Animal Science

Animal Science is the biological science and management of domestic livestock, including cattle, horses, sheep, swine, and companion animals. Coursework includes biology, communications, agriculture, animal nutrition, management and hands-on field experiences.

Production and Management

Common Career Paths

  • Livestock Production:
    • Dairy cattle (Farm Manager, Dairy Cattle Classifier, Milker)
    • Beef cattle (Herdsman, Feedlot Management, Ranch Operator)
    • Swine (Sow Manager, Pork Production Technician, Swine Nursery Worker)
    • Equine (Stable Owner, Foaling Attendant, Stallion Manager)
    • Small ruminants/Sheep and goats (Herd Manager, Farm Worker)
    • Poultry (Hatchery Manager, Poultry Hand, Broiler Processing Plant Manager)
  • Livestock Feed:
    • Production/Development (Health and Nutrition Scientist, Product Development and Nutrition Scientist)
    • Quality control (Food Safety Inspector, Quality
    • Assurance Manager, Microbiologist)
    • Distribution/Marketing (Technical Sales Manager)
  • Meat and Dairy Foods:
    • Production, development, quality control (Food Safety Inspector, Livestock Grader, Quality Control Manager)
    • Distribution/Marketing
  • Other Specialty Areas:
    • Reproduction (Sire Analyst, Artificial Insemination Technician, Embryologists, Equine Pedigree Analyst, Breeding Manager)
    • Nutrition (Cattle Feeder, Ruminant Nutritionist, Feed Mill Manager, Livestock Production Specialist, Nutritionist)
    • Genetics (Animal Geneticist)

Employers

  • Cow/calf operations
  • Stocker or grower programs
  • Feedlots
  • Grower/finisher operations
  • Farrowing operations
  • Farrow to finish operations
  • Farriers
  • Broiler production operations
  • Egg production operations
  • Wool companies
  • Breeding firms
  • Feed companies
  • Feed processing plants
  • Meat, poultry, dairy processors
  • Extension services
  • Zoos
  • Inspection services
  • Government:
    • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
    • Food Safety and Inspection Service
    • Department of Agriculture
    • Department of Health and Human Services
    • Food and Drug Administration

Strategies

  • Develop physical stamina, outdoor skills, and comfort being in close proximity with large and small animals.
  • Gain work experience in area of interest through internships, summer jobs, or part-time work.
  • Minor in business if interested in management or self-employment.
  • Participate in related campus organizations and competition teams such as dairy, poultry and livestock judging, and/or academic quadrathalon.
  • Become familiar with federal job application procedures for government work.

Agribusiness and Communication

Common Career Paths

  • Sales:
    • Livestock
    • Feed
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Agriculture chemicals
    • Livestock supplies
    • Equipment: farm and feedlot
    • Agriculture real estate
  • Customer service management (Tack Shop Owner, Dog Boutique Owner, Creamery Operator)
  • Promotion/Marketing (Product Marketing, Marketing Specialist)
  • Public Relations (Public Relations Group Leader, Media Liaison)
  • Agricultural Journalism (Web Editor, Science Publication Writer)
  • Other Areas (Bloodstock Agent, Carcass Merchandiser, Loan Manager)

Employers

  • Agribusinesses: livestock and feed
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Equipment and supply companies
  • Food and meat processing companies
  • Food distributors
  • Animal health companies
  • Breed organizations
  • Financial institutions
  • Livestock publications
  • Professional associations (e.g., National Cattlemen’s Beef Association)

Strategies

  • Obtain a part-time job or internship in sales to gain experience, as these positions are often stepping stones to higher-level positions.
  • Consider earning a business minor to obtain knowledge of fundamental business principles.
  • Develop excellent communication, organization, and problem solving skills along with initiative.
  • Take additional courses in interpersonal communication, public speaking, and journalism.
  • Prepare to work independently during irregular and/or long hours.
  • Learn to work well under pressure and to be comfortable in a competitive environment.
  • Demonstrate motivation to reach sales quotas while maintaining a commitment to customer satisfaction.
  • Seek extensive knowledge of merchandise for sale.
  • Join related student organizations and competition teams and seek leadership roles.

Education

Common Career Paths

  • K-12
  • Non-classroom education (Adult Agricultural Education Instructor, Ag Literacy Coordinator, Young Farmer Instructor)
  • Extension (4-H Extension Agent, Extension Specialist)
  • Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation (Conservation Education, Education and Outreach)
  • Aquarium/Zoo conservation education, outreach, coordination (Education Technician, Education Program Coordinator, Internship Coordinator)

Employers

  • Schools (secondary and post-secondary)
  • Extension services
  • Agricultural agencies
  • Agricultural communications and media firms
  • Agribusinesses
  • Animal rescue and rehabilitation facilities
  • Aquariums/Zoos
  • Government:
    • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
    • Food Safety and Inspection Service
    • Department of Agriculture
    • Department of Health and Human Services
    • Food and Drug Administration
    • National Science Foundation

Strategies

  • Develop excellent communication skills including verbal, written, and interpersonal.
  • Obtain teacher certification, which varies by state, for public school opportunities.
  • Secure master’s degree for teaching at community or two-year institutions; a doctoral degree is necessary for college and university teaching.
  • Gain related experience through volunteer positions, summer jobs, or internships with age group of interest.
  • Seek leadership roles in student organizations. Be prepared to live in rural communities for extension positions.

Veterinary Medicine

Common Career Paths

  • Areas of specialization
    • Small animal care
    • Large animal care
    • Equine medicine
  • Food safety, inspection, security
  • Preventative medicine
  • Surgery
  • Public health
  • Laboratory animal medicine
  • Research

Employers

  • Group or private practice
  • Government:
    • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
    • Food Safety and Inspection Service
    • Department of Agriculture
    • Department of Health and Human Services
    • Food and Drug Administration
    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • State and local government
  • Colleges of veterinarian medicine
  • Medical schools
  • Research laboratories
  • Animal food companies
  • Inspection services
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Zoos
  • Wildlife sanctuaries

Strategies

  • Research veterinary programs, take pre-vet courses to meet veterinary school requirements and prepare for application process.
  • Maintain an excellent grade point average, particularly in the sciences, and build relationships with faculty. Strong recommendations from professors are needed for professional school.
  • Pursue extensive laboratory and research experience for research positions.
  • Gain experience in animal health settings, zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, etc. through volunteer positions, part-time jobs or summer work.
  • Consider working as a veterinary technician.
  • Develop physical stamina; and confidence working with both small and large animals and in various weather conditions.
  • Plan to work evenings, weekends, or on-call for some positions.
  • Exercise close attention to detail and the ability to respond effectively in emergency situations.
  • Practice strong interpersonal skills for dealing with animal owners who may be upset.
  • Consider taking courses in business and communications or pursuing joint MBA/DVM programs, as self-employed veterinarians must effectively promote and manage their own businesses.
  • Seek active roles in pre-vet and other related clubs.
  • Prepare to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and/or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Vet schools can require either test.

Bioscience (biotechnology-driven fields)

Common Career Paths

  • Research (Lab Animal Technician, Laboratory Supervisor, Research Assistant, Research Farm Operations Manager)
  • Biomedical animal models
  • Product and process development
  • Animal genetic engineering and animal breeding
  • Animal nutrition, health, disease control
  • Product and process development (Microbiology Analyst, Product Development Scientist)
  • Compliance/Regulation (Animal Care and Use Coordinator)

Employers

  • Government laboratories
  • Corporate laboratories
  • Colleges and universities
  • Livestock producers
  • Breeding firms
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Animal health companies
  • Zoos
  • Wildlife sanctuaries

Strategies

  • Advanced degrees are often required for these positions. Discuss graduate school options with your adviser on a regular basis; prepare material for application process.
  • Pursue extensive laboratory and research experience by working in faculty laboratories through special problems courses, as a student employee or through other departmental programs.
  • Develop strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to persevere through specialized research projects.
  • Supplement curriculum with additional science courses in relevant areas (genetics, animal behavior, microbiology).
  • Seek experience in area of interest through internships, co-ops, or part-time work.
  • Plan to work outdoors and closely with small and large animals for some positions.
  • Research post-graduate certification options through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
  • Learn federal job application procedures.

Animal Care, Health, and Service

Common Career Paths

  • Behavior/Training (Animal Behavior Specialist, Racehorse Trainer, Animal Trainer, Riding Instructor)
  • Caretaking/Grooming (Animal Care Attendant, Groomer/Stylist, Hoof Trimmer, Farrier, Equine Dental Technician, Massage Therapist)
  • Breeding
  • Animal assisted therapy (Therapeutic Riding Instructor)
  • Shelter/Rescue (Shelter Supervisor, Intake Specialist, Client Care Coordinator)
  • Other Areas:
    • Wildlife Management/Exotic Animals (Wildlife Rehabilitator, Animal Care Specialist)
    • Aquariums/Zoos (Zoo Reproduction Research Assistant, Zookeeper, Senior Biologist)
    • Government (Animal Control Officer)

Employers

  • Self-employed
  • Shelters
  • Kennels
  • Boarding facilities
  • Training facilities
  • Grooming facilities
  • Rescue organizations
  • Humane societies
  • City/County animal control organizations
  • Breed organizations
  • Veterinary practices
  • Stables
  • Zoos
  • Research facilities

Strategies

  • Most people employed in the companion animal industry learn through on the job training.
  • Seek volunteer or paid positions in community facilities such as grooming, rescue, boarding.
  • Consider training and certifications through organizations such as International Boarding and Pet Services Association and National Dog Groomer’s Association of America, Inc.
  • Expect to work evenings, weekends, holidays and for shifts of 24 hours at a time.
  • Develop physical stamina, patience and problem-solving skills, particularly for training roles.
  • Animal assisted therapy opportunities are typically volunteer. Seek trainer/pet handling courses through organizations such as Delta Society.
  • Research post-graduate certification via the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) for laboratory animal care positions.

Getting Started and Advancing in Major

  • As an undergraduate, seek laboratory experiences such as research projects, volunteering with professors, summer jobs, or internships.
  • Participate in research programs and internships sponsored by government organizations and private corporations.
  • Consider a veterinary technician or technologist program accredited by the American Veterinary medical Association (AVMA) or a specialized master’s program to qualify for research technician positions.
  • Earn master’s degree for greater variety and autonomy on the job. Earn a Ph.D. to work on high-level research projects, to direct research programs, to enter high levels of administration, and to teach at four-year post-secondary institutions. Postdoctoral fellowships may also be required.
  • Learn to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Combine an undergraduate degree with a degree in law, business, education, communication and information science, or other discipline to expand career opportunities.
  • Consider earning an MBA after gaining work experience to reach the highest levels of agribusiness management.
  • The animal sciences are good preparation for a career in healthcare such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, and veterinary science, but professional degrees and licenses are also necessary to practice in these fields. Become familiar with the specific entrance exams for graduate or professional schools in your area of interest.
  • Join professional associations and community organizations and read related journals to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to develop networking contacts.
  • Actively participate in student organizations, competition teams, and other related activities.
  • Secure strong relationships and personal recommendations from professors and/or employers.
  • Learn federal, state, and local government job application processes. The federal government is the largest employer of scientists.
  • Gain experience with grant writing and fundraising techniques. Often research must be funded in this manner.