Are you interested in pursuing a career dedicated to working with domestic animals? By using what you learn in the classroom while working hands-on with animals on campus, you will equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your future career or graduate school. Before you graduate you will feel empowered to develop solutions to evolving challenges in animal care.

You will be well-prepared for jobs in agriculture, veterinary, and animal care, fields that are experiencing strong job growth. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for animal science professionals is projected to increase by 7% in the coming years.

Concentration in Veterinary Science

Interested in pursuing veterinary medicine? We provide strong experiences in domestic animal management, and prepare pre-veterinary students through embedded animal experiences and community engagement. Through your work, academic, and service experiences, you’ll be a highly competitive applicant for the graduate program you choose.

*Pending SACS approval

Explore Classes in This Program

ENS 2160

Introduction to Animal Science

In this introductory course you will learn the biology, husbandry, and human uses of domestic animals. Through lab work and field trips you will explore domestication, reproduction, basic genetics, artificial selection and breeding, animal health and disease, husbandry (management) of major domesticated animal species, and animal welfare.

CHM 4070

Biochemistry 1

Learn the foundations of biochemistry and the application of their principles in clinical and research settings. You’ll have the opportunity to explore these applications through the collection, processing and analysis of cattle blood samples for detection of pregnancy.

BIO 2120

Anatomy and Physiology

 This class uses livestock as a model for mammalian physiology systems. You will explore many of the physiological systems in mammals, including the musculoskeletal, immune, cardiovascular and circulatory systems. You’ll also learn basic specimen collection, handling and processing techniques through exploration of these systems.

Still curious? See the Curriculum
Meet Our Faculty

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!

Liz Benavides, Ph.D.
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Faculty Member Liz Benavides stands smiling outside of Orr Cottage.
Liz Benavides, Ph.D.

Warren Wilson students are the most engaged and curious students I have ever had the privilege of teaching. I feel so fortunate to work with students who challenge me to learn and grow every day.

Kim Borges, Ph.D.
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Kim Borges, Ph.D.
Langdon Martin

In the classroom, I have two jobs as a professor. My first job is to confuse you. My second job is to un-confuse you: because that's how the learning happens!

Langdon J. Martin, Ph.D.
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Langdon Martin
Langdon J. Martin, Ph.D.

Warren Wilson students are curious and engaging. I am inspired by their questions and enthusiasm during class discussions. I love to teach them and learn with them.

Yuemei Zhang, Ph.D.
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Yuemei Zhang, Ph.D.
Alisa Hove

Warren Wilson College provides seemingly endless opportunities to work in collaborative settings with students who take an active role in their own learning.

Alisa Hove, Ph.D.
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Alisa Hove
Alisa Hove, Ph.D.
Jeff Holmes mouse

There are a lot of great colleges in this country, both big and small, but I don’t know of another one I would rather teach at than here.

Jeff Holmes, Ph.D.
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Jeff Holmes mouse
Jeff Holmes, Ph.D.
Mark Brenner

As a field biologist, I always say our best laboratories are right out the back door of the science building. Within a 5 minute walk we have 3 ponds, a trout stream and 600 acres of Forest.

Mark Brenner, Ph.D.
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Mark Brenner
Mark Brenner, Ph.D.

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.

Olya Milenkaya, Ph.D.
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Olya Milenkaya, Ph.D.

The enthusiasm Warren Wilson students have for the study of the natural world on campus and beyond is infectious. I enjoy guiding and learning from them as we explore biological systems and processes together.

Patrick Ciccotto, Ph.D.
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Patrick Ciccotto, Ph.D.
Liesl Peterson Erb

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.

Liesl Peterson Erb, Ph.D.
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Liesl Peterson Erb
Liesl Peterson Erb, Ph.D.
Holly Rosson

I love the diverse interests of students, faculty, and staff at Warren Wilson.

Holly Rosson, Ph.D.
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Holly Rosson
Holly Rosson, Ph.D.
Faculty member Christopher Potvin stands smiling in a red shirt in front of Orr Cottage

Working with students is my biggest passion. I think my motto as a long time summer camp counselor and director sums up my teaching philosophy pretty well: Camp is for the campers!

Christopher Potvin, Ph.D.
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Faculty member Christopher Potvin stands smiling in a red shirt in front of Orr Cottage
Christopher Potvin, Ph.D.
Faculty Member Liz Benavides stands smiling outside of Orr Cottage.

Hands-on, All-in

Work
Popular crews for Animal Science Majors are Animal Welfare, Farm, Biology / Environmental Studies, and Chemistry
Research
Frankie Feay ‘25 is completing their NSURS research project evaluating the efficacy of striped wool dyeing on minimizing fly repelling behaviors in sheep.
Meet Our Alumni

Emma Reagan ’24

“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.”

At Warren Wilson, Emma worked as the Cattle Boss on Farm crew while pursuing her major in Biology and minor in Biochemistry. She is now a graduate student at UT Knoxville’s College of Veterinary School.