An exploration of the background characteristics and interests of University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences freshman

Understanding student interests and demographics is an issue that both departments in universities and recruiters must constantly consider. This study sought to explore the demographics, animal interests, and future career aspirations of incoming students to the department of animal sciences at the University of Illinois. The investigator conducted a questionnaire that was distributed to students who were current freshmen in the department of animal sciences to gather insights on their interests and background experiences. Students within the program were mostly female from urban and suburban areas, and had little to no previous experience in agriculture. Most students were interested in companion animal and equine species as compared to the more traditional production animal species. Many students were interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, specifically with companion animals or equine. Students generally entered the program because of an intrinsic desire to work with animals in their future career. Recommendations for departments of animal sciences are to continue to add and improve courses and opportunities for students involving companion animals and equine species so they may be comparable to the opportunities for students interested in traditional production animal species. Recruiters should also work to promote these opportunities for students to work with these animals as a way to encourage students to enroll in their specific programs