student cuddles with lambs

Animal Science

Advancing understanding of animal biology and addressing the animal industries' most pressing problems.

Welcome to the Department of Animal Science

The Department of Animal Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs on the biology and management of food, laboratory and companion animal species. Our research programs advance our understanding of animal biology and address local and global issues facing animal industries today. Our goals are to discover and develop new techniques and information to benefit animals, agriculture and human health. Our internationally recognized faculty have diverse interests in animal management, breeding, genetics, physiology, nutrition, growth biology and microbiology.

Major in Animal Science

Animal science majors learn from internationally recognized professors in all aspects of domestic animal biology: breeding, genetics, nutrition, physiology, growth, behavior and management.

Animal Science Major

Learn more about what an animal science major can do for you.

Undergraduate Studies

International Opportunities

Check out the international opportunities available with the animal science major.

Learn more about undergraduate opportunities

Graduate Studies

Approximately 40 graduate students from a variety of disciplines belong to the Department of Animal Science, most of them in the field of animal science.

Graduate field of animal science

News

headshot of Brian Aukema

Field Note

Brian Aukema: 4H animal science, so much more than animals
Brian Aukema ’98, senior extension associate, joined the Department of Animal Science in fall 2023 as the New York state 4-H livestock and companion animal specialist. We sat down with him for a chat about his interests, goals and background...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Animal Science
  • Animals
Headshot of Miel Hostens

Spotlight

Meet our faculty: Miel Hostens
Academic focus: Data-driven dairy management Research summary: I have worked over 15 years in the dairy industry in research, education and extension. My lab focuses on developing data-driven agriculture and integrated precision dairy farming...
  • Animal Science
  • Animals
  • Dairy
a woman hugs the head of a horse peering out of its stall

Field Note

Brieanna Hughes: Empowering youth through equine education
The New York State 4-H Horse Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) offer a wide variety of equine projects and activities to New York youth ages 5–19. Brieanna Hughes is the New York State 4-H equine youth specialist. With a background...

Contact us for more information

Thank you for your interest in Animal Science at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 
Reach out through the information below, or find a more direct point of contact for your inquiries.

149 Morrison Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-4801
Phone: (607) 255-2862
Fax: (607) 255-9829
E-mail: anscinfo [at] cornell.edu (anscinfo[at]cornell[dot]edu)