Animal Science
Animal scientists explore humane ways to treat animals and better methods of processing animal products for human consumption. If this description interests you, continue reading to learn more. Although animal science can lead to a number of career opportunities, it's not for everyone.
Inside Animal Science
The field of animal science addresses animal and livestock breeding, growth, behavior and management. According to the American Society of Animal Science, these types of scientists look for better ways to produce and process dairy products, eggs, meat and poultry (www.asas.org). They work to provide better housing and care for the animals and devise ways to improve their mortality and breeding cycles. Animal scientists need good communication skills and a firm understanding of basic business principles. Since animal scientists analyze data and make use of statistical techniques, computer skills are also essential to the job.
Most animal scientists hold a bachelor's degree in animal science. Typical college courses include animal nutrition, food technology, veterinary medicine, animal welfare, genetics, anatomy and animal breeding. Graduate programs are available for those who wish to become veterinarians or scientific managers, but many individuals who pursue advanced studies choose a field related to animal science. Common graduate degrees options include business, production agriculture and veterinary medicine.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the anticipated growth for agricultural and food scientists, including animal scientists, is 16% from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). The median annual salary for animal scientists as of May 2010 was $58,250. Veterinarian jobs are expected to increase by 33% from 2008-2018, while zoologist positions are predicted to grow 13% during the same decade, according to the BLS. As of May 2010, veterinarians made a median annual salary of $82,040, and zoologists earned a median wage of $57,430 per year.
Learn More About Animal Science
Animal science degree programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This field can prepare you for careers in animal training and care. Education-Portal.com provides information about this diverse field, so you can learn more about available career paths.
Degree Options
A degree program in animal science can allow students to study animal care, behavior, agricultural production and food processing. Explore the following pages to learn about degree possibilities and common courses in the fields of animal science.
- Animal Science Courses
- Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science
- Master's Degree in Animal Science
- Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science
- Doctor of Veterinary Science
Distance Learning Options
Online options in the animal science field are limited, but there are distance learning programs available at the undergraduate level.
- Online Animal Science Courses
- Online Associate's Degree in Animal Science
- Online Veterinarian Degrees
Career Options
With a degree in animal science, you can pursue a career working in the business, animal care or food production fields. Other opportunities are available with additional or advanced studies in another field. Continue reading for more information about career possibilities.
Animal Science Related Articles
- 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, meat, milk and eggs....
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 devoted to the research...
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 colleges and...
Delaware (DE): University and College System
Delaware is home to a little more than 10 colleges and universities. See rankings of the best and most affordable schools in Delaware to...Top School for a Degree in Animation and Video Graphics - Anaheim, CA
The University of Southern California, established in 1880, is located near Anaheim in Los Angeles, California. The university offers both...Study Mesoamerican Archaeology Program Options
Archaeology is the study of past civilizations and studies in Mesoamerican archaeology focus on the artifacts, bones, material objects and...
CNA Courses in NC
There are several schools in North Carolina (NC) offering certified nursing assistant (CNA) courses for aspiring nursing assistants or...
Animal Science Related Videos
- Related
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
- Associate
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Minnesota (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Non-Degree
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
-
Non-Degree
-
- Certificate in Natural Health Care for Pets
- Certificate - Animal Care: Cats
-
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
