WELCOME TO ANIMAL AND FOOD SCIENCES

Our programs cover a wide range of scientific disciplines that support the safe and economical production of domestic livestock animals and quality foods, as well as the care, health, and use of companion animals. In the field of animal science, disciplines include virology, physiology, nutrition, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, engineering, biochemistry, genomics and animal management. In food science, we cover the disciplines of food safety (microbiology), chemistry and engineering, as well as the culinary aspects of food.

Our research addresses contemporary and future scientific challenges using cutting-edge technologies. Our goal is to assist and support stakeholders in the poultry, livestock and food industries.

Where high quality programs intersect with a dynamic living/learning laboratory — a 350-acre working farm!

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Our undergraduate programs

Our graduate programs

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The animal and food sciences department is proud to highlight it's six graduate program tracks. Our graduates are successfully prepared for professional schools (e.g., veterinary and medical), or to further their education through advanced degrees (Ph.D. programs and post-doctoral positions).

Many of our alumni are employed in the fields of biotechnology, food product development and safety, pharmaceutical research, vaccine development and testing, agricultural feed and nutrition industries, as well as government administration and policy.

Featured video

 

University of Delaware students show off the versatile Anatomy and Physiology Instructional Lab: youtube.com/watch?v=PI2gfF1WlYc

Faculty Spotlight

Tara Gaab
Assistant Professor of Animal Science
 

Prof. Gaab's interests include preventative care and husbandry practices of dairy and beef cattle, small ruminants, equids, camelids, and swine as well as animal welfare and compliance of university and commercial standards in dairy and beef cattle, small ruminants, equids, camelids, and swine.

Latest news

  • OJ Morris, a senior pre-veterinary medicine major, exceling in the classroom and on the field.

    From face-offs to the farm

    April 24, 2025 | Written by Nya Wynn
    After student-athlete OJ Morris decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and decided to transfer from his previous school, he researched top programs and landed on UD. The senior now stars on the lacrosse field and in UD’s challenging pre-veterinary medicine major.
  • Food science exploration

    April 21, 2025 | Written by Nya Wynn
    Melinda Hill grew up in a family of scientists. She was interested in science but also had a passion for cooking, and she didn’t want to give up either when picking a career. So when it came time to choose a university and a major, Hill knew UD’s food science program and its culinary concentration was the right choice.
  • Fostering relationships in New Zealand

    April 14, 2025 | Written by Katie Peikes | Photos courtesy of Lesa Griffiths and Cecilia Uebel
    University of Delaware study abroad program on sustainability in agriculture illustrates the value of connection. The program, based at Lincoln University, brings students to New Zealand’s South Island to learn about sustainable farm management, animal science and current trends in agriculture. Long-standing relationships have been key to the success of this study abroad program since the program first launched.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Upcoming events