History
Animal Science was one of the first disciplines taught at the University of Connecticut. In April 1881, the Connecticut General Assembly established the Storrs Agricultural School after accepting a gift of 170 acres of land, several frame buildings, and money from Charles and Augustus Storrs. The School opened on 28 September 1881, with twelve students in the first class.
Before the turn of the century there were two name changes (Storrs Agricultural College 1893, Connecticut Agricultural College 1899). In 1933, two years after the institution celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, it became Connecticut State College, a name more in keeping with its steady advances and broadened mission. Six years later, in 1939, the General Assembly designated the institution the University of Connecticut, an acknowledgment of the institution’s developing importance to the State in graduate and professional education, research and public service.
Today, the Department of Animal Science is the home of more than 400 undergraduate students in both 2-year and 4-year programs as well as dozens of graduate students pursuing advanced degrees. The Department offers a wide variety of hands-on learning and student employment opportunities working with animals including dairy and beef cattle, sheep, chickens, pigs, and horses all within walking distance on campus.
Our faculty are accomplished educators and scientists, receiving many university, regional and national teaching and research awards, publishing in international scientific journals and serve as leaders in professional societies. Together, they provide a comprehensive education in the diverse areas of animal genetics/genomics, breeding, biotechnology (genetic engineering and stem cells), animal reproduction, embryology, growth biology and endocrinology, food microbiology and safety, dairy technology and food safety, equine science, dairy production and management, meat chemistry, laboratory animal science as well as diversified livestock.
Undergraduate students are offered the opportunity to work on experiential learning projects involving molecular and cell biology, animal handling, teaching assistance, and thorough data analysis. For the Academic Year of 2021 alone, students took part in over 200 experiential learning opportunities and six became lead authors of primary scientific publications. Students also enjoy enrichment activities such as industry internships, dairy judging, horseback riding or participation and leadership in one of the 13 student-run clubs.
Most of our graduates advance to higher education including veterinary medicine and graduate schools or find employment in diverse careers such as animal production, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, and K-12 education. Our MS and PhD graduates are well placed in universities, industry, and government agencies. Together, our faculty, staff and students strive for continued success in the land-grant missions of teaching, research and services.
