Career Information

“What can I do with an Animal Science Degree?”

There are over 500 different job classifications for animal science graduates

• Agribusiness and Finance
  • A hybrid of animal science and business training needed to work as loan officers, in business management, and in commodities merchandising

• Allied Animal Industries
  • Technical, managerial, administrative, public relations, and sales positions

• Animal Production
  • Strong animal science and business training to work on cattle, swine, poultry, equine, and dairy operations

• Animal Promotion and Public Relations
  • Organizations such as the National Cattlemen’s Association, National Pork Board, and National Dairy Herd Improvement Association along with other national and state organizations employ animal scientists to work in the public sector for education and promotion

• Colleges and Universities
  • Employ people with animal science training for researchers, technicians, extension specialists, and instructors

• Dairy Food and Meat Science Industry
  • Hire individuals with meat science and/or dairy training to work in quality control, new product development, consumer services, advertising, sales, and livestock purchasing

• Extension and Education
  • Professional teaching positions as livestock extension specialists, 4-H agents, high school or vocational agricultural teachers, and science teachers

• Government Agencies
  • Administrative or technical specialists in animal health, marketing, environmental regulations, meat inspection, and public service

• International Agriculture
  • Employ individuals with animal science training in addition to strong business and language skills

• Research and Laboratories
  • Governmental agencies and private sector employ animal science graduates to work in specialized fields pertaining to nutrition, genetics, breeding, reproduction, and physiology

• Zoos, Kennels, Clinics, and Animal Preserves
  • Employ individuals with animal science background as caretakers, technicians, and veterinary assistants

• Advance Degrees
  • Master’s degree
    • A 2-3 year program of study including both research and coursework. M.S. graduates work as research associates, consultants, extension agents, and college instructors
  • Doctorate degree
    • Usually follows the completion of M.S. ranging from 2-4 years in length, program includes both coursework and research with a strong emphasis on research. Ph.D. graduates work as university professors and industry or USDA researchers
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
  • Four years of additional professional education, entrance into vet school is highly competitive. D.V.M. are employed in private practice, inspection agencies, military, and research positions