The Animal Science Program of Study prepares students for careers in the animal care, veterinary, agriculture, and livestock industries. Students develop knowledge and skills related to animal health, nutrition, reproduction, handling, and management practices. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, responsibility, and scientific understanding of animal systems and agricultural production.
Students will learn to:
- Apply principles of animal nutrition, health, and reproduction
- Safely handle and care for a variety of animal species
- Understand animal behavior and welfare practices
- Use scientific and agricultural principles in animal management
- Explore careers in veterinary and agricultural science fields
- Demonstrate workplace safety and professionalism in animal care settings
If you have questions regarding the Animal Science Program of Study at Navarro Early College High School, please reach out to Amy Torres, Animal Science Instructor, at amy.torres@austinisd.org.
Course Sequence
The following courses are required to complete the Animal Science Program of Study. Courses are organized by program level and are not required to be taken in sequential order. Below are the program levels, their corresponding courses, and course descriptions.
- Level 1: Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Level 2: Small Animal Management and Equine Science
- Level 3: Veterinary Science
- Level 4: Advanced Animal Science or Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (First Time Taken)
Course ID: 8300.R000.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): NONE
This introductory course provides students with foundational knowledge of the agriculture industry, including animal science, plant science, natural resources, and agricultural systems. Students explore career opportunities while learning basic agricultural principles and safety practices.
Students will learn to:
- Understand agriculture systems and industry pathways
- Explore careers in animal science and agriculture
- Apply basic animal care and handling practices
- Demonstrate workplace safety procedures
- Develop leadership and agricultural literacy skills
Course ID: 8302.R000.X
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite(s): NONE
Small Animal Management introduces students to the care and management of companion animals such as dogs, cats, birds, and exotic pets. Students learn proper handling, nutrition, housing, and health care practices.
Students will learn to:
- Identify common companion animal species
- Apply proper feeding and nutrition practices
- Demonstrate safe animal handling techniques
- Understand basic animal health and wellness
- Explore careers in companion animal care
Course ID: 8303.R000.X
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite(s): NONE
Equine Science introduces students to the care and management of horses. Students study equine anatomy, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, and health while gaining hands-on experience in horse handling and stable management.
Students will learn to:
- Identify horse breeds and characteristics
- Apply proper feeding and nutrition practices
- Demonstrate safe horse handling techniques
- Understand equine health and common diseases
- Explore careers in the equine industry
Course ID: 8304.HA00.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): Equine Science or Small Animal Management
Veterinary Science provides students with knowledge and skills related to animal health care, disease prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. Students learn how veterinary professionals support animal wellness in clinical and field settings, with applications to both small and large animals.
Students will learn to:
- Understand principles of animal health and disease prevention
- Identify common animal illnesses and treatments
- Apply veterinary terminology and procedures
- Demonstrate safe handling and restraint of animals
- Explore careers in veterinary medicine and animal health
Course ID: 8306.HA00.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): Biology; IPC, Chemistry, or Physics; Algebra I; Geometry; Equine Science or Small Animal Management
Advanced Animal Science builds on foundational knowledge by introducing scientific principles related to animal biology, reproduction, genetics, and physiology. Students apply science-based methods to animal agriculture and management.
Students will learn to:
- Apply genetics and reproduction concepts in animal science
- Understand animal physiology and health systems
- Analyze animal production data and practices
- Use scientific reasoning in agricultural decision-making
- Prepare for advanced agricultural or veterinary studies
Course ID: 8310.HA00.Y
Credit: 2.0
Prerequisite(s): Equine Science; Small Animal Management; Advanced Animal Science
Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources provides students with a supervised, work-based learning experience in agricultural and animal science settings. Students apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments while developing professional and technical skills.
Admission Requirements
- Successful completion of prerequisite agriculture coursework
- Instructor approval
- Meet district/employer requirements for work-based learning
Students will gain experience in:
- Applying animal care and management skills in real settings
- Working with agricultural professionals
- Using industry tools and equipment safely
- Demonstrating workplace professionalism and responsibility
- Preparing for careers and postsecondary education in agriculture and animal science
Industry-Based Certifications
Students who successfully complete this program have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that validate their technical skills, industry knowledge, and workplace readiness. These credentials help prepare students for careers in carpentry, construction, and skilled trades while providing a competitive advantage for employment and apprenticeships.
Industry-Based Certifications may include:
- Elanco Veterinary Medical Application Certification
Career Opportunities
Students completing this program may pursue careers such as:
- Veterinarian (with additional education)
- Veterinary Technician
- Veterinary Assistant
- Animal Care Technician
- Zookeeper
- Animal Shelter Worker
- Livestock Manager
- Ranch Hand / Ranch Manager
- Animal Nutritionist (with additional education)
- Agricultural Scientist (with additional education)
- Wildlife Rehabilitator
- Farm Manager