Students in the Plant and Animal Systems pathway develop knowledge necessary for producing and managing agricultural animals and products. This program prepares students for a career within the animal science industry and develops future agriculturalists to help meet the needs of our growing population. Students utilize our classroom and shop to care for classroom animals, and our 30-acre land laboratory including our barn to raise livestock animals including cattle, chickens, goats, and pigs. 

Animal Science completers will enroll in Agricultural Science, as well as Small Animal Care, Animal Science, Equine Science, and Introduction to Veterinary Science Honors. Students will obtain the Elanco Fundamentals of Animal Science, and Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certifications. Within the Introduction to Veterinary Science course, students will complete a 40-hour work-based learning internship at TotalBond Veterinary Hospital at Bethel in Lake Wylie, SC.

Areas of study within this program will include animal physiology, breeding, nutrition, and care, proper veterinary practice management, pharmacy and laboratory procedures, as well as animal husbandry topics related to small animals that are served by a veterinarian.