Why Cal Poly Animal Science?

The time is NOW to grasp your future in Cal Poly's animal science program in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California.

Don't take our word for it.

Kelley Cummings, animal science graduate, St. George's University vet-school student:  "I chose Cal Poly because the animal science department offers one of the best pre-veterinary programs in the country.  The curriculum is excellent preparation for veterinary school and the hands-on experience you receive with both small and large animals is unmatched by most undergraduate programs. I was already ahead of some of my classmates when I started vet school, and I continue to be successful in school because of the excellent foundation I received at Cal Poly."

Mario and Molly Dinucci, animal science graduates, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2007: "We both chose Cal Poly because of its highly respected animal science program, and because San Luis Obispo is one of the greatest college towns in the country! As we went through the pre-veterinary program at Cal Poly, we both found ourselves surrounded by many great opportunities for hands-on veterinary experience. From the day we started, through our departure for veterinary school, Cal Poly honored its motto of “Learn by doing”.  You will find that CPSU’s animal science program is rich in educational diversity and highly respected instructors. Going through veterinary school and meeting new people allowed us to truly appreciate the unique and valuable experience we had at Cal Poly. Regardless of what your future endeavors may be, the animal science program at CPSU will give you a solid and ‘one of a kind’ foundation."

Laura Unrue, animal science graduate
"I chose Cal Poly and particularly animal science because of the intensive hands-on learning environment it provided. Between enterprise projects, animal unit management and undergraduate research opportunities, I was able to build a strong foundation of knowledge and experience that has truly paid off in the workplace."

Abbey Kingdon, animal science graduate
"I wanted-a well-rounded college experience. I changed my mind many times during college, but it didn't throw me off track. That's the beauty of the animal science department: It gave me a solid foundation from which I could explore many career choices. The animal science department never required me to limit myself or to be specialized. I was able to mold the perfect college experience for myself, as an individual."

Location, location, location

Midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on California's central coast, San Luis Obispo is the ideal place to go to college. In a community of about 44,000 people, the city and Cal Poly share a neighborly, small-town atmosphere and one of the finest natural environments anywhere. The nearby ocean and surrounding peaks, as well as clear-air and a year-round temperate climate, provide limitless possibilities for recreation and adventure.

Cal Poly is one of the largest campuses in the nation with more than 8,000 acres of land - land that is devoted to student farming, experimental architecture and outdoor laboratory studies. The sweeping hills, valleys and majestic peaks make the perfect backdrop for learning and growing.

Learn by doing

The best way for someone to learn something is to do it - at least that's been Cal Poly's philosophy since it began in 1901.

Cal Poly's animal science department boasts one of the most comprehensive "hands-on, learn by doing" programs in the United States, as students work with animals of several species on a regular basis. Extensive facilities provide the resources for students to learn the principles required for success in such areas as managing commercial and companion animal production facilities, zoo and exotic animal care units, embryo transfer and animal biotechnology and animal food manufacturing.

The curriculum is very flexible, which allows students to work with their faculty adviser to plan an individual curriculum that best fits their interests and career goals.

The road to success

The animal science department at Cal Poly is a national leader of undergraduate training in animal nutrition and reproductive physiology.

The program is one of the top four largest programs in the nation. Nearly half of the department’s graduates go on to graduate or veterinary school, while other graduates find satisfying careers in biotechnology and feed manufacturing for prestigious companies like Cargill, Inc. and Mars, Inc. or in the pharmaceutical arena with companies such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer and Bayer.

The department has an excellent reputation for providing industry-ready graduates who posses strong, transferable skills, such as communication and teamwork skills. For-profit commercial enterprises offered by the animal science department develop these important skills in students.