4-H Animal Science Career Quest 2025

Join Michigan 4-H, the MSU Department of Animal Science, and the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine for 4-H Animal Science Career Quest on Feb. 15, 2025, at MSU’s main campus in East Lansing. Youth will learn all about the opportunities an animal science education can bring them, not just as an undergraduate student, but long-term post-graduate career options and beyond.

The event will focus on animal science careers; the schedule is filled with hands-on sessions to learn about everything animal science has to offer and many career skill-building activities. Species faculty and staff will share what they study and the numerous disciplines to explore that allow you to work with animals. Animal Science Career Quest is open to youth ages 12-19 (as of Jan. 1, 2025).

Activities will primarily take place in Anthony Hall (474 South Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824). Free parking will be available all day Saturday in lots 40, 41, and 43. Please see the MSU campus map for parking locations. Some activities will be in Anthony Hall and others at the MSU South Campus Animal Farms. Session descriptions provide locations.

COST: $35

Registration closes February 3rd or when all spots are full, whichever comes first.

NOTE:
No overnight lodging is provided; this is the sole responsibility of the program participant. Transportation to and from the South Campus Animal Farms will be provided for youth participants who are attending Learning Lab sessions at a farm; adults attending Learning Lab sessions at a farm will be responsible for their own transportation if there is not sufficient room in the provided vehicles.


CANCELLATION POLICY: No refunds will be given if registration is cancelled on or after February 4th for both youth and adults.

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW (all times in ET, schedule subject to change)

Saturday, February 15

  • 7:30 a.m. Registration Begins
  • 8:30 a.m. Welcome!
  • 9 a.m. Species Sessions
  • 10:45 a.m. Career Exploration and Workforce Prep Activity
  • 11:30 a.m. MSU Animal Science Program Overview
  • 12:15 p.m. Lunch (provided)
  • 1 p.m. Learning Labs
  • 5 p.m. Dinner (provided)
  • 6 p.m. Discipline Sessions
  • 8 p.m. Conclusion

Session descriptions

Saturday morning, participants will learn about the types of animal studied and taught about in the Department of Animal Science. There will be two sessions, each 45 minutes long. All species options except poultry and rabbits are available during both blocks. Species sessions will be pre-selected during registration. Please only attend each species session once.

Species: Beef Cattle, Companion Animals, Dairy Cattle, Horses, Poultry, Rabbits and Cavies, Sheep and Goats, and Swine

Saturday afternoon, participants will engage in hands-on Learning Labs. There will be two sessions, each 90 minutes long. Learning Labs will be pre-selected during registration.

*All sessions taking place on farm at MSU animal teaching and research centers require participants to wear close-toed shoes and long pants. Make sure you dress for the cold weather!*

  • Building Skills for Your Future (Anthony Hall)
  • Veterinary Medicine and Nursing (Anthony Hall)
  • Leader Dogs for the Blind (Anthony Hall)
  • Egg-stravaganza! (Anthony Hall)
  • Intro to Livestock Judging (Anthony Hall)
  • Intro to Carcass Evaluation and Meats Judging* (Anthony Hall)
  • Dairy Nutrition (Anthony Hall)
  • Intro to Rabbit and Cavy Management (Anthony Hall)
  • Intro to Horse Judging* (Horse Teaching and Research Center)
  • Intro to Horse Management* (Horse Teaching and Research Center)
  • Intro to Dairy Cattle Judging* (Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center)

Saturday evening, participants will learn about different disciplines, or topics, studied and taught about in the Department of Animal Science. There will be two sessions, each 50 minutes long. All discipline options are available during both blocks. Discipline sessions will be pre-selected during registration. Please only attend each discipline session once.

Disciplines: Animal Behavior and Welfare, Animal Health, Animal Nutrition, Animal Reproduction, Careers in Education and Outreach

Please note that breakout session space is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.

**Past attendees are welcome to attend the 2025 program but should select different breakout session options than what they have already attended at Career Quest programs in previous years.

Accommodations

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information

For information, please contact Autumn Converse at conver20@msu.edu, David Lindsay at lindsa75@msu.edu, and Kendra Van Order at vanorde4@msu.edu.