Animal Science

 
 
 

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Morningside School of Agriculture and Aviation launches Animal science minor

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Morningside’s location in Sioux City and the tri-state region places us in the heart of one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. Both our Siouxland location and the number of businesses in the area with ties to agriculture have made the Morningside University Regina Roth Agricultural and Food Studies department a critical regional resource. This program pairs agricultural science classes with communications courses to prepare students to advocate for agriculture and address complex issues to the public.

Degrees

Animal Science

Minor

A Great Fit For

  • Those wishing to develop a broad understanding of the agriculture industry with access to unique opportunities in Sioux City, the state of Iowa, and beyond.
  •  Preparing you for a wide range of career opportunities.
  • Gaining real-world experiences through interaction with business and industry professionals, clubs and organizations, travel opportunities, externships, and more.
  • Developing leadership skills through co-curricular activities and research opportunities.
  • Enjoying the opportunities and advantages of being a student at a small private college that allows you to immerse yourself in your education and get involved in unique experiences more quickly.

THE MORNINGSIDE DIFFERENCE

Hands on Learning Environment

You'll have access to our 3,300 square-foot state-of-the-art greenhouse, Lags Farm, the campus garden, and more to give you hands on experience outside the classroom preparing you for success.

Externship Program

Our externship program allows you to participate in a paid, semester-long externship in Sioux City, greater Iowa or beyond and work side-by-side with management and production teams doing real agriculture in the real world.

Career Opportunities

Morningside graduates of the agriculture and food studies program have gone ton to careers at Tyson Foods, Palmer Candy Company, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Credit Administration, and more.

FEATURED COURSES

REQUIRED COURSE

Studies the foundational principles in animal production systems common in the Midwest from scientific, cultural, and business perspectives. Management decisions will be analyzed and critiqued as to their production, economic, environmental, and social impacts.

REQUIRED COURSE

An introduction to contemporary practices in the food animal industry with a focus on the production, processing, and preservation of safe, wholesome, nutritious, and palatable animal-derived products.

REQUIRED COURSE

An introduction to the nutritional needs, and gastrointestinal & reproductive physiology of common North American domesticated mammals, including cats, dogs, pigs, horse, cow, sheep, goat, avian, reptile, and amphibian. Professionals (i.e.- veterinarians, reproductive technologists, and other experts) serve as guest speakers throughout the semester with possible field trips to animal care/research facilities.

REQUIRED COURSE

A systematic study of the anatomy of vertebrate animals, focusing on the evolutionary relationships and adaptations of the major groups. This course is designed for those who desire an advanced study of anatomy and evolution, which includes the dissection of small animals.

LEARN BY DOING

REGINA ROTH APPLIED AG & FOOD STUDIES

As a Regina Roth Agricultural and Food Studies student, you’ll learn how different agricultural production and business systems affect crop yield, farm profitability, soil health, and models of long-term sustainability.  You’ll also have access to our state-of-the-art facilities giving you hands-on experience for the real world.

Student In The Greenhouse

MEET THE FACULTY

Keren Brooks

Keren Brooks

Assistant Professor

Morningside is full of students, faculty, and staff who seek, not only a great educational experience, but also to build and sustain communities. It is exciting, rewarding, and encouraging to work in an environment that is dedicated to uplifting others.

Keren’s Profile
Annie Kinwa-Muzinga

Annie Kinwa-Muzinga

Professor

Annie’s Profile
Melissa Nelson

Melissa Nelson

Internship/Externship Coordinator

Morningside feels like home to me. I know that sounds cliche, but it truly does. As a rural, small town kid, I love the sense of community that is felt through every aspect of work and life at Morningside University. I love getting to know my students and helping them on their path to a career that they will love and succeed in.

Melissa’s Profile
Deanne McKenna

Deanne McKenna

Adjunct Faculty

Deanne’s Profile
Thomas Paulsen

Thomas Paulsen

Applied Agriculture & Food Studies Department Head/Professor

Thomas’s Profile
Daniel Witten

Daniel Witten

Assistant Professor

I love working in the close knit environment that Mside provides. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and make connections.

Daniel’s Profile

RELATED MAJORS & MINORS

Still looking for the right fit? Here are some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.

WHY STUDY AT MORNINGSIDE?

13:1

student/faculty ratio so you’re assured a quality education focused on you

99%

employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation

65+

majors & pre-professional programs available

Next Steps

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Financial Aid

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Contact Us

Our admissions team is eager to answer your questions about this program and how to apply.

Lewis Hall Illustration