AMES, Iowa - The Department of Animal Science will offer a new bachelor’s degree in animal enterprise and innovation beginning in August 2026. This one-of-a-kind program will combine training in the core animal science curriculum with business acumen through classes in economics, data management, entrepreneurship and technology systems to meet the needs of an expanding industry.
The major was created following a survey of employers that identified a growing need for animal science professionals with experience in systems management and data science. It is designed to create experts in growing areas across food agriculture, renewable resources and environmental fields that are expected to face persistent employee shortages in the future.
Students enrolled in the new major may select one of three focus areas:
- management in food animal agriculture
- entrepreneurship in animal industries
- data and technology in animal industries
Each track pulls courses from relevant disciplines across colleges and a uniquely developed capstone course. Students can also develop their own track, selecting courses across all three focus areas. This major will develop graduates who are well-suited to start their own business or serve in roles such as product managers, data analysts, technical sales professionals, industry leaders and more.
“The new animal enterprise and innovation major is a reflection of our continuous efforts to innovatively foster student development to best prepare them for exceptional careers related to the animal industries,” said Jason Ross, chair of the department of animal science. “This major incorporates critical skills for future success in a rapidly changing field, that not only focuses on creating a competitive advantage for our students, but also for the employers that hire them after graduation.”
Students will gain hands‑on experience through laboratory instruction, species‑specific management courses, internships and experiential learning requirements tied to entrepreneurship and industry engagement. Students will develop an understanding of animal biology and animal products while being able to integrate that information with datasets and business implications to contribute to informed management decisions.
Students who graduate with this degree will be prepared to address challenges in global food systems, animal health resource management and enterprise innovation. It creates a forward‑looking academic option that reflects the needs of modern animal industries and expands the university’s commitment to workforce development in agriculture.
To learn more about the major, visit the major’s website or email answeb@iastate.edu.
Contacts
Michelle Hiscocks, Animal Science Communications, michhisc@iastate.edu
Madelyn Ostendorf, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Communications, madelyno@iastate.edu
Jason Ross, Department of Animal Science Chair, jwross@iastate.edu