Animal Science Discovery (ANSCId)
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!
LaGuardia Student Applications
Non-LaGuardia Student Applications
The Animal Science Discovery (ANSCId) program is a Summer Experiential Learning, Career Development, and Scholarship Pipeline Program between NYC-area community colleges and Rutgers University.
LaGuardia Community College is the first community college in the NYC area to offer an A.S. degree with a specialization in Animal Science. This option offers you the ability to get an associate degree taking courses that are directly related to your career interests in Animal Science.
The Animal Sciences option is for students interested in working with animals with a focus on disseminating new knowledge about the biology and management of animals to make a positive impact in the world. Animal Science offers courses such as genetics, animal physiology, microbiology and animal behavior and ethics.
This option was made possible through funding from the USDA NEXTGEN grant. This grant offers funding to support the LAGCC-Rutgers Transfer Scholarship, a credit-based summer experiential learning at the Rutgers G.H. Cook campus and several Animal Science Career events.
Major Options
Pre-Veterinary Medicine & Research
This option provides rigorous instruction and experience in the biological and molecular basis of animal sciences, preparing students for veterinary, medical, or graduate studies.
Companion Animal Science
Focusing on the health and well-being of companion animals, this option offers instruction and practical experience in areas such as nutrition, reproduction, physiology, and behavior, equipping students for careers in managing commercial or non-profit companion animal enterprises.
Equine & Production Animal Science
This option combines instruction and practical experience in equine and production animal science—including selection, breeding, nutrition, physiology, and behavior—with business courses, providing the knowledge and skills needed to manage commercial or research enterprises in the horse and livestock industries.
Laboratory Animal Science
Offering instruction and practical experience in research techniques and the care and use of laboratory animals, this option prepares students for careers in animal care programs and research laboratories, particularly within the pharmaceutical and related industries.
Program Offerings
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The LAGCC-Rutgers Transfer Scholarship is a merit-based, scholarship for LaGuardia Community College students to attend Rutgers University-New Brunswick and earn their bachelor’s degree in animal sciences, or one of the majors offered at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) on a case-by-case basis. A list of majors can be found here.
This scholarship is funded by the NEXTGEN grant initiative of USDA-NIFA. The scholarship provides:
- Out-of-state tuition, meals, additional fees, and housing at Rutgers SEBS
- A total of four semesters plus additional summer sessions (if needed) will be covered by the scholarship.
- Students will be supported with pre- and post-enrollment application services by LAGCC's core advising team made up of faculty, staff and peers.
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Are you interested in hands on learning modules in animal science, agriculture, veterinary science, biomedical research and USDA Jobs? Then this would be a perfect internship for you!
The Animal Science Discovery Program at LAGCC funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be recruiting students for a summer experiential learning program. This internship can earn you credits at Rutgers University's Animal Science program. The program will run from June 22- July 10, 2026. Students will travel to the farm at Rutgers University - New Brunswick to participate in the program. All expenses (accommodations, travel and food) will be covered. The farm is located on the G.H. Cook campus and is part of the School of Environmental Sciences. Please make sure you are available for all the above dates and travel before you apply; selected students will be living on campus.
Eligibility Criteria
- Cumulative GPA of >2.5, at least 20-30 credits earned by Summer 2026.
- Completion of General Biology highly recommended.
- An interest in animal science, animal husbandry, agriculture, veterinary science, biomedical research, and environmental science.
Applications close February 1, 2026. Candidates selected will be notified by February 15, 2026.
- Modules
- Livestock Husbandry and Handling
- Horses
- Swing
- Small Ruminants
- Cattle
- Animal Welfare Judging
- Sustainable Agriculture Practices
- Trips to Local Farms
- Biomedical Research Techniques
- Wildlife Management
- Field Trip to Zoological Park
- USDA Workforce Development
- Resumes
- Elevator Pitches
- Mock Interviews
- Explore
- Lab-Animal Careers
- Veterinary Clinical Careers
- Careers in Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation
- Livestock Husbandry and Handling
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Are you interested in conducting research in animal science, agriculture, veterinary science, biomedical research and USDA Jobs? Then this would be a perfect internship for you!
The Animal Science Discovery Program at LaGuardia Community College funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be recruiting students for a paid research internship. Selected participants will be paired with a Rutgers graduate student. This internship can earn you credits at Rutgers University's Animal Science program.
The program will run from June 22- July 10, 2026. Students will travel from LaGuardia CC to Rutgers University - New Brunswick to participate in the program. All expenses (accommodations, travel and food) will be covered. The labs are located on the G.H. Cook campus and are part of the School of Environmental Sciences. Please make sure you are available for all the above dates and travel before you apply; selected students will be living on campus.
Eligibility Criteria
- Enrolled at LaGuardia Community College
- Cumulative GPA of >2.5, at least 20-30 credits earned by Summer 2026.
- Completion of General Biology highly recommended.
- An interest in animal science, animal husbandry, agriculture, veterinary science, biomedical research, and environmental science.
Applications close February 1, 2026. Candidates selected will be notified by February 15, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Eligible students can be enrolled in the Environmental Science major with the Animal Sciences option. Applications are also accepted from students in the Biology, Veterinary Technology, and Liberal Art, Math, and Science programs.
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In addition to the farm on G.H. Cook campus in New Brunswick, Rutgers University has many labs and resources that students looking for a career in agriculture-related areas can acces. New Brunswick is conveniently located just an hour outside of New York City!
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No. While we strongly encourage participation in opportunities outside of the classroom, it’s not a requirement to qualify for the scholarship.
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LaGuardia and Rutgers have an articulation agreement between the Animal Science programs that allows for a transfer of 60 credits. Students completing a degree outside of Animal Science will have their credits evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Advisors
Aparna M. Zama
Current Students: Schedule a time for academic advising!
Terichi Bellinger
Peer Mentoring
Peer Mentors are current Rutgers students looking to enhance their leadership skills and help students coming into the summer program or transferring in from LaGuardia! These students are eligible for leadership credits and stipends, depending on the capacity in which they participate. Contact us for more information on how you can become a peer mentor for our SURE/SELP programs, or for the transfer student population!