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What is Animal Science?

Animal science refers to the study of domesticated animals for a variety of reasons, including areas such as breeding, nutrition, behavior and biotechnology. Originally the animal science degree study was used for farm animals, though over the course of its development has expanded to include domesticated pets, and other such animals, and as a result has also become a precursor to studying veterinary science.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$72,890

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

49.14%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

2,470

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Animal Science Degree

Cornell University's Department of Animal Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs on the biology and management of food, laboratory, and companion animal species. Their research programs are highly interdisciplinary and deepen the student’s understanding of animal biology and address local and global issues facing animal industries today. The institution's goals are to help students discover and develop new techniques and information to benefit animals, agriculture, and human health. Their faculty consists of innovative instructors with a diverse interest in animal management, breeding, genetics, physiology, nutrition, growth, biology, and microbiology.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Florida's Department of Animal Sciences offers programs in genetics, animal management, meat science, molecular biology and physiology, and nutrition. Providing Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology a graduate degree program and Reproductive and Perinatal research department. The graduate program is designed to provide students an understanding of the principles of molecular and cell biology and their applications to animal health and production in preparation for careers in research and teaching. The research program provides basic, translational, and clinical research aimed at understanding the biology of reproduction in humans and animals from fertilization to delivery and early postnatal development.  

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of California-Davis's top ranked Animal Science degree program is vibrant, diverse, and comprehensive through its research and teaching programs covering from the molecule to the ecosystem as it pertains to animals. The curriculum provides a strong science background as well as hands-on, working with animal experience. They offer an abbreviated one-year postgraduate certificate program for bachelor's degree holders passionate about advancing their training in the disciplines of animal science. The department is a premier department utilizing discipline-based expertise for an interdisciplinary study of relevant animal agriculture and animal biology concerns.

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The Animal Science degree at the University of Maryland-College Park graduate program offers advanced training in the field. Their undergraduate program offers three options to prepare students for their chosen careers. The Departmental research programs are focused on five areas: the Animal Genetics and Cell Biology, Nutrient utilization and Management, Animal Reproduction and Development, Pathobiology & Infectious Diseases, and Animal Behavior & Well- Being. Graduates of the program go on to graduate or professional school or go directly to work in the fields of animal biotechnology or animal management.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Georgia's Animal & Dairy Science degree offers two majors for undergraduates: animal science and dairy science. There are three areas of focus to choose from when pursuing the student's major which include biology, equine science management and production, and management. The program offers various ways to get involved on campus, which includes several student clubs. Students have the opportunity to widen their education by studying abroad and learn more about Food Production, Culture, and the Environment study abroad programs.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Animal Science Department offers students the opportunity to apply the principles of animal biology, molecular biology, and other life sciences. It is one of the most comprehensive hands-on, Learn by Doing programs in the United States. Students work with several species of animals regularly. Their extensive facilities provide the resource for students to learn the principles required for success in the area. The department engages with the current animal industry through faculty involvement in research and educational programs.  

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The University of Connecticut's Animal Science undergraduate degree provides students the opportunity to work with animals and learn the basic sciences of genetics, physiology, nutrition, health, and behavior. Animal Scientists work with domestic animals and their products. This program provides six areas of interest leading to the B.S. degree: Pre-Vet/Pre-Professional, Biotechnology, Business/Service, Equine Science, Food Science, and Production Management. Graduates are prepared for national certification as Professional Animal Scientist.  

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Ohio State University's Department degree in Animal Science provides undergraduate and graduate student opportunities. Undergraduate students can choose from a B.S. in Nutrition or Agriculture and 7 minors. Their graduate program offers Ph.D. and MS degrees. Students have continued their education in graduate, medical, and veterinary school, and career opportunities for their graduates. The research in the department aims to grow the economic profitability of agriculture animals and the quality of their products. Their faculty have diverse areas of research expertise in areas related to the field.

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Clemson University's Animal and Veterinary Science Department is dedicated to advancing animal agriculture for the betterment of society through science-based learning, outreach, and research. The department will be the preeminent animal and veterinary science program in the Southeast recognized for the positive impact on society by their students, research, and outreach. The institution's goals are educating for the future, innovating & discovering, and engaging stakeholders. The National Scholars Program is Clemson's most selective academic merit program.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Animal Science degree offers top-tier teaching, research, and extension programs that help their faculty and students address critical issues facing the animal industry. They develop the student's knowledge to help them improve the efficiency and sustainability of animal agriculture, biomedical science, and animal management. The institution has compassion for its students passionate about studying the area. Graduates are well equipped and ready to excel in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

College of the Ozarks' Agriculture Major - Animal Science Emphasis prepares students to fill an expanding demand for persons who are trained in the liberal arts as well as practical and scientific aspects of agriculture. The program helps students demonstrate the ability to speak and write clearly and knowledgeably in the field of agriculture. It also helps them demonstrate the ability to recognize problems and propose solutions in animals, plants, and soil management systems. Students have the opportunity to gain knowledge of agriculture production and processing technology.

Acceptance Rate

10.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' Department of Animal Science is recognized in the United States and around the world for its excellent research, teaching, and extension programs in animal agriculture and animal biology. Their faculty have received national recognition for the quality of their classroom and instruction and attention to student needs and concerns. The Animal Science major is an integrated program of applied and basic knowledge in a variety of areas. Graduates from the program are prepared to succeed and excel in the field.

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign's degree program in Animal Science offers cutting-edge research, superior training, and dedicated outreach programs. The Department of Animal Sciences has developed a reputation of excellence around the world. Their faculty consists of respected and prolific instructors. Providing diverse programs of study for undergraduates and graduate students. The institution takes pride in its rich history of research and alumni achievements.

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Rutgers University-New Brunswick's Department of Animal Sciences is committed to improving the health and well-being of animals, including humans, through the integration of teaching, research, and outreach. The department aspires to be a global leader in training the next generation of scholars in the areas of comparative endocrinology and integrative physiology, equine, science, and companion and laboratory animal science. The department has developed a Farm Tour Program aimed at guiding small groups of children and/or adults around the cattle, goat, horse, pig, and sheep facilities on Sheepfold Lane. Upon completing the program, graduates are ready to navigate their way in the field.

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Texas A&M University's Department of Animal Science strives to meet the needs of all citizens by providing outstanding teaching, research, and extension programs. Disciplines within the department include reproductive physiology, animal breeding and genetics, food science, microbiology, equine science, dairy science, animal nutrition, and meat science. The department responds to the Texas animal industry through research and education programs. Its mission is to improve lives through the discovery, integration, dissemination, and application of science-based knowledge of animals and animal products.

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Purdue University's Department of Animal Sciences promotes leadership and inspiration to educate students, enabling them to anticipate and effectively respond to various challenges facing the global industries. The vision of the department is to be the desired environment for the citizens of Indiana and beyond for knowledge in animal sciences. Their faculty consists of instructors who have expertise in the disciplines of growth and development, nutrition, breeding and genetics, physiology, management, and animal well-being and behavior. One of their goals is to provide their students with a rigorous and relevant education and prepare them for a lifetime of learning.

Acceptance Rate

59.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Massachusetts Amherst's Veterinary & Animal Sciences prepares students to become contributing members and leaders in the fields of veterinary and human health, animal biotechnology, and production agriculture. Their Undergraduate curriculum is designed to develop scientific awareness of cell and molecular, critical and ethical thinking, and skills in laboratory and animal management and communication. Their graduate curriculum and research programs help passionate students achieve creative excellence, technical mastery, intellectual independence, and recognition within the field. The department values an open and inclusive environment that celebrates the diversity of its students and staff.

Acceptance Rate

63.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences is dedicated to improving the performance, efficiency, and profitability of animal production while enhancing food safety, environmental quality, and animal well-being. The department offers extensive programs related to the field. Graduates from the program find a wide range of employment in science, agribusiness, animal production, and public service industries. The course also prepares them for graduate school and veterinary medicine.

Acceptance Rate

70.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences offers extensive hands-on training to passionate students. Surrounded by rich land and natural resources it provides great opportunities for students to obtain specialized and practical educational experiences in production, management, feeding, marketing, and processing. The pre-veterinary science/graduate school sub-plan meets requirements for admission to most schools of veterinary medicine, related medical technical fields, and for graduate study in animal nutrition. The animal industries management sub-plan is designed to prepare students for employment as managers of equine enterprises and related agribusiness opportunities in the equine industry.  

Acceptance Rate

54.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

The University of Vermont's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences provides virtually unlimited internship opportunities coordinated by their two internship coordinators and lab experience with their impressive research faculty. Through quality assistance from faculty advisors, students develop individualized programs that lead to rewarding careers in a wide variety of occupations. Every student gets a faculty advisor to aid them through the course selection process and to advise them on career opportunities. Since day one, the institution offers hands-on experience through courses like Intro to Animal Science, Equus, CREAM, Lameness in Horses, and all of their Clinical Topics courses.

Acceptance Rate

67.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The Department of Animal and Dairy Science at Mississippi State University includes a highly respected faculty that are deeply committed to serving the citizens through teaching, research, and extension programs. Its mission is to provide quality science-based solutions for animal agriculture through innovative and effective education. Its vision is to build the future of agriculture. Completing the program offers graduates immediate employment and excels in their careers.

Acceptance Rate

53.86

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Michigan State University's Animal Science is designed to prepare students for a variety of career opportunities through education on scientific principles of biology and animal agriculture developed from various animal models. Providing information on the application of animal management procedures in agricultural operations. The program provides flexibility for students through careful guidance from academic advisors and career mentors. Graduates are prepared to excel in a variety of paths related to the field.

Acceptance Rate

71.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Delaware's Animal and Food Sciences programs cover a wide range of scientific disciplines that support the safe and economical production of domestic livestock animals. In the field of animal science, disciplines include animal virology, physiology, nutrition, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, engineering, biochemistry, genomics, and animal management. Their research addresses contemporary and future scientific challenges utilizing cutting-edge technologies. Their goal is to guide and assist stakeholders in the poultry, livestock, and food industries.

Acceptance Rate

71.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The University of Hawaii at Manoa's top rated Animal Science degree is the application of experimental investigation, cutting-edge technology, and other scientific principles. Students receive quality training in both basic and applied agricultural systems. The current program deeply focuses on pre-veterinary training. Students are exposed to the challenges of proper care/welfare and management. The emphasis of the program is on tropical production systems with particular reference to the Pacific Basin or other subtropical regions.

Acceptance Rate

58.47

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Dordt College's Animal Science program will prepare students to enter graduate school or to jump right into livestock production or other industries. It is a combination of agriculture, biology, and chemistry that is included in the animal science emphasis. This mix of classes should gear students up for multiple kinds of work. Courses options include Bio, Care, and Pro-Domestic Animal, Organic and Biological Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology of Animals.

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

What Does an Animal Science Major Study?

Animal Science is an interdisciplinary area of study that integrates biology, botany, zoology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and other sciences with the study of animals. Within the context of animal science, individuals focus on health, nutrition, breeding, genetics, management, behavior science, physiology, and environmental impact of animals as part of a greater ecosystem. Curriculum of an animal science degree program can vary widely from one college program to another as the application can focus on farm animals to pets and from laboratory animals to genetic mutations. As such, some programs allow students to customize a curricular path that suits their individual focus while others mandate a specific set of courses towards degree completion.

Do You Need an Animal Science Advisor?

An animal science advisor can help you navigate the myriad pathways as a future animal sciences major could indeed be a helpful tool. For example, if a student were interested in a farm production career in animal science, the clustering of courses taken could include agriculture, horticulture, agronomy, soil science, economics, and ranch management. Conversely, if a student was passionate about animal genetics the array of courses would be more science-rich such as biology, anatomy, cell biology, microbiology, biotechnology, and evolutionary biology.

In a recent survey performed by the U.S. Department of Labor, animal scientists provided insights into their daily activities and job duties. A list of the top 5 job duties of an animal scientist includes the following:

  1. Studying the local and global effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions as related to quantity and quality
  2. Analyzing the nutritional requirements of animals and associated nutrition of animal feed
  3. Communicating key research findings to stakeholders such as animal producers, executives, peers, and the general public
  4. Consulting with farm specialists and producers on optimizing products & techniques to improve animal production
  5. Developing a set of best practices in animal nutrition, disease control, feeding, housing, and sanitation

Animal Science Major Requirements

Individuals wishing to study animal science will find that programs are available in colleges and universities throughout the United States. Such programs take approximately four years to complete, varying based on student course load, enrollment SAT GPA, and other pertinent factors. Upon completion students will have received an education that combines practical experience with a variety of sciences in order to better equip the individual student with the skills necessary to perform their given tasks and duties. Graduate level studies in the field allows for greater specialization of one's education, with PhD studies typically being pursued by individuals interested in research.

Programs may include courses in:

  • Genetics
  • Science Animal Management
  • Biology
  • Animal Systems Management
  • Zoology
  • Domestic Animal Behavior
  • Animal Production Systems
  • Domestic Animal Reproduction
  • Animal Behavior
  • Reproduction

As mentioned above individuals may pursue animal science as a precursor to veterinary studies, which in turn requires additional study in order to be able to operate and treat a variety of animals in a medical setting. Such study involves understanding animal physiology, biology, behavior and can be intensive. Additionally, specialization can also be pursued in this field, with veterinarians working on domesticated animals, livestock or exotic animals.

What Colleges Have Animal Science Degrees?

As you can readily see from the list of schools below, there are a number of accredited colleges and universities in the United States that offer a degree in animal science.  To learn more about a specific program, you can simply request information from a program found on this resource page.  Alternatively, you can utilize our proprietary matching tool to find programs by state, degree type, individual school type and tuition undergraduate enrollment.

Additionally, you can leverage our distance learning matching system if you are interested in earning a college degree in animal science online.  Animal science programs can range from a bachelor’s degree to graduate level programs for students interested in pursuing upper-level degrees in the field.  In fact, approximately 30% of students that earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science go on to earn a master’s degree or PhD in animal science.

Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities in Animal Science

Individuals with a degree in animal science have a variety of career options available to them in both the public and private sector. The level of interest and type of employment desired typically dictates the areas an individual will enter into, allowing for great diversity of employment for a single area of study. Individuals may work with breeding programs, farms, zoos, biotechnology companies, provide behavior modification services and more. Due to the nature of the field some individuals may choose to establish their own businesses relating to the care, treatment and training of animals for domestic purposes.

Employment may also be pursued in public organizations, such as awareness groups, shelters, or and the like, or for non-profit organizations that promote better treatment of animals. Private companies involved in research require individuals with higher levels of education, allowing for the development of treatments and products geared at animals. Education positions also require higher level degrees, particularly for those seeking to teach at the college level.

Job Growth, Salary, and Related Fields

Animal Science careers are expected to see continued growth over the next decade, primarily for in the area of food production with animals that provide meat and poultry for consumption. The increase in employment opportunities is attributed to the need for more efficient and healthier food sources through better breeding methods and care giving technologies.  Direct hires or an animal science internship could be viable methods after graduation.

How much an animal scientist makes a year depends on a number of factors like experience, location, job setting, and work hours.  The median annual income for an animal scientist is $60,330 with an expected 8% job growth over the coming decade.  The amount of money you will make as an animal scientist will depend on your work experience, level of education, geographic location, job duties, and organizational structure.  Individuals interested in animal science may also be interested in animal nutrition, poultry science, and livestock management.

Top Job Titles of an Animal Scientist

When researching jobs and job opportunities in the field of animal science, it is useful to have an understanding of similar job occupations and job titles in your quiver.  As such, we have gathered a quick list of associated job titles for animal scientists to help you understand the span of titles in the field.  The top job titles of an animal scientist include:

  • Animal Nutrition Consultant
  • Dairy Nutrition Consultant
  • Research Center Partner
  • Nutritionist
  • Research & Development Director
  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Beef Cattle Specialist
  • Research Nutritionist
  • Animal Scientist
  • Research Scientist

Additional Resources

The American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), is a national and international organization that provides its members resources related to the field of animal science and promotes the development of methods and technologies in order to better the relationship between humans and animals. This is accomplished through the dissemination of information of information regarding scientific care, the application of new technologies, diversity of membership and the assertion that animals are necessary for human life and well-being.

The American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) provides certification examinations for individuals seeking employment and professional growth. The organization works with five professional societies in order to promote its services and goals. Membership to ARPAS provides professional credibility, education services, access to publications in advances in the field, and other relevant services for professionals.

As an additional resource, you can also read our blog post titledTop College Degrees for Animal Lovers for more information.

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