multiple industry engagement roles through connections I fostered at Animal Science events, worked on three notable research projects, and travelled across North America for additional learning opportunities. I have no regrets about choosing the Animal Science program."
—Morgan, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Animal Science) '24
"I chose the Animal Science program as it allowed me to learn about all aspects of animal production. Some of the most valuable experiences have been the upper-year animal science courses, where I entered working barns in dairy, poultry, and swine production, and learned how to apply my knowledge and solve real-world problems. A degree in Animal Science opens the door for many employment opportunities around agriculture, and can lead to expanding skills sets and specializing with a Masters and/or Ph.D."
—Gus, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Animal Science) '24