Animal Scientists have careers in management and production, veterinary medicine, food processing and marketing, animal biotechnology, zoo and wildlife management, the pharmaceutical and feed industries, teaching, extension education, and research. Those positions require skills in disciplines such as nutrition, genetics, physiology, environmental and waste management, meat science and growth biology, animal health, feed and forage/browse utilization, engineering, business management/marketing and salesmanships. Other skills of critical importance are computer proficiency, written and oral communication, problem solving, and ability to build effective interpersonal relationships.
Upon entering either the program, students will be assisted by academic advisers to identify their career objectives and select an appropriate option for study.
Here are some of the attractive and rewarding careers in animal science:
Animal Care and Welfare - You will receive training pertaining to the current issues of animal welfare as they relate to production and husbandry. Employment opportunities exist with humane societies, animal shelters, and allied veterinary groups.
Animal Health - You will learn about the disease problems of livestock, poultry, and companion animals and their economic significance, causes, public health implications, and control. Employment opportunities exist in areas such as veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, and in various pharmaceutical industries.
Animal Production and Management - You will learn the principles, theories, and practices involved in the production of beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, horses, and aquatic animals.
Business - You will receive a background in economics and agricultural practices that are useful for agricultural loans, commodity trading, and agribusiness.
Extension - Many animal science graduates work for State and Federal Cooperative Extension Services.
Engineering - Animal agriculturalists assist in the development of animal housing designs, equipment manufacturing, and waste management systems.
Environmental Control - You will learn about the impact that animal industries have on waste management, energy production, nutrient application, and recycling.
Genetics and Animal Breeding - You will learn the principles of genetics and how they apply to livestock, poultry, companion animals, aquatic, and laboratory research animals. Biotechnology techniques and the potential developments in this area are also covered. Understanding the principles of genetics is required for working in the areas of gene manipulation, embryo transfer, artificial insemination, and breeding stock supply.
Government - You will qualify for many state, federal, and municipal positions such as those of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Plant and Animal Quarantine Stations.
Meat Science - You will study the development, growth, function, and carcass evaluation of muscle tissue. Many career opportunities exist in this area such as meat processing and inspection, quality control, sales, and marketing.
Nutrition - You will study the application of the principles of nutrition to the feeding of farm animals, composition and nutritional value of feedstuffs, and the nutritional requirements of beef and dairy cattle, horses, poultry, and swine. Training in nutrition is essential for employment in feed manufacturing and supplies, feed/forage utilization, and sales.
Scientific Research and Investigation - You will learn skills in the basic and applied sciences that will enable you to pursue most career options requiring a science-based degree.
Teaching - Animal science graduates work as instructors and administrators in schools, 4-H organizations, and Future Farmers of America.