Michael Kerns, D.V.M., director of veterinary services and professor of animal science, helps student Malorie Morris check on a goat.

This fall, students at The University of Findlay will have the option to major in animal science.

The new bachelor’s degree program was developed to give students another option that provides opportunities in the job market and allows students to be closely associated with animals and the management of them.

“For those students who initially come to UF in the pre-vet program, then realize that their interests lie somewhere other than veterinary school, this major becomes a viable alternative, and will simply improve the graduate’s career opportunities in the future,” said Farabee McCarthy, Ph.D., director of the Center for Equine and Pre-Veterinary Studies and associate professor of equestrian studies.

It also is an excellent major for students in equestrian studies or other areas who seek more depth and breadth in animal science, which the new major provides.

The new animal science major will broaden the curriculum into the business, agronomic and animal husbandry sectors of equine and food animal production and management. New courses include Animal Breeding and Genetics, Meat Animal Evaluation, Forage and Crop Production, Horse Production, Dairy Production, Beef Production, Sheep Production and Swine Production. These courses, along with some existing courses, will provide a broad education in the area of equine and food animal production and management.