A Comparison of Undergraduate Poultry Science Programs

Abstract

Information was requested from 31 departments relative to their undergraduate programs leading to a major in poultry science. Responses were received from 17 departments offering a major or major emphasis in poultry science. The number of credits in poultry science indicated as being required for a major ranged from 15 to 51 quarter-hour equivalents with an average of 32 hours.Coursework required or “taken by most” undergraduate poultry science students at the 17 universities offering a major, or major emphasis, in poultry science included: Introductory Poultry Science, 12 departments; Nutrition, 16; Physiology/Biology, 14; Diseases, 13; Incubation/Brooding, 6; Genetics/Breeding, 14; Products Technology, 14; and Production Management, 16 departments. The number of credits in each area varied considerably among departments. About one-third of the credits in nutrition and genetics/breeding were reported to be interdepartmental offerings. Eight of the 17 departments offer courses in poultry judging and 10 offer credit for internships or work experience programs.Among eight responding departments offering courses, but no major in poultry science, six offered an introductory poultry course, three a poultry nutrition course, and three a production/management course.