Animal Science Degrees
You can prepare for a rewarding career working with and researching animals with a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences.
Students study animal reproduction systems, disease control, and the marketing of pets and livestock while learning how to breed, care for, and conduct research on animals.
Many students who major in animal science continue their education by enrolling in veterinary school after graduation.
What Does an Animal Science Degree Entail?
You will have the option to select a study area within an animal science bachelor’s degree program that will be related to the profession you hope to enter.
For instance, some animal sciences majors focus on pre-veterinarian coursework and use curricula that set students up for success in veterinary graduate school.
Others concentrate on animal management and study the feeding, using, and marketing of cattle raised on both big and small farms and ranches across the nation.
Graduates of animal science programs acquire in-depth knowledge of biology and physiology of various animals, which aids them in understanding how to deal with and care for various animals.
You may pursue a career in animal sales and concentrate your efforts on breeding and selling marketable pets and livestock, or you could work for zoos, ranches, farms, pet shops, and centers for training animals.
Some also pursue further schooling to work in biotechnology research, where they study animal genetics to create superior breeds.
Which Courses Would I Enroll In If I Wanted to Major in Animal Science?
- Management of Animals Cellular and Molecular Biology of Animals
- Animal Physiology and Anatomy
- Animal Diseases Basic Animal Nutrition & Feeding Farm Animal Care & Welfare Wildlife Reproduction Animal Genetics
What Careers Are Available for Those with an Animal Science Degree?
The job prognosis for graduates of these programs is favorable because education in animal sciences equips you for success in a wide range of positions.
Demand for people who are qualified to care for animals has increased along with knowledge of how important it is to provide pets and livestock with healthy and pleasant living circumstances.
Additionally, as more people own pets, more veterinarians will be required to promote healthy living and offer emergency care for both sick and healthy pets.
What is the time frame?
A bachelor’s degree in animal science typically takes four years to complete on a full-time basis.
However, there are various ways to shorten the time frame, including completing additional units through community college, online coursework, or free courses at OnlineDegree.com that might transfer to US colleges.
Online Degree in Animal Science
Compared to other disciplines like veterinary science, animal science is less well-known but also cheaper and simpler to complete.
A substantial portion of the curriculum requires practical experience; hence it is challenging to find animal science programs that are entirely online.
The hybrid form of education, where theoretical courses are available online and practical courses are offered on campus as lab and clinical practice are an integral part, is thus an excellent alternative for a bachelor’s degree in animal science.
What Can I Do With a Degree in Animal Science?
Farm animal feeding, care, and product production are all topics covered in the subject of animal science.
It has a lot in common with veterinary medicine and food science, for example. The goal of animal science is to increase the quality of food provided while also meeting the enormous increase in the global population’s need for food.
As a result, the majority of animal science degree programs in the past concentrated on livestock animals like cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and horses.
Programs have recently begun to focus on a wider variety of animals, including domestic pets like cats and dogs. A stepping stone to obtaining a degree in veterinary science can include studying animal science.
What does a student studying animal science learn?
A solid understanding of biology is a prerequisite for studying animal science. The students also study breading techniques and the emergence of novel strains on diverse farm goods. The following programs are frequently provided:
Animal nutrition is covered in this course, which primarily focuses on farm animals but may also cover zoo animals and wildlife.
Animal nutrition can be broken down into 7 primary categories of nutrients: water, minerals, vitamins, fats, proteins, and carbs.
The course presents the primary tools used in animal science investigations as well as research methods and statistics.
Elements of livestock production: The course covers the key components needed for livestock production, such as guaranteeing food quality, optimizing housing, and environmental conditions, adhering to health and hygiene regulations, and knowing the market.
Students study the genetics of animals to understand how they pass on their qualities from one generation to the next.
Selective breeding is a widely used technique in the food industry to develop healthier strains or boost productivity.
Animal physiology and illnesses: This course teaches the typical operation of animal bodies and tissues as well as how the most prevalent diseases impact them. It gives the pupils the fundamental knowledge needed to manage specific medical disorders.
Equine production: Compared to other agricultural animals, horses require special care. If these horses are intended for racing, they might also require particular training. Some horses are now worth tens of millions of dollars.
Agribusiness fundamentals: This course provides an introduction to the business’s management principles. For students who want to launch their businesses, this is crucial.
I currently hold a degree in animal science. Where can I get a job once I graduate?
The oldest human craft is agriculture and animal rearing. This degree is in high demand because it is a necessary occupation for people, with a value projected to be over $1.77 trillion in 2019.
Following is a list of typical job paths for graduates in animal science:
- Governmental and non-governmental organizations that oversee food quality require the services of a food inspector.
- Animal sales and marketing: The purpose of this position is to promote food products, whether they are processed foods or live animals.
- The primary position in the fields of in vitro fertilization, cloning, and the generation of transgenic animals is that of an embryo transfer technician.
- Manager and trainer for a horse farm
- Testing for meat, milk, and food quality
- If you intend to earn a veterinary degree in the future, becoming a technician may be your first choice in your career.
- Zoo animal expert
- Farm research manager
Should I pursue a degree in animal science?
Are you considering a career involving animals? A degree in animal science will provide many options in this lucrative sector. To succeed in this field, you need to think about possessing the following abilities:
- Time management is important since farming and animal rearing may be laborious and stressful.
- Animals need constant attention and care to produce quality outcomes, thus they require motivation and dedication.
- Staying current: With the introduction of new formulas, animal strains, and genetically modified food products, the food sector grows and changes swiftly.
Best Careers for Animal Scientists
The flexibility of a bachelor’s degree in animal science is a benefit. You can take care of livestock or horses on farms or ranches, or you can work with animals in pet shops, training facilities, zoos, shelters, and pet daycares.
You might also be able to continue your studies so that you can work as a veterinarian or in fields like animal reproductive and genetic research. You might also get a job promoting animal rights.
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