Animal science In action
At Cal Poly, discovery happens through experience. Work alongside faculty, industry professionals and fellow students to investigate real-world questions, care for animals and put science into practice through research, enterprise courses and hands-on learning environments.
Experiential Learning
Take an Active Role
Go beyond observing through enterprise courses that give you real responsibility for animals and operations. From foaling and beef cattle to poultry, swine and performance horses, you’ll work alongside classmates while building practical skills, confidence and experience.
Student Research
Turn Questions Into Discovery
Work alongside faculty to investigate questions in animal health, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, biotechnology and production. Through hands-on research, you’ll collect and analyze data, test ideas and contribute to a deeper understanding of animals and the systems that support them.
Hands-On Learning Labs
Learn Where the Work Happens
From working ranches and animal units to veterinary, biotechnology and food-processing facilities, Cal Poly’s living laboratories put animal science within reach. Work with animals, technology and research while connecting classroom science to real-world practice.
Dairy Products Technology Center
Through specialized laboratories, pilot-scale processing and applied research, students explore dairy chemistry, microbiology, processing, quality and product development while helping investigate real-world challenges and innovations shaping the dairy industry.