A focus on small and companion animals opens the door to a wide range of goals from veterinary school to careers in wildlife biology, conservation, game management, zoo and aquarium management, biomedical and pharmaceutical research, wildlife rehabilitation, and more.
Our small animal science program provides students with comprehensive liberal arts and science education that focuses on the study of companion and small animal species. The program combines a broad background in life sciences with classes that focus specifically on small animals and biotechnology.
Our unique blend of education and experience will prepare you for graduate school including veterinary school or a variety of careers in animal science. In our hands-on program you will learn about:
- small animal handling and care
- disease
- behavior
- nutrition
- training
- husbandry
- management
DelVal Influencers: Our Faculty
Not all influencers have thousands of media followers. But, some influencers work diligently every day to help young people pursue their passions and find their career path. At DelVal, they're our faculty!
Here are a few of our DelVal influencers who teach in the small animal science program:
Dr. Melissa Langston, Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Joanne Powell, Instructor, Co-Chair of the Animal and Dairy Science Department
Dr. Kimberly Reichner, VMD, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology and Conservation
I needed a school that would help me become the best version of myself and help my dreams become a reality. DelVal was that school.”
4. Delaware Valley University – Elmwood Park Zoo
Many veterinary potentials are intrigued by the care, biology, and future of animals like zebras, ocelots, and lemurs. And, while many colleges provide excellent veterinary courses that define and familiarize students with these creatures, only a small number of schools provide on-site zoo animal experience.
"Students of the program benefit from working directly with the Elmwood Park Zoo, an AZA-accredited facility. They gain both didactic and hands-on learning experiences through working with either zoo or marine animals in a variety of zoo science areas. These include exotic animal husbandry, handling, care, nutrition, disease, and psychology."
Our small animal science program can prepare you for a wide variety of careers. You will find opportunities including wildlife biology, conservation, game management, zoo or aquarium management, biomedical research, pharmaceutical research, wildlife rehabilitation, and much more.
Core Small Animal Science Courses:
- Animal Behavior
- People and Animals
- Canine Behavior and Training
- Clinical Pathology
- Pathology and Disease of Small Animals
- Introduction to Small Animal Management
- Animal Nutrition
- Companion Animals
- Small Animal Research Techniques
- Student Research
Possible minors:
- Biochemistry or Chemistry
- Business Administration
- Communication
- Large Animal (Production) Science
- One Health Communication
- Policy Studies
- Psychology
- Writing
The One Health Communication minor provides students with the opportunity to bridge the study of writing and rhetoric with the sciences. Students who complete this minor will enhance their analytical and communication skills related to sciences including the University’s pre-veterinary, pre-health, STEM and science programs. They will gain skills for effectively communicating science topics to non-scientists and the general public.
The pre-professional program is designed for students interested in careers in veterinary medicine, human health care (medicine, dentistry or optometry) or allied health care (physical therapy or occupational therapy).
Career Paths
With 100 percent of our students having real-world, hands-on experience, graduates with a degree in small animal science are able to pursue:
- Veterinary medicine
- Wildlife biology
- Conservation
- Game management
- Wildlife rehabilitation
- Zoo or aquarium management
- Biomedical research
- Pharmaceutical research
- Veterinary or graduate school
- Pre-Vet Club - Learn about veterinary medicine careers with your peers!
- American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) - Learn about animal care through different means such as zoos, aquariums, conservation, and research!
- Wildlife Society (TWS) - Explore wildlife conservation issues and careers through our student chapter of this national professional organization!
- Animal Lifeline Club - Help animal shelters while making new friends!
The Experience360 Program gives you the opportunity to apply classroom lessons to real-world activities like internships, career exploration experiences, student research, study abroad, leadership development and more.
Office Location: Mandell 123A
Office Location: Feldman Hall
OFFICE LOCATION: Admission Cottage
