Earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Studies
Majors Overview April 13, 2014Careers in the agribusiness, animal biology, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and food science industries can be obtained with an Animal Studies program. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Animal Science is the most common undergraduate level degree offered.
B.S. Programs in Animal Studies
Students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in Animal Studies can choose to specialize in various areas such as biotechnology, agribusiness management, pre-veterinary medicine, exotic animal research, animal production and animal biology.
Coursework in an Animal Studies undergraduate major is often devised to lead to a master’s degree program in one of these concentrations. An Animal Studies program’s core subject areas feature the principles of animal feeding and nutrition, the anatomy and physiology of farm and domestic animals, and animal biology and reproduction. Courses related to animal biotechnology, natural organisms, organic chemistry and biochemistry are also included in Animal Studies degree programs, within a pre-veterinary track devised for the purpose. Each concentration involves coursework that combines practical fieldwork, laboratory experiences, seminars and classroom lectures.
Education Requirements
Incoming students seeking admission to these programs are required to first complete courses in math, biology and natural sciences, before they can choose a major.
Coursework
While coursework in an Animal Studies program varies according to the specific concentration students choose, each animal studies major may require specific core courses such as:
•Genetic improvement of domestic animals
•General chemistry
•Animal nutrition and feeding principles
•Avian management
•Cattle management
•Physiology and anatomy of animals
•Professional development in animal science
•Statistics for biologists
•Animal agriculture ethics
Career Choices
Those who graduate from an undergraduate degree program in Animal Studies can choose from various career options such as:
•Wildlife specialist
•Agriculture sales representative
•Ranch manager
•Environmental analyst
•Research veterinarian
•Biologist
•Park ranger
•Veterinary technician
•Animal trainer
•Animal breeder
Continuing Education Choices
Students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in Animal Studies may opt for continued education by earning graduate degrees in the field. Schools commonly offer master’s degrees in the field, including ones related to food science, animal research, animal biology, agriculture and agribusiness, and veterinary science. Schools offer Ph.D.’s in many of these fields, with advanced research aimed at preparing them for academic jobs teaching animal science at universities.
