Agriculture Animal Science, AS-T

The Associate in Science for Transfer degree in Animal Science provides students with an introductory foundation of major themes in animal science and husbandry. It prepares students to transfer to a CSU campus and major in the Agriculture Animal Sciences. Potential careers in the field include: livestock herdsman and ranch manager, livestock production facility auditor, extension educator, animal nutrition sales and consulting, quality assurance specialist, USDA meat inspector and grader, and animal pharmaceutical sales and service. The completion of this degree provides students with preparation for upper-division coursework required within a baccalaureate degree program in animal science from a California State University (CSU).

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate real-world skills in animal husbandry in the areas of management, production, breeding, nutrition, health, safety and handling.
2. Explain and demonstrate methods and ethical practices used in preparing animals for both the commercial and exhibitions markets.
3. Identify and explain production parameters associated with efficient livestock and animal management (i.e. feed conversion rates, normal rates of gain, growth rates, reproduction rates etc.).
4. Explain the role of government agencies in regulating and monitoring various factors associated with livestock and animal production.
5. Demonstrate the use of sound animal husbandry and quality assurance practices as they relate to the production of a safe animal protein supply in the human food chain.