Home | School of Animal Sciences

Dedicated to the Virginia Tech motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), the School of Animal Sciences pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. We invite you to bring your interest in animals and prepare for your future with us. Where can the School of Animal Sciences take you? The choices are unlimited!

Academics

Design your experience

Learn how we can help you create the path for a successful academic journey based on your interests and goals.

Graduate in cap and tassel blowing glitter from her hands. — Learn how we can help you create the path for a successful academic journey based on your interests and goals.

Discovery awaits

Researchers in the lab with test tubes, beakers and equipment. — Work with world-class researchers to identify solutions to the pressing issues of today — and help create a better tomorrow.

Core Areas

Breeding, Genomics, Modeling, and Data

Growth and Development

Immunology and Health
Neurophysiology and Behavior
Nutritional Biochemistry/Metabolism

Reproductive Physiology

Research Facilities
Recent Publications

Our Graduate Studies Program
Graduate Student Directory

Extension

Community Outreach

Students with laptops and large digital display board working on data analysis problems. — Bringing timely, useful, and applicable information to the state — and world-at-large — based on the latest research.

Beef
Companion Animals
Dairy
Equine
Poultry
Sheep
Swine

4-H Horse Program
Virginia 4-H Dairy Youth Program
Youth Livestock Program

Sales

Campus Facilities

AREC Units
Virginia Cooperative Extension

Class of 2026 SAS Student Spotlights

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Class of 2026: Sarah Diehl's path to vet school started on the family farm , article
An outstanding senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Diehl graduated in three years and paid her own way, thanks to the generosity of scholarships and hard work on the family’s dairy farm.
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Class of 2026: from the judging ring to the research lab—Katie Powell’s journey , article
From youth competitions to the lab, Katie has combined service, research, and community to define her next step.
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Class of 2026: Kaitlynn Noone’s path to equine veterinary medicine , article
Choosing an accelerated academic path while staying deeply involved outside the classroom, Kaitlynn Noone has shaped her passion for animal science into a future in equine veterinary care and plans to return home to serve her community.
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Class of 2026: Zoë Wachsman sets her sights on food systems and public health , article
A combination of research, outreach, and campus involvement, guided Zoë Wachsman's decision to pursue her interests in food systems and rural communities.

Congratulations!

Young woman with long blonde hair in a ponytail standing by a fence in a sandy arena, wearing a white shirt and jeans, looking to the side.

Abigal Adams

CALS Champion Award

Young woman wearing glasses and a purple shirt holding a small calf indoors, smiling toward the camera.

Sarah Diehl

SAS Outstanding Senior
(Dairy Science)

Young woman smiling outdoors in front of leafy greenery, wearing a blue floral dress.

Ruth Haile

SAS Outstanding Senior
(Animal & Poultry Sciences)

Young woman in a military uniform kneeling in a field, writing on a notepad beside a dark-colored animal lying on the ground.

McKenzey Kirby

CALS Champion Award

Young woman wearing an orange hard hat and orange Meat Lab graduation stole while standing in the Meat Lab at Virginia Tech.

Morgan Marshall

CALS Catalyst Award

Young woman smiling outdoors with her head resting on her hand, wearing a maroon and orange graduation sash and braided cords with trees and Litton-Reaves Hall in the background.

Dori Mitchell

CALS Phi Kappa Phi Medallion

More VT Class of 2026...

The Latest News

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Shelter cats transform through student-led behavior training , video
Students in Lisa Gunter's shelter car behavior and welfare class develop skills by working directly with shelter cats to build confidence, reduce stress, and prepare them for adoption.
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Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture receives extension, expands enrollment , article
The initiative is funded through 2027 and is expanding enrollment in Arkansas and Virginia. The alliance now includes more than 1,800 farms and 475,000 acres and provides financial incentives and technical support to help producers improve soil health, strengthen water retention, and reduce environmental impacts.
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Lamb husbandry pathway to professional doctorate program , redirect
Students in the School of Animal Sciences provide round-the-clock care for lambs born at the Copenhaver Sheep Center. These crucial husbandry skills lead some students to enroll in a professional doctorate program at the Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. (Video)
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President Tim Sands to step down in the coming months , article
Sands said it is the right time to begin the process of stepping aside and provide the next president the opportunity to “take the baton at full stride” and continue the university's significant growth and momentum.

More News...

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Seminars

At a Glance

The Virginia Tech School of Animal Sciences is the largest animal program east of the Mississippi, offers accelerated options, and provides transformational, hands-on animal experience.

Learn about our programs

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