Poultry Science

School/College: CALS


Field of Study

The science of domesticated birds kept for eggs or meat (or of wild birds of the same families) and study of their anatomy, physiology, nutrition and reproduction.

Possible Careers

Management in integrated poultry operations; hatchery or farm owner/operator; game farm manager; quality control and R&D positions in poultry processing industries; sales, service, and technical positions in feed and pharmaceutical industries; research scientist; veterinarian; professor; poultry geneticist; physician.

Special Opportunities & Additional Information

  • Poultry Science Club – activities for students with interest in poultry science.
  • One can complete the major in three years with 18 of the required credits being offered during summer school.
  • Formal training in poultry science offers employment opportunities both as an undergraduate and with a bachelors degree – there are several jobs for each student graduating from Wisconsin with a major in poultry science.
  • Currently about 50% of the Poultry Science graduates with a B.S. degree continue further education and become medical professionals, or research scientists and professors.

Selected Required Courses

For the B.S. in Natural Sciences:

Intro Biology:
Biology 151-152 (preferred); or Botany 130 and Zoology 101-102; or Biocore (preferred)
Calculus:
Optional
General Chemistry:
Chem 103-104; or Chem 109
Organic Chemistry:
Chem 343, 344 and 345
Physics:
Physics 103-104; or Physics 201-202; or Physics 207-208

Recommended Course Sequence for Freshman Year

*Note: Students who place into Math 112, 113, or 114 should take math their first semester:

Fall
An Sci 101
Chem 103 or 109
Math 114 or 112
Written or Oral Communications
Spring
Chem 104
Math 113, if needed
AAE 215 or Econ 101
Humanities course

Advisor

Departmental Office