(inspiring music)
-: Hello, I'm Ali Raymond, the Admissions Coordinator
for the Department of Animal Science at UNL.
In this role, I serve as a point of contact
for all students interested in our major.
I also serve as an academic advisor for the major.
In this role, I help guide students
through their academic programs
and ensure that students are pursuing their passion.
I have been working for the Animal Science Department
for nine and a half years,
am a UNL (inaudible) alum,
and I am passionate about helping students find their way.
Even though the animal science major is the largest
in (inaudible) at approximately 340 students,
you still receive the one-on-one attention
from faculty and staff through academic advising,
teaching of courses and labs,
and the advising of student clubs and teams.
It is important to us that we maintain that level
of personalization for our students
and we work hard to do so.
We also award approximately $80,000
in scholarships every fall,
and have an amazing facility on campus
where our students can go directly from the classroom
to a lab working hands-on with animals.
We will highlight different areas
of the facility later on in this video.
-: Hi, I'm Kelsey Loseke, a junior
Animal Science and Agriculture Economics double major
with a minor
in the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship program.
I am currently serving as an Animal Science Ambassador
for the Animal Science Department.
And one of my best experiences is I'm currently
the Big Red Beef Show Chair
for the Block and Bridle Club.
I'm very passionate about this industry,
as well as this is giving me opportunities to network
within the beef industry and other ways, as well.
My biggest piece of advice
is to truly get to know your professors.
They are just as passionate about the content
that they're providing you as they are about their research
or other experiences, as well.
That way, you have that networking with them
that maybe we can bring you to a research project
or something of the sort.
-: Hi, I'm Kathlyn Hauxwell.
I am a junior in the Animal Science Department
with an option in Food Animal Production and Management.
I am also a minor in the Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars.
Within the animal science and within the university,
I've been extremely involved
and one of my greatest pieces of advice is to say yes.
I know college may seem overwhelming,
but you'll never get to know the opportunities
to find in college and with other experiences
if you don't at least give it a shot.
One of my favorite opportunities has been able
to be involved heavily with an undergraduate research.
I have up to date done three swine projects,
as well as one ruminant nutrition project,
and it's connected me with lots of professors
and professionals within and without of the university.
I have been involved in several judging teams,
including the Horse Judging Team
and the Livestock Judging Team.
Not only have these helped me develop
my public speaking skills and not only have connected me
with a lot different people within the industry,
but I've also gotten to travel to many different places
to see some of the best stock in the nation.
Including going to Oklahoma City
for the Cattlemen's Congress
and going to the American Quarter Horse World Show,
the American Paint World Show,
and the AQHA Congress in Ohio.
So, getting to travel around, hang out with my friends,
and get to see quality livestock
is one of the greatest opportunities
within joining a judging team.
-: Hi, I'm Shaye Koester
and I'm a Junior Animal Science major
with the Food Animal Production Management option.
I also am obtaining minors
in the Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars Program
and the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program.
My biggest advice to you would be to really
get to know the people you sit beside in class every day.
Don't be afraid to introduce yourself and say hi,
because when I came here,
I was from North Dakota and I didn't know a soul.
I can say that just from introducing myself,
I have met some of the best friends in my life
that will stick with me for the rest of my life.
I have no doubts about that.
I'd also say, make sure you join a club.
One of my greatest experiences
within the Animal Science Program is being the president
for the Block and Bridle Club.
It's truly a club that I'm passionate about
and have been able to put my passion to work
and create a difference and really see our members grow.
So with that,
remember to introduce yourself and get involved.
-: Hi guys, my name is Felicia Kenitzer.
I'm a Junior Animal Science student
with a minor in Agribusiness.
My biggest piece of advice
is to get out of your comfort zone.
Go do something that pushes you
both personally and professionally.
For example, I'm interning
with Merck Animal Health
down in Nashville, Tennessee this summer
as a field cattle sole representative.
This is a very outside of my comfort zone,
as I love Nebraska and want to live here
the rest of my life.
But I am very excited for the opportunity to go
and explore the beef industry outside of Nebraska
and to really hone in on those personal
and professional skills outside of the state.
My favorite part about being
a UNL animal science student
is actually a recent involvement
that I got involved with this last fall.
I am now an undergraduate research assistant
with the Bovine Reproductive Physiology lab here on campus.
One of my favorite tasks that I get to do
is that I get to collect blood samples
from a hundred heifers every week.
It's a great opportunity to not only work with cattle
which I love, but it's a great opportunity to hone
in on those cattle technical skills.
Hi, I'm Kelsey Loeske, a junior Animal Science major
and I'm gonna show you around the Animal Science Complex.
(upbeat music)
Welcome to the meat science lab.
Let's go ahead and talk about it quick.
So, the animal science meat department
is actually a USDA certified facility.
So, it's a great way to integrate
all aspects of animal science.
We can go from raising the livestock to processing them
and then you can even have the opportunity
to purchase the meat in our on-campus meat store.
-: All right guys.
So, this is one of the classrooms
that we do a lot of our meat education classes in.
So, we have rail that we can run carcasses in through
and otherwise whether it comes to learning
about quality of young grades,
identifying specific cuts of meat,
all that stuff happens in this room.
-: In here is one of the largest lecture halls on campus.
One of two, it's B101,
it's the largest lecture hall in animal science.
A lot of your core classes for animal science
or even other classes will be in this room.
Also, this is one of the rooms where most of our clubs meet.
Block and Bridle, rodeo club, the equestrian team.
They all stop in here too.
(inspiring music)
-: Welcome to the R.B Warren Arena.
This where the Equestrian team practices.
It's the indoor arena within the animal science complex.
It's heated.
It is not where the rodeo team practices,
but you will also have a few classes and labs in here.
So, you'll find your way here several times
throughout your college career.
And maybe if you're on the equestrian team
or involved in that aspect,
you'll probably find this as your second home.
-: Now we're in the back of the animal science department
where all the animals are housed.
This is one of the places on campus
that hires the most students.
You can feed.
You can take care of the animals.
You can be part of a research project,
anything like that as an undergrad.
-: This is one of the live animal labs.
So, whenever you're working on your animal handling skills
maybe prepping for a judging class
or just being involved with the animals
in the animal science department,
this is typically one of the rooms that we can have them in.
It has drainable floors, a bunch of desks and chairs.
So, we're able to get a lot of things done
and accomplished in this room, while keeping animals safe.
Ali: Opportunities outside of classes that students
have to get to know each other and really build that family
and community feeling that our program offers.
Through that there's Animal Science Ambassadors.
Your ambassadors are who are taking you
through this too are today.
And we have the opportunity to give tours
to prospective students and do fun projects like this.
We also have Block and Bridle,
which is the one of our largest clubs.
Block and Bridle is for anyone
who is interested in the livestock industry.
And then there's the meat science club,
stock dog club, animal behavior and welfare club.
Those are all amazing clubs to become involved
if you're interested those areas.
We also have SEECA, which is
Students for the Education and Exotic and Companion Animals.
So, if you're more interested on the companion animal side
that's a very involved club.
They even do a dog training session
which is a great fundraiser for them.
There's also the Spanish interest group.
If you would like to learn more about Spanish terms
within the animal science industry.
There's also the rodeo program.
Which consists of the rodeo team and the rodeo club.
So, even if you don't want to compete in rodeo,
you have the opportunity to be involved with the club
and help put on the rodeo
and participate in all the events that they do.
There are also judging teams, such as the livestock team,
the meats team, and the horse judging team.
In addition to that, there's the meat animal evaluation team
and the equestrian team.
So as you can tell, there are countless opportunities
for you as a student to become involved,
network, and make friends that will last a lifetime
-: Cattle handling facility.
This was modeled after Temple Grandin system,
keeping animals low stress when we're working them.
Behind me, you'll see some stocks
where we are able to have our own AI class for cattle.
And Dr. White will teach you how to AI
and to pick cattle in this class as well.
And also, whether it be in a lab
where we can run animals through
and get guano samples or other types of samples as well.
So this is the nutrition area of the research wing
and what they do here is they do
a lot of different feed studies,
where they actually feed the animals
what they're looking at,
and then they are able to take samples
and analyze what the feed is.
This is a great opportunity to get lots of experience.
I have a lot of friends and myself,
we work down here and you're able to get
a ton of research experience.
As well as basic animal handling experience.
And also, getting paid.
-: Behind me is where the poultry department is.
We're unable to give you a tour
of that due to bio-security reasons.
But if you are interested in poultry production
that is also an option for you to explore
within our animal science program.
We also are unable to fully show you the hog rooms too,
but that is also an area that was just back
in the area where Kathlyn showed you.
And so that is also an option for you.
This is the animal science hub.
This is a place where you as a student
are welcome to come study, eat lunch,
catch up with friends, take a nap on the couch.
You're also able to use the computer and printing services.
It's some of the cheapest printing you'll find on campus.
I know I always appreciated that.
Also, there's always an option to make coffee
and there's usually some free food and snacks up here.
So, you're gonna want to make sure
you make yourself familiar with the hub
and make it your home.
Shaye: The animal science major is not only a major,
but it's an experience.
You can do all kinds of things such as
internships, judging teams, study tours, studying abroad,
undergrad, graduate, teaching assistantships,
undergraduate extension, education experiences,
and undergraduate research.
For example, I have done three internships
through my animal science major.
I have even gone on a couple study tours
out of state and in state.
This is just one of the many opportunities
you can do with animal science.
Ali: The animal science program includes one major,
two minors, and seven degree options.
The food animal production and management option
is designed for students interested in careers
related to the production and management of beef cattle,
dairy cattle, horses, poultry, and swine.
Although, students may emphasize a particular industry
or production system.
The option provides a balanced study of animal nutrition,
meat animal products, reproductive physiology,
breeding and genetics, and business management
of animal production systems.
The veterinary animal science option is designed
for students planning a career in veterinary medicine
and provides for completion of pre-veterinary
course requirements for the application
to the joint University of Nebraska-Lincoln,
Iowa State University program
for the Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Degree.
However, it can easily be adapted
to meet specific requirements for other colleges
of veterinary medicine.
Courses in animal management, nutrition,
physiology and related areas
compliment the foundational science courses
and provide a comprehensive background
for careers in veterinary medicine.
Completion of this option also provides
excellent prep for graduate study
or other professional programs in the biological sciences.
You do not have to do this option area
in order to prepare for vet school.
We can customize any of the option areas
to meet veterinary school requirements.
The animal biology and biotechnology option
is designed for students considering careers
that deal with basic biological principles of animals.
Through careful use of electives,
students can develop an emphasis in genetics,
growth and muscle biology, nutrition, or physiology.
As they establish a basic background
in biological principles and develop molecular
and biotechnology lab skills.
Completion of this option provides excellent preparation
for graduate study, other professional programs,
including medical or dental school
and many research based or technical support careers.
The business and communication option is designed
for students considering careers
with companies, financial institutions
government agencies, and other business concerns
that support the livestock production
and processing industries.
Through careful use of electives,
students may receive minors
in other business-related programs
and develop specific expertise for positions
in management, marketing, and public relations.
Completion of this option provides students
with a solid background in both animal science and business.
The equine science option is designed
for students with specific interest in the equine area.
For students interested in pursuing a career
in the equine industry, this option provides a combination
of general animal sciences with a concentrated study
of equitation, evaluation, nutrition,
reproduction, and management of equine.
The companion animal science option is designed to
provide the information and knowledge needed to have a job
in the ever expanding companion animal industry.
This option focuses on the nutrition,
behavior, genetics, reproduction,
and management of companion animals.
Students in this option often pursue careers
in product development, small animal nutrition,
shelter management, and animal training.
The meat science option is designed
for students seeking careers associated
with the meat and food industry,
including research and product development,
quality assurance, food safety, fresh meat processing,
meat product manufacturing,
equipment and ingredient technology,
and government service.
Students will build a solid foundation
in product characteristics, product development,
production, food safety,
and marketing of fresh and processed meats.
That covers all the option areas.
One thing to remember,
is that you can start out in one of these option areas,
but if you think you'd liked to switch
to a different option area,
because you'd like it better, that's no problem.
All you have to do is let your advisor know
and they'll make the switch for you.
Minors are a great way for students
to diversify their education,
and take some courses outside of their major area.
They're also a good way for students
who have more than one interest area
to still take classes in that area of interest
without having to commit to a second major.
Minors are generally 18 credit hours.
We offer two minors through our program.
The general animal science minor,
which is 12 or 18 credit hours.
And the Nebraska beef industry scholars minor.
The general animal science minor is
for any student majoring in anything besides animal science.
The beef scholars minor is for any major,
including students who are majoring in animal science.
If you'd like to declare a minor just let your advisor know
and they can help help you get it added to your program.
Ali: So now that you know
all about the animal science major
and what we have to offer, what's next?
Here are some of my recommendations,
take upper level math and science
while you're in high school.
This will lay a really good foundation
for the types of classes that you're going to see
when you come to UNL.
As a science major,
our students have to take quite a bit
of biology and chemistry.
And math is a foundational class for that.
Also, if you take biology and chemistry in high school
then college won't be the first time
you see those types of courses.
So, prepare while you're in high school.
So, that it's an easier transition
with those types of classes when you come to college.
If you plan to take any dual credit courses,
through a community college or another four-year institution
touch base with me before before you decide
to take those classes,
because I can help make sure
that they're going to transfer directly
into our major versus being a free elective.
Free electives are fine, but you only need so many.
So, if you can take some classes that count directly
towards our general education requirements,
that will help you out.
Also, be sure to schedule a campus visit.
You can do this by visiting admissions.unl.edu/visit.
You can also reach out to me
and I can help you get that scheduled as well,
but it's important to get to campus
and see what it's like to actually be a student at UNL
and visit one-on-one with some different experts
here in the college.
Be sure to follow us on social, if you haven't already.
We're on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
We try to be active on there
and post different stories about faculty
and staff, students, internships, scholarships,
any events that we may have going on, that sort of thing.
So follow us on there if you haven't already.
Also, be sure to reach out to me
if you have any questions at all.
You can find me at animalscience@unl.edu
and I'm happy to answer any questions for you.
We are here to help make your transition
from high school to college a smooth one.
So, be sure to reach out if you need anything.
The Department of Animal Science
at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
has a strong tradition of providing some
of the best training available for students interested
in all aspects of the animal sciences.
From small rural Nebraska towns to large Metro areas.
Our students come from diverse backgrounds,
but have one thing in common.
They are passionate about animals
and want to use that passion to make an impact on the world.
Whether you are interested in livestock production,
meat science, equine, business, biology,
companion or exotic animals,
or wish to pursue veterinary
or another professional school.
We are here to help you grow and provide you
with connections to co-create your path.
Our students have a supportive community
to thrive in and learn from faculty
and staff who are innovative in their thinking,
committed to seeing you succeed in all aspects of life,
and determined to educate the next generation of leaders
in a changing world.
Thank you for your time.
We look forward to seeing you on campus soon
and go big red.