Animal Science
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts Major
Do you want to pursue a career dedicated to working with animals? At Warren Wilson, you’ll apply lessons learned in the classroom to working directly with animals on our farm and pet-friendly campus. By integrating coursework with experiential learning, you’ll have a dynamic and immersive education—one where you won’t just study animal science; you’ll do it. You’ll graduate empowered to solve evolving challenges in animal care.
After Warren Wilson, you might continue your studies in graduate school or pursue a career in agriculture, animal welfare, veterinary services, or animal care—industries with significant recent job growth. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for Animal Science professionals is expected to increase by more than 7% in the next five years.
Why Animal Science at Warren Wilson?
- Our College Farm: Our working College Farm provides opportunities for hands-on experiences with cows, pigs, sheep, chickens and more.
- The Vet School Advantage: We are one of the only colleges in the country where students can earn the animal contact hours they need to apply to veterinary school — right here on campus.
- Real-World Preparation: Our approach to learning bridges classroom concepts with real-world experience. You’ll develop practical skills in animal care and livestock management and be prepared for a career in animal care, research, agriculture, and veterinary science.
- Climate-Forward Practices: Our program is rooted in evidence-based sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. You’ll collaborate with faculty and staff to use and further refine innovative approaches, preparing you for a climate-forward career.
- Our Unique Work Program: Through our Work Program, you can channel your skills and curiosities working in the College garden, farm, and forests, assisting with conservation projects, caring for animals on campus, or supporting faculty research.
Every student will complete community-engaged coursework, an internship, and original research as part of their major
A Sample of Our Partnerships
- National Park Service
- WNC Nature Center
- Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
- Brother Wolf Animal Rescue
- Animal Hospital East & South
- Charlotte Street Animal Hospital
- Department of Environmental Quality
- NC Wildlife Commission
- Mountain True
- Caney Fork Farms
- Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Concentration in Veterinary Science
Interested in pursuing veterinary medicine? We provide unique experiences in animal management, and prepare you through embedded animal experiences and community engagement. Your work, academic, and service experiences will give you a competitive edge no matter which graduate program you choose.
See how Animal Science students
put our education into action:
Internship
Alona Fransen worked as a veterinary assistant and tech at various hospitals and clinics in the area. Alona managed day-to-day clinic aspects as well as assisted with vaccinations, surgeries, and other animal-related tasks.
Work
You can work on any crew as a student but many majors choose to be on crews such as:
- Animal Welfare
- Farm
- Biology / Environmental Studies
- Chemistry
Research
In collaboration with a South Carolina zoo, Olive McNair observed behaviors of a squirrel monkey troop and classified them with an ethogram to evaluate the troop’s social health.
Research
Kat Strickland conducted a study using pork samples from Warren Wilson (raised on pasture) to evaluate their characteristics and compare them to conventionally raised pork. Additionally, Kat conducted a triangle test to evaluate whether consumers could discern a difference between the pork samples. Kat presented their findings at UNC-Asheville’s undergraduate research symposium.
Popular Courses
Introduction to Animal Science
You’ll explore the sub-disciplines of animal science through both classwork and caring for our working lands and animals. Learn techniques such as palpation, blood collection, vaccination, castration and other animal management techniques.
Biochemistry I
You’ll learn the foundations of biochemistry and the application of these principles in clinical and research settings. Explore these applications through the collection, processing, and analysis of cattle blood samples for detection of pregnancy.
Anatomy & Physiology
This class uses livestock as a model for mammalian physiology systems. You’ll learn about the musculoskeletal, immune, cardiovascular and circulatory systems. You’ll also learn basic specimen collection, handling, and processing techniques.
Liz Benavides, Ph.D.
Research Interests
- Animal Science/Animal Physiology
- Plant-based anthelmintics (de-wormers)
- Animal Endocrinology
“At Warren Wilson, I have most enjoyed learning from my students as much as I am teaching them. Their wealth of experiences has not only been valuable in my lessons, but I have learned so much from them as well!”
Alisa Hove, Ph.D.
Research Interests
- Mating system evolution
- Plant-fungal interactions
- Evolutionary responses to environmental stress
“Warren Wilson College provides seemingly endless opportunities to work in collaborative settings with students who take an active role in their own learning. ”
Liesl Peterson Erb, Ph.D.
Research Interests
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Conservation biology
- Wildlife ecology
“I am more guide than teacher; I love guiding intelligent, passionate students as they help change the world not just after they graduate, but as part of their educational experience.”
Olya Milenkaya, Ph.D.
Research Interests
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Wildlife Behavioral Ecology
- Invasive Species
“I love teaching at Warren Wilson because the students challenge me to dig deeper and think harder. And I return the favor: we push and support each other in our learning. ”
“I think it’s very very unique, a lot of people my age have not worked on an operation like this. And so when I had my vet school interview, they were all very impressed and interested.”
Emma Reagan Graduate Student at UT Knoxville’s College of Veterinary School
Major, Minor, Concentration, Crews
- Biology major
- Biochemistry minor
- Pre-Veterinary Advising
- Crew: Farm (Cattle Boss)
Where Our Animal Science Graduates Go
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- University of Georgia
- Caney Fork Farms
