Enquire to study in the UK 
Utah State University stands at the forefront of redefining the educational journey, where learning leaps beyond the traditional classroom walls.
Within the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (CAAS), the Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences (ADVS) is renowned for transforming theoretical knowledge into practical expertise in the diverse disciplines of animal and veterinary sciences. Here, education is a hands-on experience, seamlessly integrating rigorous academic coursework with unparalleled real-world application.
Situated in the picturesque Cache Valley surrounded by the Bear River and Wellsville mountains, USU complements its educational excellence with the idyllic, vibrant charm of Logan, a college town celebrated for its exceptional quality of life. USU combines innovative learning with its environment to deliver an exceptional learning experience – it provides its faculty and students with a gateway to discovery and a profound connection to surrounding nature. It’s not only a great place for learning, but a fantastic base for both local and international students to explore all that the region has to offer.
Nurturing its vision to empower students for successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact, USU has been a proud representative of academic success for many generations. The university’s rich history has cultivated diverse courses catering to undergraduates, graduates and professionals alike.
The university’s vision is to empower students for successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. USU takes pride in offering an education that is both active and engaging. The educational experience at USU not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about shaping professionals who are ready to make a tangible difference in the world. Whether through groundbreaking research or hands-on experience, USU’s programmes are designed to empower students to innovate, impact, and lead in their chosen fields.
The ADVS department stands out as a cornerstone of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at USU. Offering four dynamic Bachelor of Science degrees in Biotechnology, Animal and Dairy Science, Bioveterinary Science, and Equine Science and Management, the department invites you to not just learn about the world but to actively shape it. In ADVS, education is not confined to textbooks; it’s about rolling up your sleeves and diving into real-world experiences. It’s where your dreams of working with animals become realised, opening doors to a spectrum of careers that make a difference. If you’re looking to ignite your passion for animal sciences and biotechnology in an environment that encourages you to learn by doing, these programmes are tailor-made for you.
An ADVS student studying Animal and Dairy Science happily poses with a ram as part of the department’s annual “Sheep Day” event, a popular all-day field trip to a working sheep ranch in nearby southern Wyoming. Source: Utah State University
The hands-on, hands-in approach to experiential learning make the programmes in the ADVS department unique. Students can jump into a world where classroom lessons meet real-life action in the laboratory, on the farm, and in the field. Students can gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research in high-tech laboratories and can experience fieldwork that feels more like an adventure than a class. Our instructors aren’t just teachers; they’re experts who have real-world experience and perspective with a passion of mentorship and a desire to help guide you during your academic career and beyond. This isn’t just college – it’s the start of a journey where you can make a real difference in the world of animal science.
“Anytime that it is logistically feasible, we are encouraged to get our students hands-on learning opportunities,” says Kara Thornton-Kurth, associate professor of Beef Cattle Nutrition, Skeletal Muscle Growth and Physiology. “This comes in many different forms – field trips to our own university farms, field trips to other agricultural operations across the state, hands-on labs, and getting our students involved in our research programme. Further, many agricultural producers across the state come and contribute to our courses through lectures and labs to expose our students to different industry professionals.”
Animal and Dairy Science is a great example of a degree that uses a collaborative learning approach. Here, students don’t just learn; they actively engage in their chosen fields alongside specialised professors. They will also have the opportunity to work closely with beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, sheep, goats and swine.
CAAS ambassador Katie Corder loved how there was always an option to be on the farm learning from “amazing professors” instead of just sitting in a classroom. These are real-life experiences she describes as “unmatched” in giving her the skills to realise her goal of becoming a “respected nutritionist.”
“There are two experiences that really come to mind when I think about having an impact on my education. The first was in my Feeds and Feeding class, which is really related to what I want to do as a career. What I loved most about that class was the lab, where we got to handle feed samples, learn about ration composition and specific animal needs, and balance rations, which helped me succeed in my animal nutrition internship the following summer,” says Corder.
“The second is definitely my lab work. In the lab, I have helped PhD students with their research and learned so much about how nutrition affects the growth of animals.”
Dairy science student working with Jersey cows at the Caine Dairy Teaching and Research Centre. Source: Utah State University
Likewise, their Biotechnology degree also adopts a practical approach, providing students with hands-on laboratory courses. Their curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with experiential applications, which enables students to understand the fundamental principles of biotechnology and its diverse applications in various industries.
“Our research faculty provide many research opportunities for undergraduate students. Also, as part of their degree programme, Biotechnology majors complete an externship at a biotech-related company or do an undergraduate research project with one of our own faculty or other faculty at USU or another institution of higher education,” says Lee Rickords, Associate Department Head. “In addition, we have field days in which students are exposed to breeding soundness examinations and other reproductive technologies.”
Student Jeremy Case is in his third year of the Biotechnology programme and enjoys researching dietary intervention on colitis and colorectal cancer in Prof. Abby Benninghoff’s lab. He even provides tutoring to students in the Biochemistry department.
“I would say my most impactful USU experiences took place in the Benninghoff research lab. I’ve been able to assist with research projects in which I was able to do general care, data collection, DNA extractions, and even necropsies and blood draws on mice,” he says.
“I have even gotten to lead my own project of developing a novel protocol for the lab regarding anaerobic batch fermentation. This experience has been extremely formative during my undergraduate by growing my lab and critical thinking skills while further cultivating my passion for science and learning.”
Follow Utah State University’s College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X.
