Animal and veterinary biosciences is the health of animals

Studying the biology of domesticated animals helps us better understand their health and provides insight into their interactions with people.

As an Animal and Veterinary Biosciences major you will:

  • Learn about cattle, swine, sheep, horses, poultry, and goats, as well as companion animals such as cats and dogs
  • Engage in hands-on courses studying animal breeding, veterinary genetics, animal health and welfare, physiology, and animal nutrition
  • Explore important issues related to biomedical advancements, food safety, precision livestock farming, animal health and welfare, and land and water stewardship

Career Paths

Animal and veterinary biosciences graduates are prepared for careers in veterinary medicine, research, agriculture, healthcare, nutrition, food, and business.

Here are just a few examples of what our animal and veterinary biosciences graduates are doing with their careers:

Animal Health & Nutrition

What CALS alumni do:

Veterinarian

Animal Nutritionist

Veterinary Technician

Animal Nutrition Scientist

Account Manager

Where CALS alumni work:

UW–Madison Vet School

Vita Plus

Purina

Zoetis

Idexx

Labcorp

Biotechnology

What CALS alumni do:

Microbiologist

Embryologist

Research Assistant

Where CALS alumni work:

TransOva Genetics

Exact Sciences

Labcorp

URUS

Select Sires

Research

What CALS alumni do:

Embryologist

Clinical Trial Manager

Research Assistant

Lab Study Technician

Animal Research Technician

Where CALS alumni work:

Covance/Labcorp

TransOva Genetics

Exact Sciences

URUS

Select Sires

Agriculture

What CALS alumni do:

Meat and Poultry Inspector

Herdsperson

Animal Research Technician

Farm Operational Manager

Where CALS alumni work:

Covance

Egenesis, Inc.

Cargill

Johnsonville

ABS Global

UW–Madison Agricultural Research Stations

What can CALS offer you?

CALS students are curious to discover how our living world works and are passionate about using science to improve it.

Our programs span five areas of study and encourage students to pursue their passions in the classroom and beyond. Learn more about how our students are set up for success:

Want to learn more about animal and veterinary biosciences?
Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.

Your CALS Experience

Students who complete independent study projects

Hands-on lab course options

Department scholarships offered yearly

Advisor & Contact Information

Advisors can answer your questions, help you create a degree plan that meets your personal and professional goals, and connect you to resources across the UW–Madison campus.

Incoming students should reach out to CALS Academic Affairs Team to direct your questions. Current UW–Madison students should schedule with their assigned advisor using Starfish.

CALS Academic Affairs

116 Agricultural Hall
1450 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706

academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu
(608) 262-3003

Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences

260 Animal Sciences Building
1675 Observatory Dr., Madison, WI 53706

(608) 263-3308