Animal Studies Major: Information and Requirements
An animal studies degree program can lead to careers in a variety of industries, including veterinary medicine, agribusiness, agriculture, animal biology and food science. The most common type of degree offered at the undergraduate level is a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science.
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
Students enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in animal studies can choose from a specialization such as animal biology, animal production, exotic animal studies, pre-veterinary medicine, agribusiness management and biotechnology. Oftentimes an undergraduate major in animal studies is designed to lead to a graduate program in one of these fields.
The core subjects covered in an animal studies program include animal biology and reproduction, the anatomy and physiology of farm and domestic animals, and the principles of animal feeding and nutrition.
A pre-veterinary track in an animal science degree program also includes courses related to biochemistry, organic chemistry, natural organisms and animal biotechnology. Students enrolled in each of the concentrations of the animal studies major participate in classroom lectures, seminars, laboratory experiences and practical fieldwork.
Education Prerequisites
Many schools offering animal studies programs require that students first complete courses in natural sciences, biology and mathematics before declaring the major.
Program Coursework
The courses in an animal studies program can vary greatly depending upon the specific concentration chosen, but there are core courses that might be required of each animal studies major. Some of these include:
- Professional development in animal science
- Anatomy and physiology of animals
- Animal feeding and nutrition principles
- General chemistry
- Genetic improvement of domestic animals
- Ethics in animal agriculture
- Statistics for biologists
- Cattle management
- Avian management
Popular Career Options
Graduates of an undergraduate degree in animal studies have several career options open to them. Some of these include:
- Veterinary technician
- Research veterinarian
- Biologist
- Ranch manager
- Agriculture sales representative
- Animal breeder
- Animal trainer
- Wildlife specialist
- Environmental analyst
- Park ranger
Continuing Education Options
Many graduates of an animal studies program go on to pursue graduate degrees in the field. Some common master's degrees include those related to veterinary science, agriculture and agribusiness, animal biology, animal research and food science. Students can also earn Ph.D.'s in several of these fields, which can provide them with the advanced research and training necessary to teach animal science at a university level.
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- 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
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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
-
School locations:
- Washington (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Washington State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Business
- Agriculture Production
- Animal Science
- Food Sciences and Technologies
- Plant Science
- Soil Science
-
School locations:
- Louisiana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Business
- Animal Science
- Food Sciences and Technologies
- Plant Science
-
School locations:
- Illinois (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Illinois include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Business
- Agriculture Production
- Animal Science
- Food Sciences and Technologies
- Horticulture
- Plant Science
-
School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Texas State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Business
- Animal Science
