PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Associate in Science degree in Animal Science is a program with several disciplines covered in courses at GCCC. The areas range from live animals to food and meat science with food safety integrated into the curriculum. The program boasts excellent faculty with high educational and industry experiences. A student can choose to study the live animal side of the industry with focuses on health, nutrition, growth, reproduction and marketing. In the meat production aspect of the program, students gain access to hands-on training in the GCCC Meat Lab and Buster Red Meats. In this inspected facility, students can participate in all aspects of meat and food production including processing, fabrication, curing, smoking, packaging and marketing of red meat products. In some courses,students are challenged to create their own products by using new techniques, ingredients or through various marketing channels and approaches. The department also works closely with area and regional cattle feeding facilities and national animal pharmaceutical companies to collect cattle research data or for approval of animal health products. Students learn about the research and receive training on various harvesting techniques and carcass grading. The program also utilizes online formats for courses, including many in food and meat science allowing students to gather more knowledge for career promotions or annual continuing education for their current agricultural positions around the country. Additionally, the many industry experts give this program a broad-spectrum approach to the entire animal and food science discipline as well as perspectives from various animal agriculture industries. This credential fulfills the College’s mission of developing skills in communication and problem solving while promoting a strong work ethic. The semester-by-semester plans described below are general guidance. Students should work closely with their academic advisors to develop a plan that best meets their own individual needs and goals.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES AND CURRICULUM MAP.