Animal Science

Learn everything from pasture to plate!

Master everything from meat science and food safety in this comprehensive livestock production program.

Gain unmatched hands-on experience in the GCCC Meat Lab and with industry partners to build the high-demand skills employers want.

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About the Program

Program Overview
The Animal Science program provides a broad foundation in livestock and animal production. Students study key topics including nutrition, reproduction, breeds, animal welfare, meat science, and food safety across all major livestock species.

Hands-On Learning Experience
Hands-on learning is a core part of the program. Students gain real-world experience through industry partnerships and training in the GCCC Meat Lab, building practical skills that apply directly to the workforce.

Career-Ready Skills
Throughout the program, students develop valuable skills such as communication and decision-making. Graduates leave prepared to take on leadership roles in the animal and food science industry with a competitive edge.

Credentials

Explore the full curriculum and courses using the link(s) below!

Animal Science Certificate - 18 credit hours

ANSI.CERTA : This is an 18-hour certificate that you can focus in production animal science or food safety when you work with an advisor or one of our seasoned faculty members. Students can choose from Animal Science or Food Science pathways.

Animal Science Certificate - 25 credit hours

ANSI.CERTB: This 35-hour certificate program can be specialized for any area of livestock or meat production. Students can choose from Animal Science or Food Science pathways.

Associate in Science in Animal Science - 60 credit hours

ANSI.AS: This is the transfer degree option for students studying Animal or Food Science.

Associate in Animal Science - 64 credit hours

ANSI.AAS: This is the non-transfer degree in Animal and Food Science.

Transfer Information

GCCC has worked with our transfer partners create seamless transfer opportunities for students. These articulation agreements outline the pathway from GCCC to your next stop by identifying the courses you should take and how they will transfer.

Highlights

Meat Judging Team - the team has earned 7 National Championships, 7 Reserve National Championships, and the program boasts 34 All-American's while winning several national and international competitions. Alumni range across all areas of education with one being a former intern for NASA and another being a current employee of Space-X. Each team member receives a tuition and fees scholarship for being a member of the program.
Livestock Judging Team - this team was brought back to GCCC in 2025 and is looking to recruit some of the best livestock evaluators in the country. Team members will travel to contests during their freshman and sophomore years. Scholarships are available to all team members.
GCCC Meat Lab - the meat science lab is the only community college meat lab in the state of Kansas. The facility aids in hands-on learning in areas of meat production as well as serves as one of the training sites for the GCCC Meat Judging Team.

Other Information

Collegiate Farm Bureau/Block & Bridle Club - this is our Ag Club, which the students represent GCCC in the community hosting FFA CDE events as well as other educational opportunities and community service events such as Friends on the Farm and Fill-a-Ford with toys drive.

Career Outlook

Salary information is provided for general informational purposes only and represents estimates, not guarantees. Actual earnings may vary based on factors such as experience, location, and employer. Some careers may require education, certifications, or training beyond programs offered at Garden City Community College.