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Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: School of Agriculture and Food Systems

Animal and Nutritional Sciences (BS), BS

The Animal and Nutritional Sciences (BS) major is designed to provide high quality education and training for students who plan to enroll in veterinary school as well as other graduate or professional programs. You’ll gain basic and applied knowledge relevant to animal biology, nutrition, physiology, reproduction and genetics.

This program is often affectionately labeled the “pre-veterinary” major, but it’s much more. Animal and Nutritional Sciences is your pathway to graduate health programs. Our faculty advisers are knowledgeable about course requirements in those areas and can help you find the best fit.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

Getting into professional school, especially veterinary school, is extremely competitive. The Animal and Nutritional Sciences program provides challenging and innovative experiences that prepare you for a career in a STEM field.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Shadow veterinarians at local animal hospitals or through internships at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia and The Wilds.
  • Animal Science Research, Education and Outreach Center includes service dog training facility and state-of-the-art poultry feed mill.
  • 73.3% veterinary school acceptance rate (compare to national average of 43%).
  • 69% of the 13 contract seats (or openings) reserved for West Virginia residents at two out-of-state veterinary schools are awarded to WVU grads.
  • Facilities include J.W. Ruby Research, Education and Outreach Center and Hazel Ruby McQuain Equine Education and Resource Center.
  • The Davis-Michael Scholars Program provides enhanced learning experiences through networking and etiquette training events, tutoring opportunities and visits to veterinary schools.
  • Established in 2001, the Davis-Michael Scholars Program has provided $4.4 million in scholarships.
  • Small-school environment with all the resources of a large university. You’ll benefit from one-on-one faculty interactions and develop a close relationship with your faculty and peers.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • Many study abroad opportunities, including opportunities to travel to Estonia and tour London Zoo.
  • Train service dogs for course credit as part of WVU’s partnership with Hearts of Gold.
  • Participate in livestock judging, poultry judging, Dairy Challenge and dairy judging teams.
  • Opportunities exist in areas of poultry feed research and immunology.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Animal and Nutritional Sciences BS majors may complete an internship as part of their capstone experience.

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Dentists, General

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $166,300

Possible job titles include: Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Family Dentist, General Dentist, Pediatric Dentist.

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Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

Median Salary: $83,770

Possible job titles include: Greenhouse Manager, Grower, Nursery Manager, Production Manager, Aquaculture Director.

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Animal Scientists

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $70,140

Possible job titles include: Animal Nutrition Consultant, Animal Nutritionist, Animal Scientist, Beef Cattle Specialist, Dairy Nutrition Consultant, Nutritionist, Research and Development Director (R&D Director), Research Center Partner, Research Nutritionist, Research Scientist.

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Agricultural Technicians

Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $43,180

Possible job titles include: Agricultural Research Technician, Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Research Associate, Seed Analyst.

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Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $51,430

Possible job titles include: Biological Science Laboratory Technician, Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Research Associate.

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Veterinarians

Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $119,100

Possible job titles include: Associate Veterinarian, Equine Vet (Equine Veterinarian), Veterinarian (VET), Veterinary Medicine Doctor (DVM).

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Preventive Medicine Physicians

Apply knowledge of general preventive medicine and public health issues to promote health care to groups or individuals, and aid in the prevention or reduction of risk of disease, injury, disability, or death. May practice population-based medicine or diagnose and treat patients in the context of clinical health promotion and disease prevention.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $236,000

Possible job titles include: Medical Director, Occupational Medicine Physician, Occupational Physician, Preventive Medicine Physician, Primary Clinician, Public Health Director, Public Health Officer, Public Health Physician, Regional Medical Director, Residency Director.

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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine post-operative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $36,440

Possible job titles include: Animal Caregiver, Technician Assistant, Veterinarian Assistant, Veterinary Assistant (Vet Assistant).

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Nonfarm Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise care for pets and other nonfarm animals, such as dogs, cats, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $31,200

Possible job titles include: Animal Care Giver (ACG), Aquarist, Dog Bather, Dog Groomer, Groomer, Kennel Attendant, Kennel Technician (Kennel Tech), Pet Groomer, Pet Stylist, Zookeeper.

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First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

Median Salary: $57,320

Possible job titles include: Farm Manager, Fish Hatchery Manager, Fish Hatchery Specialist, Hatchery Manager, Wildlife Manager, Pest Management Supervisor, Logging Supervisor.

Explore Career

Contract schools for WV residents

Because West Virginia does not have its own veterinary school, West Virginia residents are given special consideration during application to The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Learn about contract schools.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Animal and Nutritional Sciences (BS) major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Animal and Nutritional Sciences (BS) at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Animal and Nutritional Sciences (BS) major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Animal and Nutritional Sciences (BS) can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Learn More

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Animal and Nutritional Sciences (BS) at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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