Northeast Community College's Animal Science program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in livestock management, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience. Students gain practical skills in animal care, breeding, feeding, and marketing, all while working with livestock in state-of-the-art facilities. The program features a new large animal handling facility and a feedlot, allowing students to engage directly with animals in real-world settings. With opportunities for internships, involvement in livestock judging teams, and exposure to industry practices, students are well-prepared for successful careers in food animal production, livestock buying, the feed industry, marketing, livestock health and sales. The animal science degree combines the latest in production technologies and animal management with computer, business, and analysis skills. The emphasis is on the selection, breeding, feeding, and marketing of livestock for a profitable return. Beef, swine, and sheep maintained on the Northeast farm provide students with opportunities for practical experience in all aspects of livestock management.
Why Students Choose This Program
At Northeast, the Animal Science program is built on a foundation of innovation and real-world application. Our faculty bring firsthand experience with the latest in animal care, nutrition, genetics, and livestock management—sharing not just what works, but why it matters. Students learn to think critically, adapt to industry shifts, and use emerging technologies to improve animal health and production practices. It’s a forward-looking approach that prepares graduates to lead with confidence in a dynamic, fast-changing field.
Students in the Animal Science program work directly with livestock in modern, on-campus facilities—including a new large animal handling facility and feedlot—gaining practical skills that mirror industry expectations. The 500-acre Acklie Family College Farm provides students opportunities to engage in real-world scenarios involving herd management and animal nutrition. These state-of-the-art resources provide the tools and environment needed to explore all aspects of animal agriculture, helping students build confidence and experience that directly connect classroom learning to real-world practices.
Small class sizes in the Animal Science program provide students with personalized attention and the chance to learn directly from experienced faculty who bring years of industry and livestock management knowledge into the classroom. Instructors are committed to connecting academic concepts with practical, hands-on. With a supportive learning environment and one-on-one mentorship, students build strong relationships and gain confidence in their skills—forming connections that support both academic growth and long-term career success.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses
At Northeast, Animal Science students don’t just study animals—they gain real-world experience by working directly with them. Our hands-on approach is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including a new large animal handling center and a fully operational feedlot. Students learn to manage and care for animals, operate equipment, and apply industry-standard practices in settings that mirror real agricultural operations. The 500-acre Acklie Family College Farm serves as a living classroom, where students are immersed in all aspects of animal care, nutrition, and production. With beef, swine, and sheep maintained on-site, you'll develop practical skills in livestock management from day one. Students can also represent Northeast on the Livestock Judging Team, traveling across several states to compete in collegiate contests and sharpen their evaluation and decision-making skills.
The program includes a diverse range of courses designed to provide students with both foundational knowledge and specialized skills, including:
- Feeds and Feeding
- Forage, Grassland, and Pastre Production
- Animal Health
Program Details
2 years (69-70 credits)
Many classes can be taken remotely, but the degree does require some in-person courses at the Norfolk campus.
The application for admission at Northeast is free. Apply for admission, and learn more about your next steps.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Students can take courses that prepare them for the exams for commercial pesticide applicator’s license, drone pilot license, or commercial driver’s license. They can also take a short course for cattle artificial insemination certification.
Brandon Christiansen, BC Farms
Ron Coufal, Beef Feedlot Owner/Farm Operator
Brian Coufal, Beef Feedlot Owner/Farm Operator
Ivan Lentsch, Precision Planting
Aaron Sauser, Lindsay Corporation
Jim Miller, Jim Miller Farm
Dennis Smydra, AKRS
Kathy Neidig, Neidig Farms Cattle Company
Van Neidig, Neidig Farms Cattle Company
David Brunsing, Midwest Bank
Kyle Schmit, Manzer Equipment
Dakota Buss, Hefty Seed
Conner Buss, Farming
Jason Kvols, Farm Bureau
Logan McKeon, Wolken Seed
Philip Swantek, Hoegemeyer Seed
Cassie Heithold, Helena
Chance Lambrecht, CVA
Rob Thomas, Farmer's Pride
