B.S. Poultry Science
Growth of the poultry industry has created the need for scientific, technical and business knowledge in the various fields important to successful poultry production. In few fields of science is an understanding of the basic sciences, nutrition, genetics, physiology, diseases, biotechnology, processing and marketing more rewarding than in the modern, intensive methods of poultry and food production.
Admissions
The University Core Curriculum courses and the Poultry Science Core courses are required for both emphases. Students then complete a B.S. degree in either emphasis area by completing the respective emphasis area courses. All students are strongly encouraged to get early and frequent academic counseling which is readily available.
B.S. Poultry Science Program Details
After completing their core courses and any other eligibility requirements, students can choose one of two emphases: Industry or Technical.
- Degree: B.S. in Poultry Science
- Credit Hours: 120 total credit hours
- View course descriptions in the Undergraduate Catalog
Degree Tracks
Our department offers two specialized, tracks to provide students with more opportunities to excel academically and provide flexibility in their chosen career path.
Industry Emphasis
Students completing a B.S. degree in the industry emphasis find employment with the poultry and food industries in positions such as corporate management, quality assurance, sales or technical support in live production, processing or marketing. Students in this emphasis also get positions with pharmaceutical and equipment companies, with industry trade publications and in various university and public service positions.
Technical Emphasis
Students completing a B.S. degree in the technical emphasis are prepared for advanced study in biochemistry, nutrition, physiology, molecular genetics, reproduction, processing technology, microbiology or environmental science and for eventual professional employment in research, teaching or public service. This curriculum can be easily tailored to meet the veterinary medicine preprofessional requirements.
Academic Advising
In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences we have aligned our academic advising to better support students during their time at Texas A&M University. We have assembled a diverse and knowledgeable advisor community dedicated to providing our students with high-quality academic advising services. If you are a current student and have questions about your coursework, degree program or progress toward graduation, we encourage you to reach out to one of the advisors in AGLS Advising Center 3.
Career Options in Poultry Science
A wide array of career opportunities are available depending on what degree program and track you pursue. You can also explore other careers in this major through the Texas A&M Career Center.
| Job Title | Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Management Trainee | Full time rotational position in either production or processing to learn about the poultry business. Includes management and leadership trainings to ensure you enter your next position as a supervisory level. | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Hatchery Operations & Management | Providing management in hatcheries. Oversee the quality assurance programs and monitor hatchery equipment, manage animal welfare programs and supervise employees | $50,000 – $60,000 |
| Broiler or Breeder Service Technician | Responsible for providing supervision to poultry growers and ensuring growers are following guidelines of poultry companies. Provides a flexible environment and traditionally provide company vehicle and training. | $45,000 – $55,000 |
| Sales Manager (Equipment, Feed, Animal Health Products) | Work for the allied industry selling equipment, feed, animal health products, etc. to representatives in the poultry industry. | Salaries dependent on company and performance |
| Ag Science Teacher | With a degree in poultry science, many of our former students go into the field of teaching including becoming FFA Advisors and coaching LDE and CDE teams, including training teams for Poultry Judging. *Requires teaching certification* | Salaries dependent on school district and location |
| Poultry Specialist for Genetics Companies | Responsible for supervising all aspects of a contract GP farm for a poultry genetics company. | Responsible for providing supervision to poultry growers and ensuring growers are following guidelines of poultry companies. Provides a flexible environment and traditionally provides company vehicle and training. |
| Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Associate | Responsible for ensuring all food safety and quality assurance guidelines and procedures are followed in processing plants. | $45,000 – $55,000 |
| Feed Mill Supervisor | Responsible for running feed mill operations within a poultry company. Ensures all equipment is functioning properly and that the mill is producing the desired quality of feed. | $50,000 + |
| Poultry Nutritionist | Specialists in developing nutritional solutions and formulating diets for the poultry industry. *Requires further graduate education beyond B.S.* | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| Poultry Veterinarian | Veterinarians who specialize in poultry medicine. Diagnose and treat birds within poultry industry or outside industry. *Requires further graduate education beyond B.S.* | $120,000 + |
Have Questions?
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