Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields
Animal Sciences
Focuses on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding and husbandry of agricultural animals, and the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural animal products. Covers the animal sciences, animal husbandry and production, and agricultural and food products processing.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 8 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Animal Sciences, General
- Focuses on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding and husbandry of agricultural animals, and the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural animal products. Covers the animal sciences, animal husbandry and production, and agricultural and food products processing.
- Agricultural Animal Breeding
- Focuses on the application of genetics and genetic engineering to the improvement of agricultural animal health, the development of new animal breeds, and the selective improvement of agricultural animal populations. Covers genetics, genetic engineering, population genetics, animal health, animal husbandry, and biotechnology.
- Animal Health
- Focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the study, prevention, and control of diseases in agricultural animal populations. Covers environmental science, pharmacology, animal population studies, genetics, animal physiology and diet, disease prevention, treatment methodologies, and laboratory and testing procedures.
- Animal Nutrition
- Focuses on the biology and chemistry of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water, vitamins, and feed additives as related to animal health and the production of improved animal products. Covers nutrition science, animal health and physiology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, animal husbandry, and food science.
- Dairy Science
- Focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of dairy animals and the production and handling of dairy products. Covers animal sciences, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
- Livestock Management
- Focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of livestock animals and the production and handling of meat and other products. Covers animal sciences, range science, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
- Poultry Science
- Focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of poultry animals and the production and handling of poultry products. Covers avian sciences, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, hatchery design, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
- Animal Sciences, Other
- The animal sciences not listed above.
Also called Meat Science
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
- Median pay
- $89,900
- Hiring change through 2035
- −3.4%
- Job openings a year
- 70,800
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career Growing with the economyFirst-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
- Median pay
- $59,320
- Hiring change through 2035
- 3.8%
- Job openings a year
- 7,200
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career Growing with the economyAgricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $98,700
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.9%
- Job openings a year
- 800
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career ShrinkingFarm and Home Management Educators
- Median pay
- $60,220
- Hiring change through 2035
- −3.2%
- Job openings a year
- 800
To get hiredMaster's degree
Explore this career GrowingAgricultural Technicians
- Median pay
- $49,630
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.4%
- Job openings a year
- 2,800
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career GrowingAnimal Scientists
- Median pay
- $68,940
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.8%
- Job openings a year
- 200
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $29,345 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
Where to study it
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