Strategic Vision
We develop leaders to create solutions that sustain agriculture, drive scientific discovery, and meet society's evolving needs.
We are driven by a passion to empower future leaders in animal agriculture and science, inspiring them to innovate and collaborate for a sustainable future. We aim to advance knowledge, improve animal health, and contribute to community well-being by addressing the pressing challenges of our time. We believe in creating an environment where learning, discovery, and outreach unite to make a meaningful impact – locally, nationally, and globally.
We advance animal agriculture and veterinary sciences through hands-on learning, innovative research, and impactful community engagement
Our mission is to advance animal, dairy, and veterinary sciences by integrating exceptional education, innovative research, and impactful Extension services. We provide experiential, hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for diverse careers in animal-related fields. We foster a collaborative environment where undergraduates and graduate students engage in research that drives discovery and knowledge generation. Our applied research programs integrate with Extension outreach to address stakeholder needs, ensuring that the latest advancements in animal science benefit our community. By integrating research, teaching, and outreach, we contribute to lifelong learning, support industry growth, and foster community well-being, all while aligning with Utah State University’s broader mission.
We aim to be a trusted leader in animal, dairy, and veterinary sciences, inspiring students to become future experts and leaders in the animal agriculture industry while advancing animal health and agricultural sustainability.
Our vision is to cultivate an environment where students, faculty, and industry partners work together to tackle the most pressing challenges in animal agriculture and veterinary science. We seek to inspire and equip the next generation of scientists and professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to lead the field while driving innovation in sustainable practices, animal health, animal models for human health, and community well-being. By integrating cutting-edge research, education, and outreach, we aim to shape the future of agriculture, contributing solutions that benefit Utah, the nation, and beyond.
Objectives
- Nurture a passion for animal, dairy, and veterinary sciences through dynamic learning experiences
- Support students in identifying and achieving diverse career goals
- Deliver forward-thinking curricula that address past, present, and future challenges across species and disciplines
- Enhance hands-on learning through internships, labs, and real-world experiences
- Conduct research that addresses industry and community needs, generating knowledge that advances animal science and agriculture
- Strengthen partnerships with industry leaders and research institutions to promote collaborations and interdisciplinary research
- Sustain a supportive culture of inclusive undergraduate and graduate student mentorship in research
- Engage in best practices for high-quality research and scholarship with a culture of safety and accountability
Serve the diverse animal-related communities of Utah and beyond by providing valuable resources, practical knowledge, and engaging programming that address stakeholder needs.
- Support Utah’s beef, dairy, equine, and small ruminant sectors with relevant resources and innovative solutions
- Foster prosperity through economic growth, lifelong learning, mental health support, and sustainable practices
- Innovate and collaborate to deliver continuing education programs that improve agriculture and community well-being
- Strengthen community connections through outreach, education, and stakeholder-driven initiatives that enhance agricultural practices and animal health
Support the ADVS community by fostering professional growth, building a sense of belonging, and aligning our programs with industry needs while contributing to the broader vision of Utah State University
- Foster collaboration and integration across the three mission areas of teaching, research, and Extension
- Support the ADVS community by fostering professional growth, building a sense of belonging, and aligning our programs with industry needs while contributing to the broader vision of Utah State University
- Cultivate a sense of belonging and shared vision among students, staff, faculty, and administrators
- Ensure engagement in department management and strategic planning through shared governance and inclusive decision-making
- Strengthen partnerships with industry professionals, stakeholders, and other departments across USU to align efforts with the university’s strategic goals and needs of Utahns
Assessment
The Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences (ADVS) at Utah State University is committed to providing a robust and well-rounded education that prepares our graduates for successful careers in animal-related fields or further education in professional and graduate programs. Our assessment plan focuses on ensuring that students gain essential disciplinary knowledge, develop strong skills and career competencies, and experience hands-on learning opportunities that help them thrive both academically and professionally.
Our curriculum is designed to ensure students master core knowledge areas, such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics, health, and welfare of livestock and companion animals. Through careful alignment of courses with these learning objectives, we provide a clear pathway for students to progressively build and deepen their understanding. Our assessment approach tracks students' progress at key stages in their education, allowing us to ensure that learning is cumulative and that students leave the program with the foundational knowledge required for a variety of animal science-related roles.
In addition to disciplinary knowledge, we place a strong emphasis on building career competencies, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Our students practice these skills through written and oral assignments, collaboration with peers, and applied projects. By aligning our curriculum with these skill-based learning outcomes, we help ensure that graduates are prepared to advocate for agricultural practices and tackle real-world challenges with confidence.
A vital component of our program is experiential learning. We recognize the importance of hands-on experiences in shaping students' education, and our assessment plan includes tracking participation in internships, research projects, and hands-on activities in class. Through opportunities like internships with industry partners, research experiences in our labs, and practical learning activities, students apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, gaining skills that are highly valued by employers and essential for career success. This experiential component enriches the student learning journey, fostering a deeper understanding of the material and providing invaluable opportunities to connect theory with practice.
Orientation
Objective
Familiarize new students with the graduate program structure, resources, and expectations to ensure a strong start in their studies.
Key Resources
School of Graduate Studies Faculty Handbook: Policies and procedures, students’ rights and responsibilities, and resources for students.
ADVS Graduate Student Handbook: Comprehensive overview of program policies, procedures, and resources.
ADVS Graduate Students Canvas Course: A series of resource modules tailored to each stage of the degree program, covering essential guidance and requirements.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Outlines the expectations and responsibilities of students, advisors, and the department.
Assessment Method
During orientation, students participate in sessions introducing these resources and review and sign the MOU, confirming their understanding of program expectations.
Outcome Evaluation
Successful orientation participation and collection of signed MOUs ensure students are informed, aligned with program goals, and prepared to progress effectively.
Mentorship Agreement
Objective
Establish clear expectations and responsibilities between the student and mentor, supporting students in setting and tracking their academic, research, and career development goals.
Assessment Method
The Mentorship Agreement is completed by the student and mentor at the start of the program to outline mutual expectations in areas such as training requirements, time commitment, productivity, and communication. It is reviewed and updated annually with the major advisor to align with the student's progress and evolving research objectives.
Outcome Evaluation
The Mentorship Agreement promotes accountability and helps students take ownership of their development, ensuring alignment between their activities and long-term career goals.
Coursework According to Program of Study
Objective
Ensure students complete coursework relevant to their specialization, including required seminars and core courses.
Assessment Method
Monitor course completion and grades, ensuring students meet the standards outlined in their Program of Study. Grades below “C” must be reported to the Major Professor, and a GPA of 3.0 is required to remain in good standing.
Outcome Evaluation
Course performance verifies students’ foundational knowledge for research, with progress reviewed annually by the Supervisory Committee.
Supervisory Committee Annual Meeting and Progress Report
Objective
Facilitate structured, annual feedback on student progress in coursework, research activities, and professional development. The goal is to support timely degree completion while building necessary scientific and professional skills.
Assessment Tool
Annual Progress Report ( template). Assist students and the committee in evaluating achievements, discussing challenges, and identifying development needs. The student’s self-assessment is paired with the committee’s objective evaluation to provide a comprehensive view of progress. This report reveals:
- Strengths that can be leveraged for continued success,
- Weaknesses requiring targeted training and mentorship, and
- Development areas needing clarification of expectations.
Outcome Evaluation
The progress report and committee feedback guide the student’s future training, align expectations, and ensure academic and research goals are achieved according to program standards.
Narrative report 2023-2024
The Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences (ADVS) has not collected outcomes data for several years, during which three major transitions occurred: 1) restructuring the department faculty to create a new College of Veterinary Medicine; 2) restructuring the department major from a single ADVS major with multiple emphases to four independent majors; and 3) transition of department leadership to a new department head.
Over the past year, our faculty have been engaged in the process of realigning curriculum and student learning outcomes to best meet workforce and industry needs, ensuring that our graduates are well positioned to be competitive for a wide variety of animal-related careers or to pursue further education in professional or graduate school. This process requires a backwards approach, first defining student learning outcomes, then realigning courses and course content to meet those outcomes, and then revising the assessment plan accordingly. Following consultation with Nathan Laursen in October 2024, we determined that our best approach for this report was to a) collect and interpret data for the 2023-2024 academic year only using the current learning plan (https://caas.usu.edu/advs/assessment/) and b) to outline our approach and timeline for revision and implementation of a new plan for our new program objectives.
Assessment overview of 2023-2024
The 2023-2024 assessment results for each major within the ADVS Department highlight several areas of student strength across disciplinary knowledge and skills/career competencies.
For the Animal and Dairy Sciences B.S., students excelled in integrating knowledge from basic sciences to practical applications within animal sciences, with high mastery rates. Strong performance was also observed in specific nutrition-related competencies. However, foundational knowledge areas, such as applied mathematics and animal genetics, showed notable weaknesses, with a significant portion of students scoring below mastery.
In the Biotechnology B.S. program, students demonstrated strong capabilities in animal biotechnology, scientific literature searches, and effective communication. Skills related to molecular cloning and protein purification were also at or above mastery levels. However, quantitative competency and proficiency in cell culture procedures showed areas of weakness that require targeted support.
For Veterinary Science B.S., the assessment revealed strengths in scientific literature searches and effective communication, where students generally exceeded mastery expectations. Despite these strengths, weaknesses were observed in understanding biological mechanisms, molecular genetics, and basic animal production knowledge, which need additional attention.
In the Equine Science and Management B.S. program, students performed well in integrating knowledge for equine operations and demonstrated proficiency in management techniques, achieving high levels of mastery. However, foundational competencies in applied mathematics and basic animal health-related knowledge showed limited mastery, indicating areas where curriculum interventions may be beneficial.
Overall, these results highlight strengths in communication, applied knowledge integration, and specialized competencies, while also pointing to the need for improved foundational knowledge in mathematics and basic sciences across the programs.A significant concern with the current assessment plan is that, for some learning objectives, data were collected from entry-level courses, which did not effectively capture students' progression of learning across the full curriculum. This limitation prevents a comprehensive understanding of how students' skills and knowledge evolve as they advance through the program. Additionally, some assessment artifacts were not well aligned with the stated learning outcomes, leading to potential discrepancies between what was being assessed and what was intended to be measured. Another issue is that since the establishment of the current assessment plan, many courses and their content have changed, resulting in the unavailability of data or the use of outdated assessments that no longer reflect the current curriculum. These concerns suggest a need to revise the assessment plan to ensure more meaningful and representative data collection throughout the curriculum.
- Two-Part Structure:
- Align courses with overarching learning outcomes using a curriculum map (Introduced, Developed, Mastered).
- Collect holistic data at lower- and upper-class levels to assess students’ progress through their degrees.
- Efficient Data Collection: Use Canvas 'OUTCOMES' tool to streamline tracking and reporting.
- Ongoing Review: Semi-annual evaluations will inform the department’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee’s and ADVS faculty members’ decisions and support strategies for student retention and success.
Process and timeline for new ADVS student learning outcomes and assessment plan.
The figure below illustrates the ADVS Department's Student Learning Assessment Cycle, a structured process for ensuring continuous curriculum improvement.
- The cycle begins with determining overarching student learning outcomes (SLOs), where the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UCC) developed new SLOs in summer 2024, and the updated language was presented to the committee in October 2024.
- Next, the curriculum will be mapped to these outcomes. The ADVS department head consulted with the Office of Data Analytics (ODA) to select templates for mapping. The UCC, along with the SLO ad hoc group (including a representative from each major) will determine the process for aligning curriculum to these outcomes, with a target completion date of December 2024.
- The third step involves identifying assessments (exams, assignments, activities, projects, etc.) within the curriculum that generate the needed data to evaluate outcomes. UCC and the SLO ad hoc group work with instructors to connect assessments to outcomes using Canvas, targeting completion by mid-February 2025.
- Assessment data will be collected and evaluated, with the first set of outcomes data gathered for Fall 2024 and reviewed by the UCC, with a target date for reporting in April 2025 and a subsequent review of Spring 2025 data in June 2025.
- Finally, the cycle involves making data-informed decisions to adapt and improve the curriculum, with a full data review at the August faculty retreat, where UCC recommends changes or updates the learning assessment plan as needed. The cycle is then restarted with revisions and updates for the next academic year, ensuring a continuous improvement process.
As we move forward with implementing our revised student learning outcomes and assessment plan, the ADVS Department is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage. Faculty will play a central role in this process, contributing to curriculum mapping, aligning assessments, and providing feedback during semi-annual reviews. We will also keep our students and industry partners informed of changes through regular updates, ensuring that all stakeholders understand how these improvements will benefit their learning experience and career preparedness. Our Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UCC) will oversee the implementation and adjust as needed, ensuring that our approach remains responsive and effective in meeting educational goals.
ADVS Student Learning Assessment Report 2024-2025
Student Learning Outcomes
Undergraduate Degrees
Disciplinary knowledge
- Students will demonstrate foundational knowledge of core animal science concepts by identifying and explaining the anatomy, physiology, reproduction, nutrition, genetics, and health of common livestock species.
- Students will identify, analyze, and apply primary scientific literature to inform decisions associated with the latest advancements and best practices in animal production and management.
- Students will integrate knowledge of animal science disciplines and best management practices to optimize livestock production and enhance operational efficiency.
Skills and career competencies
- Students will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address current and future challenges in animal science.
- Students will communicate effectively in written and oral formats and collaborate with peers to advocate for agricultural practices.
- Students will engage in exploratory and practical learning experiences, building competencies applicable to careers in animal science and related fields.
Disciplinary knowledge
- Students will demonstrate foundational knowledge in veterinary science by identifying and explaining the anatomy, physiology, reproduction, nutrition, genetics, and health of common companion animal and livestock species.
- Students will identify, analyze, and apply primary scientific literature to assess advancements in veterinary science and animal health, fostering an evidence-based approach to understanding complex issues in the field.
- Students will gain essential knowledge in veterinary science that prepares them to meet the academic demands of a doctoral veterinary medicine program.
Skills and career competencies
- Students will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges in veterinary science.
- Students will engage in exploratory and practical learning experiences, building competencies applicable to careers in veterinary science and related fields.
- Students will communicate effectively in written and oral formats and collaborate with peers to advocate for veterinary science practices.
- Students will exhibit professionalism, ethical integrity, and empathy, prioritizing animal health and welfare while respecting diverse perspectives within veterinary science.
Disciplinary knowledge
- Students will apply fundamental knowledge of biological systems, physiology, genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology to solve problems in biotechnology within animal agriculture and health sciences.
- Students will explain and evaluate the scientific principles underlying genetic engineering, molecular cloning, and cell culture techniques.
- Students will identify, analyze, and apply primary scientific literature to assess advancements in biotechnology applications in animal agriculture and health sciences.
Skills and career competencies
- Students will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address ethical issues in biotechnology.
- Students will apply molecular, cellular, and microscopy techniques and evaluate their effectiveness in various research and industry settings.
- Students will collaborate and communicate effectively in written and oral formats on current biotechnology issues.
- Students will engage in exploratory and practical learning experiences, building skills applicable to careers in biotechnology for animal and human health sciences.
Disciplinary knowledge
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of core animal science concepts, focusing on equids, including anatomy, physiology, reproduction, nutrition, genetics, health, and welfare, with applications in equine science.
- Students will identify, analyze, and apply scientific literature on advancements in equine science to inform operations and implement best practices in equine management.
- Students will integrate knowledge of equine science and management practices to enhance horse production efficiency and operational outcomes.
Skills and career competencies
- Students will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address current challenges in equine health, welfare, and management.
- Students will communicate effectively and collaborate with peers to promote sound equine management principles.
- Students will engage in practical learning experiences to develop skills applicable to careers in equine science and management.
Graduate Degrees
Scholarly Work
- Demonstrate mastery of fundamental and advanced concepts in the field, consistently applying them to address research topics effectively.
- Exhibit the ability to access and integrate information to create a cohesive overview of current knowledge in the field.
- Critically evaluate the value, meaning, and contributions of published literature, including foundational and current works.
- Develop an original and imaginative research problem, applying innovative approaches to study design and data collection.
- Interpret data appropriately, identify weaknesses or limitations, and draw reasoned conclusions that are clearly supported by research findings.
Contribution to the Discipline
- Conduct research that has a significant impact on the field, advancing understanding or providing new insights.
- Produce work that has potential for publication in high quality scientific journals, aiming for multiple publications from the dissertation.
- Contribute to the broader scientific community through research that addresses relevant and meaningful questions in the discipline.
Quality of Communication
- Write clearly and convincingly at a high professional level, using scientific and technical writing skills to effectively communicate complex concepts.
- Organize written content logically, using well-structured sentences with proper grammar, mechanics, and spelling.
- Deliver well-designed presentations that are informative and convey key findings clearly, using visual aids effectively to enhance understanding.
- Speak confidently and engage with audiences during presentations, showing enthusiasm for the topic and effectively using presentation tools.
Breadth and Depth of Knowledge
- Demonstrate a high-level understanding of both foundational and advanced knowledge in the discipline, including current literature and seminal works.
- Defend, clarify, and expand upon the written dissertation, demonstrating an expert-level understanding of the discipline.
- Synthesize dissertation research with broader topics in the field, putting research into context with past and present studies, and explaining key scientific principles deeply and clearly.
Quality of the Oral Defense
- Provide insightful, accurate, and well-articulated responses to questions during the oral defense, demonstrating critical thinking and a deep understanding of the research.
- Show awareness of the limitations of the methodologies and interpretations of findings, reflecting the ability to think critically and recognize the boundaries of their knowledge.
- Defend research by effectively addressing examiner questions with confidence and authority, demonstrating both knowledge and the ability to synthesize and apply concepts from the field.
Scholarly Work
- Demonstrate mastery of fundamental knowledge by consistently applying essential concepts to address research topics within the field.
- Access and integrate information effectively to provide a cohesive overview of current scholarly literature, including seminal works foundational to the field.
- Develop a clear research problem and articulate well-defined objectives and hypotheses (if applicable).
- Utilize appropriate methodologies for data collection and analysis, identifying any weaknesses or limitations in data interpretation.
- Draw reasoned conclusions that are clearly based on research findings, providing thoughtful discussion and appropriate recommendations.
Contribution to the Discipline
- Conduct research that is relevant and makes a significant contribution to the field of animal, dairy, and veterinary sciences.
- Produce work that has the potential for dissemination through publication in quality journals or presentations at scholarly conferences.
Quality of Communication
- Write clearly and effectively at a professional level, demonstrating an ability to convey complex concepts convincingly.
- Organize written content logically, using well-constructed sentences with appropriate grammar, mechanics, and spelling.
- Create professional presentations that emphasize effective content organization and clear communication of research data, ensuring that complex findings are conveyed in an understandable and impactful way.
- Present confidently, engaging the audience with appropriate pacing, clear explanations, and effective use of presentation resources.
Breadth and Depth of Knowledge
- Demonstrate confidence and competence in defending, clarifying, and expanding upon the written thesis during the presentation.
- Show a high-level understanding of the field, appropriately synthesizing the thesis topic with broader concepts and effectively explaining key scientific principles.
Quality of Responses to Questions
- Provide accurate and clear answers to examiner questions, effectively defending research findings and demonstrating critical thinking.
- Exhibit an understanding of the limitations of methodologies and interpretations of findings, linking concepts with evidence.
- Respond professionally to probing questions, demonstrating awareness of the implications of the work and reflecting on its broader impact within the field.