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Studying the biology of domesticated animals helps us better understand their health. The major addresses important issues related to animal health and welfare, biomedical advancements, food safety, precision livestock farming, and land and water stewardship.

Students in the Animal and Veterinary Biosciences major learn about cattle, swine, sheep, horses, poultry, and goats, as well as companion animals such as cats and dogs. They also examine recent discoveries connecting human and animal health.

The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences is home to the undergraduate program in Animal and Veterinary Biosciences. The department produces skilled leaders in animal agriculture and sustainable food systems while embracing innovation and technology. A 10:1 student-faculty ratio and small classes allow for meaningful connections among students and instructors.

Students can take courses on an assortment of topics including animal breeding, veterinary genetics, animal health and welfare, physiology, and animal nutrition utilizing various animals as a vehicle for learning. The major offers a science-focused path for students interested in veterinary medicine, animal science, bioscience, or other graduate programs.

Learn through hands-on, real-world experiences

The program emphasizes hands-on learning, and students choose from more than a dozen lab courses covering animal handling, reproductive biology, veterinary genetics, animal welfare, meat science and biologics, and more. Field courses look at international agriculture and sustainability. The department encourages Animal and Veterinary Biosciences majors to get involved with internships and research with faculty and staff.

Build community and networks

Animal and Veterinary Biosciences majors find a welcoming community where professors know their students and can provide guidance based on their specific goals. Outside of the classroom, students can join several student organizations including the Pre-Veterinary Association, Saddle and Sirloin Club, Poultry Club, Badger Dairy Club, and Badger Meat Science Club.

Customize a path of study

Students can choose from a variety of breadth and depth courses to explore their interests within the major, customizing their coursework to fit their career goals. Course flexibility allows students to complete several pre-veterinary requirements, a certificate, or double major within the curriculum. Students can elect to complete Honors in Animal and Veterinary Biosciences.

Make a strong start

The department offers an introductory seminar course that helps students maximize their education, develop professional skills, and make informed decisions about their classes, internships, and career paths. Multiple Animal Sciences courses are open to first-year students offering additional opportunities to establish connections to the major.

Gain global perspective

Students are encouraged to study abroad; the department offers globally focused courses that look at livestock production, health, animal agriculture, and sustainable development. Students can explore studying abroad as an Animal and Veterinary Biosciences major utilizing the Animal and Veterinary Biosciences Major Advising Page. Students work with their advisor and the CALS study abroad office to identify appropriate programs.

How to Get in

Requirements Details
How to get in No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, visit Advising & Careers.
Courses required to get in None
GPA requirements to get in None
Credits required to get in Must have fewer than 86 credits.
Other Students who do not meet the requirements above or are not in good academic standing should schedule a meeting with CALS Dean on Call (https://go.wisc.edu/g85h79) to discuss exceptions.

Prospective UW-Madison Students

All prospective UW–Madison students must apply through the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

Students interested in this major should select it as the first choice major on their UW–Madison application. Admitted students who enroll at UW-Madison and attend Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences have the option to declare this major at SOAR.

 

The Animal and Veterinary Biosciences BS cannot be earned in combination with the Animal Sciences BS or Dairy Science BS.

University Requirements

All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later. 

Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.

Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements

Civics & Perspectives 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework.
Communication & Literacy 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement
Humanities & Arts 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework.
Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement
Natural Science & Wellness Complete both:
  • 6 credits of Natural Science & Wellness or Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
  • one course must be in Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
Social & Behavioral Science 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework.
Total Credits 30 credits.

For more information see the policy.

University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements

All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.

Total Degree 120 degree credits.
Residency Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
  • is offered by UW-Madison and completed on the UW-Madison campus or at an approved off-site location, or
  • is offered by UW-Madison in an online or distance format, or is completed during participation in a UW-Madison study abroad/study away program.
Quality of Work Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program.
Math Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by:
English Language If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
  • earning credit for ESL 118 at UW-Madison, or
  • achieving a qualifying MSN-ESLAT placement test score.
Language Complete one:
  • 2 high school units of a single language other than English, or
  • one course with the second semester Language designation.
Major Declaration Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major.

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Requirements

CALS Graduation Requirements 

Cumulative Credits
  • Students must earn 120 degree credits.
  • Students declared in Biological Systems Engineering BS must earn 125 degree credits.
Quality of Work Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000 to remain in good standing and be eligible for graduation.
Residency Students must complete 30 degree credits in residence at UW–Madison after earning 86 credits toward their undergraduate degree.

In addition to the university's general requirements, all undergraduate students in CALS must satisfy a set of college and major requirements. Courses may not double count within university requirements, CALS college requirements, or major requirements.  A course may count toward university requirements and a college and/or a major requirement; similarly, a course counted toward college requirements may also be used to satisfy a university and/or a major requirement.

CALS College Requirements

CALS First-Year Seminar 1 credit. See the full list of eligible courses below or use this link: https://go.wisc.edu/calsfirstyearseminars
Ethnic Studies 3 credits with the Ethnic Studies designation.
Communication A Complete either:
  • 1 course with the Communication A designation, or
  • satisfaction of Communication A based on UW Placement Test.
Quantitative Reasoning A Complete either:
  • 1 course with the Quantitative Reasoning A designation, or
  • satisfaction of Quantitative Reasoning A based on UW Placement Test.
Introductory Chemistry Complete one:
CALS International Comparisons 3 credits. See the full list of eligible courses below or use this link: https://go.wisc.edu/calsinternationalcomparisons
Communication B 1 course with the Communication B designation.
Quantitative Reasoning B 1 course with the Quantitative Reasoning B designation.
Biological Science 5 credits with the Biological Science designation.
Additional Science 3 credits with the Biological, Physical, or Natural Science designations.
Science Breadth 3 credits with the Biological, Physical, Natural, or Social Science designations.
Humanities 6 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation.
Social Sciences 3 credits with the Social Sciences designation.
Capstone Learning Experience Each major articulates the required capstone learning experience.

CALS First-Year Seminars

AN SCI 135Grand Challenges and Career Opportunities in Animal and Dairy Sciences1
BIOCHEM 100Biochemistry First-Year Seminar1
COUN PSY 125The Wisconsin Experience Seminar1
F&W ECOL 101Orientation to Wildlife Ecology1
F&W ECOL 105Environment, Pollutants, and You3
GENETICS 155Freshman Seminar in Genetics1
INTEGSCI 100Exploring Biology2
INTEGSCI 140Exploring Service in STEM1
INTER-AG 155Issues in Agriculture, Environment, and Life Sciences1
LSC 155First-Year Seminar in Science Communication1
MICROBIO 150Microbiomes and Microbiology - First-Year Seminar1
PLANTSCI/​AGROECOL  100First-Year Seminar in Agroecology and Plant Science1
PL PATH 155Food Frontlines: Security, Sustainability, and Survival1
SOIL SCI 155First-year Seminar in Soil and Environmental Sciences1
Learning Community/Student Group Courses
The following learning community/student group courses are approved as CALS First-Year Seminars.
COUN PSY 117PEOPLE First Year Seminar1
INTEGSCI 110BioHouse Seminar: Biology for the 21st Century1
INTER-AG 117GreenHouse Roots Seminar1
INTER-AG 140CALS QuickStart: Foundations1
INTER-AG 175WISE Seminar1

CALS International Comparisons

The 3 credit requirement may be fulfilled as either a stand-alone 3 credit course or as a set of courses as listed below.
A A E/​ENVIR ST  244The Environment and the Global Economy4
A A E 319The International Agricultural Economy3
A A E/​NUTR SCI  350World Hunger and Malnutrition3
A A E 352Global Health: Economics, Natural Systems, and Policy (approved for enrollments Summer 2021 and later)4
A A E/​INTL ST  373Globalization, Poverty and Development3
A A E/​INTL ST  374The Growth and Development of Nations in the Global Economy3
A A E/​ECON  473Economic Growth and Development in Southeast Asia3
A A E/​ECON  474Economic Problems of Developing Areas3
A A E/​ECON/​INTL BUS  462Latin American Economic Development3
A A E/​ECON  477Agricultural and Economic Development in Africa3
AGROECOL 377Global Food Production and Health3
AN SCI/​DY SCI  370Livestock Production and Health in Agricultural Development3
ASIAN/​HISTORY/​POLI SCI  255Introduction to East Asian Civilizations (approved for enrollments Summer 2021 and later)3-4
C&E SOC/​SOC  341Labor in Global Food Systems (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later)3
C&E SOC/​ENVIR ST/​SOC  540Sociology of International Development, Environment, and Sustainability3
CSCS 500Global Health and Communities: From Research to Praxis3
DY SCI 471Food Production Systems and Sustainability3
ENTOM/​ENVIR ST  201Insects and Human Culture-a Survey Course in Entomology3
ENTOM/​ENVIR ST  205Our Planet, Our Health (approved for enrollments Fall 2026 and later)3
ENTOM/​ZOOLOGY  371Medical Entomology: Biology of Vector and Vector-borne Diseases3
F&W ECOL/​ENVIR ST  100Forests of the World (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later)3
F&W ECOL/​ENVIR ST/​ZOOLOGY  360Extinction of Species3
LSC 251Science, Media and Society (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later)3
PL PATH/​BOTANY  123Plants, Parasites, and People3
PL PATH 311Global Food Security3
PLANTSCI 370World Vegetable Crops3
The following study abroad courses fulfill the CALS International Comparisons requirement. Only the specific course numbers and titles listed, including Topics titles (in parentheses), are approved to meet the CALS International Comparisons requirement.
BIOCHEM 307Study Abroad: Introduction to Biological Sciences Research in Japan (approved for enrollments Fall 2026 and later)3
NUTR SCI/​INTER-AG  421Global Health Field Experience (UW Mobile Clinics and Health Care in Uganda)3
INTER-AG 321
INTER-AG/​NUTR SCI  421
Study Abroad Pre-Departure Seminar
and Global Health Field Experience (UW Global Health Community Health and Asset-Based Community Development in Sri Lanka)
3
INTER-AG 321
INTER-AG/​NUTR SCI  421
Study Abroad Pre-Departure Seminar
and Global Health Field Experience (UW Agriculture, Health and Nutrition in Uganda)
3
INTER-AG/​NUTR SCI  421Global Health Field Experience (UW Health, Education and Tanzanian Culture)3

Summary of Major Requirements

Major Requirements
Mathematics and Science Foundation19-25
Animal & Veterinary Biosciences Core Requirements37-38
Capstone in Major2-3
Total Credits58-66

Animal & Veterinary Biosciences Major Requirements

Mathematics
Complete one of the following (or may be satisfied by placement exam):3-5
College Algebra
Precalculus
Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1
Statistics
Complete one of the following:3
Introduction to Statistical Methods
Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences
Chemistry
Complete one of the following:5-9
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
Advanced General Chemistry
Biology
Complete one of the following:5
Introductory Biology
Animal Biology
and Animal Biology Laboratory
Biochemistry
Complete one of the following:3
Survey of Biochemistry
Introduction to Biochemistry
Introduction to the Major
Complete the following:4
Introduction to Animal Sciences
Introduction to Animal Sciences Laboratory
Animal Science Core
Animal Genetics: complete one course3
Breeding and Genetics of Livestock and Companion Animals
Veterinary Genetics
Concepts in Genomics
Animal Anatomy and Physiology: complete one course3-4
Introduction to Meat Science and Technology
Animal Physiology
Lactation Physiology
Reproductive Physiology
Animal Nutrition and Growth: complete one course3
Comparative Animal Nutrition
Animal Growth and Development
Ruminant Nutrition & Metabolism
Application of Monogastric Nutrition Principles
Animal Health and Welfare: complete one course3
Animal Welfare
Animal Health and Disease
Applied Companion Animal Behavior and Learning
Microbiomes of Animal Systems
Animal Science Depth
Complete a minimum of 9 additional credits from the following courses. Courses cannot be used to meet both Core and Depth requirements.9
Animal Welfare
Introduction to Meat Science and Technology
Comparative Animal Nutrition
Animal Health and Disease
Applied Companion Animal Behavior and Learning
Animal Growth and Development
Breeding and Genetics of Livestock and Companion Animals
Veterinary Genetics
Concepts in Genomics
Animal Physiology
Lactation Physiology
Ruminant Nutrition & Metabolism
Application of Monogastric Nutrition Principles
Microbiomes of Animal Systems
Reproductive Physiology
Major Breadth
Complete at least 12 credits from the following:12
Introduction to Poultry: From Backyard Chickens to Commercial Production
The Biology and Appreciation of Companion Animals
You and Your Food: Farm to Table
Care and Management of Dogs and Cats
Dairy Herd Management I
Dairy Herd Management II
Digital Technologies for Animal Monitoring
Coordinative Internship/Cooperative Education (A maximum of 3 credits combined of AN SCI 399 and AN SCI 699 can count toward major breadth)
Special Problems (A maximum of 3 credits combined of AN SCI 399 and AN SCI 699 can count toward major breadth)
Study Abroad in Animal Sciences (A maximum of 3 credits can count towards Major Breadth)
Food Production Systems and Sustainability
Commercial Meat Processing
Reproductive Management of Dairy Cattle
Introductory Biology
General Botany
Organic Chemistry I
General Physics
Biology of Microorganisms
Parasitology
Capstone in Major
Complete one of the following:2-3
Animal Sciences Proseminar
Dairy Farm Management Practicum
Total Credits58-66

Honors In the Major

Admissions Criteria

Students admitted to the university and to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences are invited to apply to be considered for admission to the CALS Honors Program.

New First-Year Students

  • Complete program application including essay questions

Transfer and Continuing UW-Madison Students

  • UW-Madison cumulative GPA of at least 3.25
  • Complete program application including essay questions

How to Apply

The application is available on the CALS Honors Program website.  Applications are accepted at any time.

New first-year students with accepted applications will automatically be enrolled in Honors in Research. It is possible to switch to Honors in the Major in the student’s first semester on campus after receiving approval from the advisor for that major.  Transfer and continuing students may apply directly to Honors in Research or Honors in the Major (after approval from the major advisor).

Requirements

All CALS Honors programs have the following requirements:

  • Earn at least a cumulative 3.25 GPA at UW-Madison (some programs have higher requirements)
  • Complete the program-specific requirements listed below
  • Submit completed thesis documentation to CALS Academic Affairs

Requirements

To earn honors in the major, students are required to take at least 20 honors credits. In addition, students must take AN SCI 681 Senior Honor Thesis and AN SCI 682 Senior Honors Thesis when completing their thesis project; please see the honors program page for more information.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Define biological processes and explain their role in animal health and management
  2. Apply scientific concepts and critical thinking skills to identify and analyze real world problems in animal and veterinary biosciences
  3. Develop scientific competencies and communication skills needed for advanced careers in animal or veterinary biosciences

Four-Year Plan

Below you will find two sample four-year plans. These plans represent a range of interest and career-based options for completing the Animal and Veterinary Biosciences major. Your individual plan will look different from these plans. You should customize your own program of study in consultation with your advisor. The degree requires a minimum of 120 credits for completion.

Sample Four-Year Plan - Veterinary Interest

This plan reflects the minimum required coursework for UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine as of 2024-2025. Course requirements may vary among schools of veterinary medicine. Consult with your institution of choice and your advisor to ensure that the courses you select meet specific requirements. Electives in this plan will include additional coursework for veterinary school preparation.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
AN SCI/​DY SCI  1013CHEM 1034
AN SCI/​DY SCI  1021Major Breadth3
AN SCI 135 (CALS First-Year Seminar)1General Education6
General Education6Elective3
MATH 112 or 1143-5 
 14-16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ZOOLOGY/​BIOLOGY/​BOTANY  1515ZOOLOGY/​BIOLOGY/​BOTANY  152 (Major Breadth)5
CHEM 1045CHEM 343 (Major Breadth)3
Animal Science Core3General Education3
General Education3Animal Science Core2-4
 16 13-15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYSICS 103 (Major Breadth)4Animal Science Core5-6
Animal Science Depth3Electives6-7
BIOCHEM 5013Electives3
STAT 301 or 3713 
CALS International Comparisons3 
 16 14-16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
AN SCI 435 or DY SCI 535 (Capstone)2-3Animal Science Depth3
Animal Science Depth6Electives12
Electives3-4 
Electives2-3 
 13-16 15
Total Credits 117-126

Sample Four-Year Plan - Animal Biosciences or Production Interest

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
AN SCI/​DY SCI  1013ZOOLOGY/​BIOLOGY  1013
AN SCI/​DY SCI  1021Major Breadth3
AN SCI 135 (CALS First-Year Seminar)1General Education6
General Education6Electives3
MATH 112 or 1143-5 
 14-16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ZOOLOGY/​BIOLOGY  1022CHEM 1045
CHEM 1034Animal Science Core3-4
Animal Science Core3Major Breadth3
General Education3General Education3
Electives2-3 
 14-15 14-15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Animal Science Depth6BIOCHEM 3013
CALS International Comparisons3Animal Science Core4-6
STAT 301 or 3713Major Breadth3
Electives3Electives3
 15 13-15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
AN SCI 435 or DY SCI 535 (Capstone)2-3Major Breadth3
Major Breadth3Animal Science Depth3
Animal Science Depth3Electives9
Electives6-7 
 14-16 15
Total Credits 114-122

Advising and Careers

Advising

Each student receives one-on-one guidance from their professional advisor. Academic advisors will help students build an individualized, four-year plan. Many Animal and Veterinary Biosciences majors complete certificates or double majors. Customary examples include Life Sciences Communication, Genetics and Genomics, Global Health, CALS Business Management, and opportunities outside of CALS such as foreign languages, depending on students’ interests.

Career Opportunities

All students have the opportunity to work with a faculty mentor to assist with their career planning.

Students graduating with a degree in Animal and Veterinary Biosciences can enter a number of career fields. These include nutrition and genetics, health and welfare, animal management and monitoring technology, meat science and biologics, food and animal research, and teaching. Many students go on to pursue professional education in veterinary medicine, graduate programs in animal science, or human medicine.

Wisconsin Experience

Internships

Animal and Veterinary Biosciences majors take part in a number of internships around campus and beyond. Past students interned at veterinary clinics and hospitals, genetics companies, animal feed companies, Extension, food companies, farms, animal pharmaceutical companies, animal councils, humane societies, and more.

On-campus opportunities at department animal care facilities, the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, and at Bucky’s Varsity Meats, give students hands-on experience each semester.

Research Experience

There are numerous opportunities to conduct research with faculty and staff in the department. Around 75% of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences majors have completed independent study projects. Several research stipends are available. Some students also take part in research as part of an honors thesis.

High-Impact Undergraduate Activities Program

The Dept. of Animal and Dairy Sciences will launch the High-Impact Undergraduate Activities Program, providing undergraduate students opportunities to enhance their skills outside the classroom via independent study endeavors. These opportunities will range from introductory enrichment scholarly activities to individual advanced research efforts, matching students and faculty mentors based on interests and learning objectives.  

Student Organizations

By joining a student organization, Animal and Veterinary Biosciences majors connect with other students and build relationships with faculty and staff. Organizations of particular interest to Animal and Veterinary Biosciences students include the Pre Vet Association, Saddle and Sirloin Club, Poultry Club, Badger Dairy Club, and Badger Meat Science Club.

There are additional opportunities for students to get involved in animal or agriculture-related organizations on campus, such as the Hoofer Riding Club, Association of Women in Agriculture, and Babcock House.

Global Engagement

The department encourages students to study abroad and offers globally focused courses that look at animal health, animal agriculture, and sustainable development. Students can find more information on the International Academic Programs website and the CALS study abroad advising page.

Community Engagement and Volunteering

Animal and Veterinary Biosciences students engage in a number of volunteer opportunities including working at the Livestock Lab, the Poultry Research Lab, the Dairy Cattle Center, Bucky’s Varsity Meats, and Animal Farm Units. Students also participate in undergraduate student recruitment events, 4-H and Extension events, Dane County Humane Society, and spay/neuter clinics.

On campus, the Morgridge Center for Public Service provides resources to help students connect with volunteer opportunities based on their interests and goals.

Resources and Scholarships

The Animal and Veterinary Biosciences program awards $25,000–$35,000 in annual scholarships. Students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences receive more than $1.25 million in scholarships annually. Learn more about college scholarships here.

Campus facilities offering students hands-on experiences:

  • The Livestock Laboratory accommodates research on multiple species and includes a surgery room.
  • The Poultry Research Laboratory houses chickens and other birds.
  • The state-of-the-art Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery Building houses a meat processing facility, retail shop, and advanced laboratories.
  • A network of off-campus Agricultural Research Stations serve as living laboratories for agricultural animal research.
  • The School of Veterinary Medicine Animal clinics and research labs offer experiences for undergraduate students.
  • The Dairy Cattle Center houses more than 80 dairy cows on campus in a tie-stall barn.