Meat Science
Through the Meat Science Program you will learn the underlying principles of biology, physiology, and nutrition that drive animal growth and the impact they have on meat quality. In other words, you’ll connect scientific principles to the end-product through hands-on experiences. We offer numerous hands-on opportunities through classroom, internship, and research experiences. Do you want to learn how to produce safer, healthier, and more flavorful food products? Compete against your peers in the branded meat products course.
Through courses, internships, research, and part-time student employment, you will gain practical experience and learn about:
- Life-cycle production and management across multiple species
- Live animal, carcass, and genetic assessment
- Cellular effects on animal growth and development
- Meat processing and branded meat products
- Critical factors influencing animal care and welfare
- Production of high-value, high-quality, fresh, and processed food
- Relationships between on-farm, packing, and retail segments of food animal production
By gaining practical experience prior to graduation, many of our students find high-paying opportunities prior to graduation with large companies such as Cargill, Smithfield, Wendy’s, Sugar Creek Packaging, Beef Products Inc., Tyson, Boar’s Head, and Buckhead Beef, to name a few. Did you know that the starting salary for students with a background in Meat Science is anywhere between $40,000 and $55,000? There are currently more jobs in the meats industry then there are people to fill them, so many recent alumni find themselves in management positions within a relatively short period of time.
Today’s food animal production systems, regardless of size or scale, are faced with many challenges in order to meet the demands of an ever growing human population. Today’s consumers expect high-quality, safe, affordable, and nutritious food. At the same time, the consumer demand for quality animal care standards and environmental compliance are constantly evolving and increasing. As the future generation of food animal industry professionals, you will learn how to meet these challenges through a comprehensive, science-based education.
Be a part of something BIG and Do Something Great! No matter where your interests lie, or the skills you have, you can go on to:
- Create new cuts of meat to tailor to niche markets.
- Promote the meats industry as a communications and marketing representative.
- Manage a major retail or distribution store.
- Provide quality assurance in the meat inspection system.
- Develop value-added meat products to fit the needs of the modern consumer.
Degree Sheet, 4-Year Plan
Meat Science Degree Sheet and 4-Year Plan
Meat Science Minor
A minor in Meat Science is available for students who wish to develop a better understanding of meat and muscle as a food product. This minor will appeal to students with a general interest in food animal production and be especially helpful for those students who plan to work in food industries or any type of formal agricultural instruction/education settings. The minor is designed to provide students with a general understanding of food animal development with an increased focus on anatomy, muscle biology, meat processing, and food safety.
Meat Science Minor Requirements
Courses
Courses in genetics, physiology, nutrition, and meat science provide the basis for learning more about animal production, management, evaluation & selection, meat products, and animal health & welfare. Many of the classes will be taught in our meat science laboratory and animal facilities that provide hands-on opportunities for you to gain practical meat and animal science experience. Additional courses offer the basis for understanding underlying biological and physiological mechanisms that provide the foundation for effective animal production systems.
Short Courses and HACCP Certification
A number of short courses and seminars are held regularly throughout the year providing you the opportunity to become HACCP certified or to further your knowledge in thermal processing or sausage making. Possible short courses include:
- Introductory HACCP Training for Meat and Poultry Processors
- Advanced HACCP Training for Meat and Poultry Processors
- Sausage/Processed Meats Short Courses
- Thermal Processing of RTE Meat Products Short Course
Meats Judging Team
Carcass evaluation and selection processes are fundamental to the core of this department. The Meat Judging Team travels to various packaging and processing facilities throughout the U.S., providing you first-hand exposure to the meat science industry. You will compete in meat judging contests throughout the country, judging the value of various cuts of meat. Through the Meat Judging Team you will network with industry professionals, see how the industry works, and gain valuable critical thinking and communication skills . Read more
Meat Science Teaching Laboratory
The Meat Science Teaching Laboratory is a fully functioning and inspected meat processing facility. It is the site where most of the meat science classes and internship and research experiences take place. As a result, you will gain experience in:
- The techniques involved in harvesting and fabricating retail cuts
- Making processed meat products like sausage, bratwurst, or jerky
- Product development
- Quality Assurance
- Facility inspection
- Equipment processes and management
Internships and Research
Major industry employers want employees who have the ability to think critically, communicate well, and work effectively in teams. Conducting a research project as an undergraduate or completing an internship will help you learn those skills while gaining real-world experience. Many research and internship opportunities exist locally in Columbus, Ohio; however, our students have completed internship and research opportunities across the country and around the globe. The benefit of gaining this hands-on experience allows you to further shape your career goals while making you more competitive for employment after graduation. It’s not uncommon for students to find full-time employment at places where they completed internships. Participating in undergraduate research also allows you opportunities to present research at industry meetings and through College and University research forums. Read more on Internships or Read more on Research.
Study Abroad
Whether you are interested in becoming a veterinarian, production specialist, animal trainer, or researcher, you will interact with international clients, vendors, colleagues, and technology. Studying abroad will help prepare you. Thirty-five percent of our animal science majors will graduate with at least one study abroad experience, adding to their marketability in a competitive market. Read more about Study Abroad.
Student Organizations & Co-curricular Activities
Getting involved in at least one student organization on campus is arguably the most important thing you can do once you step foot on campus. Joining a club is like joining the perfect family. Everyone involved has the same interests, and in some cases, the same career goals. Most students find their closest circle of friends through student organizations. Read more about departmental organizations you might want to check out.
Meet Our Students
LINDSEY RAUBENOLT, Senior. Major: Animal Sciences, Minor: Communication
Favorite collegiate club? Why? I was a member of the Horsemen’s Association for three years and I enjoyed getting to have hands-on horse activities without having to be on the actual equestrian team. I was also surrounded by many others who were interested in horses as well. Because of this organization, I was able to work at a Cargill booth at Quarter Horse Congress, which helped me further my career interests.
Why do you love the Animal Sciences program at Ohio State? I LOVE the Animal Sciences program at Ohio State because the people are great here! The Animal Sciences classes provide practical hands-on experience with animals combined with exceptional professors who want to help their students succeed. The Animal Sciences Success Center is also a great contribution to my career-related accomplishments at Ohio State. I highly recommend it to all incoming freshman and other Ohio State students who have not checked it out yet.
What is your favorite animal science class? Why? Animal Sciences 317, Milk Secretion, taught by Dr. Joe Hogan. This class is over topics such as mastitis in dairy cows. Dr. Hogan is a funny professor and I enjoyed his class because he made the subject matter interesting. I ended up completing a research internship with Dr. Hogan and my project pertained to the class matter as well.
What is the coolest thing about being a student at Ohio State? When you tell someone that you’re a student at Ohio State, there is a sense of dignity and pride when you say it. Not everyone can say that they are a Buckeye. As I follow my career goals throughout life, I will always be proud to tell everyone that I graduated from Ohio State. Go Bucks!
KATY SHIRCLIFF, Senior. Major: Animal Sciences, Minor: Life Sciences
What did you want to be when you were little? How/has that changed? Why? When I was little, I always wanted to be a vet. I grew up showing livestock at the county fair and thought being a vet would the best way to stay connected to agriculture. I have changed my mind and perspective about vet school and now would like to go to graduate school. As freshmen, I thought vet school was the only way to stay involved in agriculture but quickly learned that there are many others ways to be a part of the agricultural industry.
Why do you love the Animal Sciences program at Ohio State? The Animal Sciences program at Ohio State has opened my eyes to many wonderful opportunities here on campus, as well as throughout the country and even abroad. The diversity of program curriculum, student body, faculty and staff offer a unique experience and personalized education.
Favorite animal science class? Why? Unfortunately, I can not pick just one class as my favorite. Until this past fall, my favorite class was 355.01, taught by Dr. Zerby. As a freshmen I was intrigued with the information about Meat Science and redirected my college career because of my new found interest. I continue to rely on the concepts I learned in 355 as they came into play in multiple other classes. However, this past fall, I took 547, Dairy Herd Management and was completely take aback by how enthralled I was with learning about an industry that I was not familiar with. Dr. Smith was awesome and gave me new perspectives on the agriculture industry as well as some new ideas for graduate school.
How has the animal sciences department and your animal sciences classes helped you during your time here at Ohio State? The Animal Sciences department has provided multiple opportunities to travel throughout the country and world, while also serving as a liaison to industry personal and exposing possible career paths.