Animal Science

Seek Out the Possibilities in
Animal Science!

Animal Science is a diverse and fascinating blend of applied and basic life sciences, ultimately focused on enhancing the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of the livestock industry. For students interested in developing the skills and knowledge that will help them gain a strong and competitive position in the animal science industry, Santa Rosa Junior College offers an outstanding Animal Science Program through the College's Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.

Top Instruction through Hands-On Learning
As one of the nation's top two-year colleges, SRJC provides high quality and relevant hands-on education and career training for students interested in beef, dairy, poultry, swine, sheep, horse industries, and even exotic, zoo, and companion animals. Students in the Animal Science Program acquire knowledge and skills through lecture classes and hands-on laboratories related to animal selection, health, nutrition, reproduction, processing, and sale of livestock.

When you enroll in SRJC's Animal Science courses you will experience a variety of unique hands-on animal science techniques at the College's beautiful 365-acre Shone Farm, a diversified college farm that is literally an outdoor field laboratory and learning environment. The Shone Farm includes a multitude of feeding, care, and restraint facilities for the meat animal program, and features herds of cattle, sheep, and a small feedlot for hogs, In addition, the Warren G. Dutton Jr. Agricultural Pavilion will soon house an indoor and outdoor arena, horse paddocks, and corrals to join the existing: 100 acres of livestock pasture, 120 acres of forested land, 50 acres of multiuse land, 60 acres of vineyards, 35 acres Sustainable Agriculture Unit.

Earn a Certificate or Degree
You can earn a Career Certificate in Animal Science by taking the core courses or earn an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree by adding transferable general education classes for a total of at least 38 units. For students who wish to pursue a Bachelor's Degree at a four-year university. SRJC's outstanding transfer program will help you successfully reach your goal, since many SRJC Animal Science courses are articulated with UC and CSU Animal Science programs.

• Animal Science Major
• Animal Science Career Certificate

Strong Employment Outlook
By majoring in Animal Science, you can prepare yourself for one or more of over 500 different jobs related to animal agriculture including:

Animal Production/Management - Concerned with production of cattle, sheep, goats, horses, swine, and poultry. Individuals entering this field are the cornerstone of the animal industry. They should be superb business people and knowledgeable in all areas of Animal Science, including animal behavior, reproduction, growth, feeding, and many other aspects of animal husbandry.

Research and Education - Agencies employing researchers include the USDA, private companies, and universities. People with advanced degrees in Animal Science are also needed to teach in secondary schools, colleges, universities, and extension services.

Food Processing - This area involves the marketing and fabrication of animal products and is a major employer of Animal Science graduates. This is a thriving industry that continues to meet the demands of our fast-paced, health conscious society.

Animal Feed/Health Industry - Pharmaceutical, livestock products, and feed companies are interested in Animal Science graduates to become part of their sales force, consulting agencies, or research groups. Animal Science students can become veterinarians and veterinary techniques directly involved with the health and productivity of animals.

Communication and Service Organizations - Breed associations, livestock commodity groups, artificial insemination services, and government agencies employ Animal Science student representatives. Also, publications and media focusing on the livestock industry need people with Animal Science training and excellent communicative skills.

Zoos, Kennels, Horse Farms, Animal Clinics and Preserves - There are many positions available as animal caretakers, technicians, gamekeepers, and veterinary assistants.

Community and Industry Connections
Students involved in SRJC's Animal Science Program are involved in numerous outreach activities that expand their skills in Animal Science, including field trips, internships, conferences, guest speakers, exposure to job opportunities, volunteer work, and helping coordinate agricultural events on the farm, including SRJC's project livestock sale and livestock judging clinic and contest.

Additionally, students in the Animal Science Program have opportunities to work at the Shone Farm through paid part-time positions and internships available for on-the-job experience and academic credit.

Special studies and enterprise projects encourage students to pursue special interests, even to start their own business utilizing the land, water, equipment, and other resources at Shone Farm as their testing ground. For those students interested in competing as a member of a junior collegiate livestock judging team, the department sponsors a fully funded team that travels to several major livestock contests throughout the U.S. Students participating on the livestock judging team gain valuable qualities such as confidence, decisions making, teamwork, leadership, and dedication; skills that help students to become more marketable to future employment prospects.