Animal Science Degree: Exploring the Types of Jobs You Can Get

Introduction

A degree in animal science can open up a world of career possibilities. Animal science is a broad field that encompasses a variety of disciplines related to the study of animals. From veterinary medicine to animal nutrition, animal behavior to animal genetics, and animal reproduction to animal health care, there are a variety of specialized areas within animal science that allow graduates to pursue a wide range of exciting and rewarding careers. In this article, we explore the types of jobs you can get with an animal science degree and provide a guide to some of the most popular career paths.

Exploring the Types of Jobs You Can Get with an Animal Science Degree

Animal science degrees are highly versatile, offering graduates a range of career options. Depending on their specialty, graduates may find themselves working in veterinary care, animal research, animal welfare, education and training, consulting, or agricultural fields. Let’s take a look at each of these areas in more detail.

Veterinary Careers

Veterinary medicine is one of the most popular career paths for animal science graduates. Veterinarians are responsible for diagnosing and treating animal diseases, as well as providing preventive care, such as vaccinations. They may also perform surgeries and provide advice on proper nutrition and animal care. Veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants provide support to veterinarians by performing laboratory tests, administering medications, and assisting in surgeries.

Animal Research Careers

Animal research careers involve conducting scientific studies on animals to gain a better understanding of their behavior, physiology, and ecology. Animal researchers work in laboratories, zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries. Their work is essential for advancing our knowledge of animals and helping to protect endangered species.

Animal Welfare Careers

Animal welfare professionals work to ensure that animals receive proper care and attention. They may work in shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries, where they provide food, shelter, and medical care to animals in need. Animal welfare advocates may also work to promote humane treatment of animals through public education campaigns and other initiatives.

Education and Training Careers

Animal science graduates may find themselves working in educational and training roles, teaching people about animals and their care. They could work in schools, universities, or museums, or even run their own pet-sitting business. Animal trainers specialize in teaching animals specific behaviors and skills, such as obedience and agility.

Consulting Careers

Animal science graduates may also find themselves working as consultants, providing advice and guidance on animal-related matters. This could include advising farmers on livestock management, helping pet owners with behavioral issues, or providing expert testimony in court cases involving animal-related issues.

Agricultural Careers

Animal science graduates may also find employment in agricultural fields, such as dairy farming, poultry production, and livestock management. They could work in feedlots, hatcheries, or on farms, helping to breed, raise, and care for animals.

A Guide to Career Paths for Animal Science Majors

Animal science majors have a wide range of career paths available to them. Here are some of the most popular career paths for animal science majors:

Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary medicine is the study of animals’ health, anatomy, and diseases. Veterinarians diagnose and treat illnesses, perform surgeries, and prescribe medications. Veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants provide support to veterinarians by performing laboratory tests, administering medications, and assisting in surgeries.

Animal Nutrition

Animal nutritionists specialize in the study of how diet affects animals’ health and performance. They develop nutritional plans for animals, design diets for specific conditions, and advise farmers and pet owners on proper nutrition.

Animal Behavior

Animal behaviorists study the behavior of animals in order to understand why they act the way they do. They use their knowledge to develop training programs, modify behavior, and improve animal welfare.

Animal Genetics

Animal geneticists study the genetic make-up of animals and how it affects their behavior, physiology, and health. They use their knowledge to improve breeding programs and develop new treatments for genetic disorders.

Animal Reproduction

Animal reproduction specialists study the reproductive processes of animals and develop strategies for improving reproductive success. They also advise farmers on breeding strategies and assist with artificial insemination.

Animal Health Care

Animal health care professionals provide medical care to animals. They diagnose and treat illnesses, perform routine check-ups, and administer vaccinations. They may also provide advice on proper nutrition and animal care.

Animal Management

Animal managers oversee the day-to-day operations of animal facilities, such as kennels, stables, and zoos. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of the animals, as well as managing staff and budgets.

What You Need to Know About Animal Science Careers

When considering a career in animal science, it’s important to understand the job outlook, salary expectations, and required qualifications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for animal science careers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade, with particularly strong growth in veterinary medicine and animal health care.

Salary expectations vary depending on the type of job and the employer. Veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 per year, while veterinarians typically earn between $60,000 and $150,000 per year. Animal behaviorists, animal nutritionists, and animal geneticists may earn between $40,000 and $70,000 per year, depending on their experience and the type of employer.

The qualifications required for animal science careers will vary depending on the type of job. For example, veterinarians must complete a four-year veterinary medicine program and pass a licensing exam, while veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants must complete a two-year associate degree program in veterinary technology and pass a certification exam. Animal behaviorists typically need a master’s degree in animal behavior, while animal nutritionists typically need a doctoral degree in animal nutrition.

An Overview of Job Opportunities in Animal Science

Animal science graduates have a wide range of job opportunities available to them. Here are some of the most common jobs in the field:

Veterinary Technicians

Veterinary technicians provide support to veterinarians by performing laboratory tests, administering medications, and assisting in surgeries. They typically need a two-year associate degree in veterinary technology and must pass a certification exam.

Animal Health Technicians

Animal health technicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases. They typically need a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science or a related field and must be licensed by the state.

Animal Care Specialists

Animal care specialists provide care for animals in shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries. They are responsible for providing food, shelter, and medical care to animals in need. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field.

Animal Trainers

Animal trainers specialize in teaching animals specific behaviors and skills, such as obedience and agility. They typically need a bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field and must have extensive experience working with animals.

Animal Breeders

Animal breeders specialize in breeding and raising animals. They typically need a bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field and must have extensive experience working with animals.

Animal Husbandry Specialists

Animal husbandry specialists are responsible for the daily care and management of animals in agricultural settings, such as dairy farms and poultry production facilities. They typically need a bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field.

Veterinary Assistants

Veterinary assistants provide support to veterinarians by performing administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Animal Control Officers

Animal control officers enforce laws related to animal cruelty and neglect. They typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a state-approved training program.

Tips for Finding a Job in Animal Science

Finding a job in animal science can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success. Networking is key; attend conferences and networking events, join professional organizations, and reach out to colleagues. Volunteering is another great way to gain experience and make connections. Consider internships or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience. Professional organizations can also help you find job openings. Finally, keep an eye on job boards for postings related to animal science.

Dr. John McManus, a professor at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, emphasizes the importance of networking: “Networking is essential in any field, but especially in animal science. It’s important to establish relationships with colleagues and mentors who can offer advice and help open doors.”

Conclusion

An animal science degree opens up a broad range of job opportunities. From veterinary medicine to animal nutrition, animal behavior to animal genetics, and animal reproduction to animal health care, there are a variety of specialized areas within animal science that allow graduates to pursue a wide range of exciting and rewarding careers. Animal science graduates should take advantage of networking opportunities, volunteer, and consider internships or apprenticeships to gain experience and make connections. With hard work and dedication, animal science graduates can find fulfilling and rewarding careers in the field.