The University of Georgia began offering specialized study in the poultry sciences even before creating the Department of Poultry Science in 1912. In the years since, many students have received degrees in poultry science. The department is proud of the fact that most graduates enter poultry professions after graduation. Poultry production is Georgia's largest agricultural industry, and agriculture is Georgia's largest industry. Undergraduate students may prepare for a career in the poultry industry or for further study in various graduate programs. Students study the genetics, embryology, and physiology of the bird, nutrition, diseases, poultry and poultry products, economics and business. This knowledge may be applied to the management of flocks and the management of poultry firms. The poultry science major offers flexibility in preparing for a career. Certain courses must be in the poultry sciences, but, with careful planning, the student may incorporate courses in accounting, economics, or statistics into the program of study. Students may also take courses in finance, marketing, management, or agricultural economics courses such as farm management or agricultural marketing. Many students now support their business interests with computer training. Students often take other agricultural courses, such as the animal sciences, agronomy, entomology, horticulture, or plant pathology to broaden their agricultural understanding. Students expecting to enter graduate programs will expand their knowledge in mathematics, statistics, chemistry, biology, microbiology, physics and computer science.
