The field of animal science encapsulates the overall research of domesticated animals in terms of diet, reproduction, and even genetic propensity. Pursuing a degree in animal science is the first step for many before working directly with livestock like horses, pigs, cows, and rabbits. Animal science is a very outdoors-oriented career path, and scientists that pursue degrees in animal science typically need to be in direct contact with farm animals to ensure proper observation and care.
There are many career options for students interested in pursuing animal science. While some graduates prefer to work in the field and observe animals in their natural environment, others find work in a lab to study genetics, or in an animal hospital to treat their livestock to facilitate mating, birth, and surgery. Students may choose to study a specific species like goats, while others may study general livestock to have a wider range of options post-graduation.
Becoming an animal scientist necessitates a bachelor’s degree along with a master’s degree or PhD with a specialization. Due to the hands-on nature of working with animals, these degrees require in-person coursework and lab hours.
Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the USCornell University offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 89 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 81 Bachelor's degrees, 6 Doctoral degrees, and 2 Master's degrees.
University of Wisconsin-Madison offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 43 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 31 Bachelor's degrees, 7 Doctoral degrees, and 5 Master's degrees.
Texas A & M University-College Station offers 4 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 328 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 302 Bachelor's degrees, 20 Master's degrees, and 6 Doctoral degrees.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 178 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 143 Bachelor's degrees, 31 Master's degrees, and 4 Doctoral degrees.
Purdue University-Main Campus offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 157 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 132 Bachelor's degrees, 16 Master's degrees, and 9 Doctoral degrees.
University of Florida offers 5 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 156 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 130 Bachelor's degrees, 15 Master's degrees, 6 Doctoral degrees, and 5 Certificates.
University of Georgia offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 96 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 72 Bachelor's degrees, 15 Master's degrees, and 9 Doctoral degrees.
Iowa State University offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 243 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 232 Bachelor's degrees, 7 Doctoral degrees, and 4 Master's degrees.
University of Arkansas offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 68 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 61 Bachelor's degrees, 6 Master's degrees, and 1 Doctoral degree.
Ohio State University-Main Campus offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 144 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 129 Bachelor's degrees, 11 Master's degrees, and 4 Doctoral degrees.
School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
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Cornell University Ithaca, NY | 13 : 1 | 26,264 | |
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University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI | 20 : 1 | 49,605 | |
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Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, TX | 27 : 1 | 76,633 | |
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL | 23 : 1 | 56,563 | |
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Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN | 25 : 1 | 52,905 |