Animal and Veterinary Science, B.S.
Why Study Animal and Veterinary Science at URI?
The Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Science at the University of Rhode Island prepares students for careers caring for, managing, and studying animals — from livestock and companion animals to species managed at zoos, aquariums, and research facilities. What sets URI apart is Peckham Farm, a working teaching multispecies farm within walking distance of the residence halls, where students work hands-on with animals beginning in their first semester.
Choose Your Track
URI’s Animal and Veterinary Science major offers two tracks:
- Pre-Veterinary: Pre-vet courses and advising from faculty, that includes a veterinarian, prepare students for veterinary school or graduate programs in animal physiology and health. About 75 percent of URI students who apply to veterinary school are admitted to at least one program on their first attempt.
- Animal Science: Coursework in animal nutrition, anatomy and physiology, behavior, and disease in both large and small animals, preparing students for careers in zoos and aquariums, research labs, farms, and classrooms.
Hands-On Learning
At URI, Animal and Veterinary Science students graduate with real experience working with animals, not just coursework. Here’s how they get it:
- Peckham Farm: Students start working with animals in their first semester and continue in farm-based labs throughout the program, gaining experience with sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and cattle.
- Internships for credit: Up to 12 credits of animal internships count toward the degree. Students intern at veterinary clinics, zoos, aquariums, and with dog trainers — including internships open only to URI students — as well as at Peckham Farm.
- Undergraduate research: Faculty research spans livestock health and growth, zoo animals, and companion animals, and their labs offer opportunities for undergraduates.
- Zoo and Aquarium Science Certificate: This 12-credit undergraduate certificate prepares students to care for exotic animals in zoos and aquariums, with coursework at Roger Williams Park Zoo and a required zoo or aquarium internship.
- Summer research fellowships: Through the CELS Summer Research Fellowship, students spend the summer on paid research or outreach projects with faculty.
Where Our Graduates Go
URI Animal and Veterinary Science graduates work in zoos and aquariums, veterinary hospitals, research labs, farms, and schools, and continue to veterinary schools across the U.S. and abroad. Learn more.