Animal Science Colleges, Universities and Schools in the U.S.

Animal science is a broad field that encompasses the biology and business of domestic animals. Those who work as animal scientists may specialize in areas such as genetics and reproduction, food product inspection and processing, livestock purchasing and agricultural consulting. Students can enter this career field with a bachelor's degree in animal science and can work as university researchers upon earning a master's degree or doctoral degree.

View 4 Popular Schools »

How to Select an Animal Science College, University or School

When evaluating schools that offer animal science degrees, prospective students can benefit from keeping their specific career interests in mind and selecting corresponding programs. This is particularly important at the graduate level, where animal science degree programs tend to be more specialized than those at the undergraduate level. In order to maximize their career opportunities in the animal science field, students should enroll in reputable programs offered by accredited colleges and universities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all students who wish to earn an animal or agricultural science degree have the option of attending federally-funded land-grant colleges, which are present in every state (www.bls.gov). Individuals with an interest in animal science may want to begin the school selection process by researching these land-grant institutions and their available programs. Students also have a broad range of options in regard to schools that offer animal science degrees but are not land-grant colleges.

Animal science students who seek training in a specialized type of farming, such as organic dairy farming, can search for schools that offer that specialization. A student whose goal is to work in the processing or marketing side of the animal science business can inquire as to whether certain schools have good relationships with industries that offer internships. Students who are focused on animal breeding should seek schools that offer relevant coursework and have lab facilities with current equipment for genetic testing.

Animal Science Program Overviews

Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science

A bachelor's degree program in animal science may focus on any number of concepts, including animal nutrition, breeding, behavior and physiology. The coursework typically combines core classes in subjects such as biology and chemistry with animal science-specific courses, such as animal selection and farm management. Graduates of a bachelor's degree program in this field can choose to further their education or seek careers in agriculture or animal production.

Master's Degree in Animal Science

Students can earn graduate degrees such as a Master of Science (M.S.) in Animal Science, M.S. in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences or Master of Professional Studies in Agriculture. At the graduate level, students can specialize in several areas of the animal science field, including endocrine physiology, lactation and reproduction, nutrition and genomics. Master's degree programs in animal science typically involve coursework, supervised laboratory research and completion of a thesis. Some programs, such as the Master of Professional Studies, don't require a thesis.

Ph.D. in Animal Science

Doctoral degrees in animal science prepare students for careers in scientific research at universities or government establishments. This degree level requires a mastery of at least one animal science concentration. Doctoral students prepare a research dissertation and act as teaching assistants in undergraduate courses.

Show me popular schools

Related to Animal Science College

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Animal Science Graduate Programs: Overviews by Level

Animal science graduate students learn to develop more economical and effective ways to produce and process poultry,...

Animal Science Major Requirements: Info for Prospective Students

While veterinary science discusses the provision of medical care to animals, animal science is a subject typically...

Top Schools for Animal Science

A large number of career options are available to graduates of an animal science degree program. Several of the top...

Career Information for a Degree in Animal Science

A degree in animal science can lead to many careers with wide ranges in job duties and salaries. An animal science...

Online Associates Degree in Animal Science: Program Overview

4 Popular Schools

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must live within close proximity to school locations
    • Must be graduated from high school by 2011
    School locations:
    • Florida (2 campuses)
    • Pennsylvania (1 campus)

    Classroom-Based Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Minnesota (1 campus)

    Classroom-Based Programs

    What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 17 years of age or older
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 18 years of age or older
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Distance Learning Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

Other Schools:

  • School locations:
    • Iowa (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Agriculture
      • Agricultural Business
      • Agriculture Production
      • Animal Science
        • Dairy Science
        • Farm Animal Breeding
      • Food Sciences and Technologies
      • Plant Science
      • Soil Science
  • School locations:
    • Texas (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Agriculture
      • Agricultural Business
      • Animal Science
      • Food Sciences and Technologies
      • Horticulture
      • Plant Science
      • Soil Science
  • School locations:
    • Florida (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Florida include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Agriculture
      • Agricultural Business
      • Animal Science
      • Food Sciences and Technologies
      • Plant Science
      • Soil Science
  • School locations:
    • Delaware (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Delaware include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Agriculture
      • Agricultural Business
      • Animal Science
      • Food Sciences and Technologies
      • Horticulture
      • Plant Science
  • School locations:
    • Connecticut (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Connecticut include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Agriculture
      • Agricultural Business
      • Animal Science
        • Farm Animal Breeding
      • Horticulture
      • Plant Science
  • School locations:
    • Rhode Island (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Rhode Island include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Agriculture
      • Animal Science
      • Horticulture
      • Plant Science

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics