Earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science
Majors Overview April 14, 2014A basic understanding of livestock culture, agribusiness, and animal preparation for the purpose of food production will be provided to students in Animal Science bachelor’s degree programs. Schools in the western and southern regions of the United States generally offer these programs.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Animal Science
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Animal Science are taught the basic principles that underscore mass animal production and livestock husbandry, including animal breeding techniques and processing methods. Students are imparted knowledge and skills related to the provision of humane treatment and medical care to animals intended for use in production facilities. They also gain familiarity with federal regulations and rules related to animal science.
Students are also provided with a rudimentary comprehension of business principles. They will become adept at overseeing crews of employees, running farms and ranches, managing packing houses, and marketing and selling products. Technologies used in the food production industry – particularly those devised to protect wildlife areas and sustainable grazing systems – are also explored by animal science students.
Education Requirements
Commonly, admission criteria in 4-year colleges and universities offering bachelor’s degree programs in Animal Science require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Students are also required to be strongly interested in the food industry and working outdoors.
Coursework
Coursework in an Animal Science bachelor’s degree program focuses on various aspects of the food production industry, such as basic biology, management principles and animal studies. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Animal genetics
•Equine production
•Beef cattle management
•Research methods and statistics
•Animal nutrition
•Elements of livestock production
•Agribusiness principles
•Animal diseases
•Animal physiology
Career Choices
Graduates of a bachelor’s degree program in Animal Science can seek various entry-level jobs in the food production such as:
•Livestock operations manager
•Meat marketing consultant
•Meat sales manager
•Meat scientist
•Ranch manager
Continuing Education Choices
Students who want to pursue continued education in Animal Science may earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Animal Science, focused on emerging technologies and research in the food production and animal science industries. Many graduate students choose to concentrate on specializations in the field, such as microbiology, toxicology and animal welfare. Individuals seeking to become professors of meat science or agribusiness could choose to earn a Ph.D. in Animal Science.