OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120 with Animal Science Concentration, 126 with Pre-Veterinary Concentration
Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0
Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: A “C-” or better is required in all AVS courses (AVS 145, AVS 200, AVS 401, AVS 402, AVS 437, AVS 455, AVS 466, AVS 480) .
Other GPA requirements to graduate: None.
Contact Information: James Weber, AVS Program Coordinator, 5735 Hitchner Hall, (207)581-2774; jweber@umext.maine.edu
The faculty of the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. The animal sciences curriculum is designed to provide a solid understanding of biological sciences as well as specific expertise in the diseases, genetics, breeding, nutrition, and physiology of domestic and laboratory animals. Because a basic knowledge in animal sciences is fundamental to successful work in many job situations, the curriculum offers a wide choice of electives so students may adapt their course of study to meet special professional interests or needs. Through the proper use of options, students can prepare for admission to a College of Veterinary Medicine or graduate school, to teach science in secondary schools, to pursue technical sales and service work in agriculture, for careers in animal-related research, or to develop animal production enterprises such as dairy, livestock or equine farms.
Program Overview
This department administers undergraduate concentrations in Pre-Veterinary Science and in Animal Science. The pre-veterinary concentration is recommended for superior students who seek admission to veterinary colleges. The suggested courses beyond the basic degree requirements in Animal and Veterinary Sciences are those that are required or recommended for admission to Colleges of Veterinary Medicine in North America. The Animal Science concentration is recommended for students who wish to pursue careers in animal agriculture, including the dairy, livestock or equine industries. Animal Science courses also serve as elective opportunities for students in other agricultural and life sciences, and minors are available in Animal and Veterinary Sciences or in Equine Studies.
Students may also consider continuing their studies at the graduate level after the completion of an undergraduate degree. The Department offers the Master of Science degree in Animal Science for programs of study in animal nutrition, pathology, and reproductive physiology. The Doctor of Philosophy degree may be earned in Food and Nutritional Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, or through the Individualized PhD Program.
Hands-on Experience
An important aspect of the degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences is the requirement for hands-on experience with economically important domestic species. At the University’s Witter Teaching and Research Farm, AVS majors are given numerous opportunities to increase their competency with, and eventually manage, dairy cattle, and Standardbred horses. We consider the experiential learning at the Witter Center to be a vital part of our students’ education, because it allows them to use their knowledge to solve practical problems on a working farm.
Departmental Requirements
BS in Animal and Veterinary Sciences with Animal Science concentration (120 credits)
Required Animal and Veterinary Science Courses (21credits)
Student-selected AVS and Related Courses (21 credits)
Science and Mathematics Courses (29 credits)
Human Values and Social Context Courses (18 credits)
Ethics Requirement (0-3 credits)
Career Enhancement (18 credits)
English Courses (6 credits)
NFA 117 - Issues and Opportunities (1 credit)
General Elective Courses (0-3 credits)
BS in Animal and Veterinary Sciences with Pre-Veterinary concentration (126 credits)
Required Animal and Veterinary Science Courses (21 credits)
Student-selected AVS and Related Courses (17 credits)
Science and Mathematics Courses, including Vet School requirements (60 credits)
Human Values and Social Context Courses (18 credits)
Ethics Requirement (3 credits)
English Courses (6 credits)
NFA 117 - Issues and Opportunities (1 credit)
Career Enhancement Courses
Students should select a minimum of 18 credits in an area of study to be chosen in consultation with their academic advisor. Possible areas of study include, but are not limited to, pre-veterinary sciences (career enhancement coursework that satisfies the requirements of North American veterinary Colleges is built into the Pre-Vet curriculum), education, business, journalism, laboratory sciences, and production agriculture.
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